Brexit and camping: what you need to know

The United Kingdom is officially no longer part of the European Union. But England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland are, of course, beautiful and versatile holiday destinations. Perfect to explore with a camper or caravan. However, as of 2021, a few things will change. Brexit and camping: what do you need to consider?

Despite Brexit, you can still go on holiday to the United Kingdom in the future. There are just a few extra things you need to have in order.

Travel documents

You can travel to the United Kingdom with your ID card until September 30, 2021. From October 1, 2021, this will no longer be possible; you will then need a valid passport. More information and exceptions can be found on the website of the Dutch government. Good to know that your driving license remains valid in the United Kingdom.

Scotland is a beautiful and versatile holiday destination

Border controls and waiting times

As easy as you drive your camper or caravan across the border to Germany or Belgium, it will not be as easy if you now go to the United Kingdom. If you go camping in England, Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland after Brexit, you are traveling to a non-European country. And that entails more extensive border controls. Both when entering the United Kingdom and when returning to the Netherlands. This can also lead to longer waiting times at the border.

The rules at UK customs read here (English website). The rules at Dutch customs (when you return) can be found on the website of the Tax Authorities.

Bringing a pet?

It's so nice if your dog or cat also comes on holiday! But is that still possible after Brexit? On the NVWA website (Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority) you can find the rules about taking a pet to and from the United Kingdom. For now, nothing changes, but you do have to arrange a few things. So start arranging the correct documents well in advance.

During your holiday

Once you are in the United Kingdom, you can benefit from the low value of the British pound. According to this article in Het Parool this will remain the case for some time. It also advises not to fill your camper or caravan with food from the Netherlands, as the rules regarding this have become much stricter.

Even more useful tips from this article:

Enable 'pinning outside Europe' at your bank.
Take out good health insurance that also covers outside Europe.
Check if your mobile subscription has coverage, so you won't be surprised with a high bill afterwards.

Looking for?

Would you love to go to the United Kingdom in your own caravan or camper? Take a look at the current offer. Your adventure starts at CampersCaravans.nl. You can of course also view more camping tips .