Rules on travelling to and from European Union countries changed on 1st January 2021. We have answered some of your most commonly asked questions below.

Can I still travel to the EU for a stag or hen do? toggle

In a nutshell, yes.

Once all of the Covid restrictions have been lifted you'll be able to spend up to 90 days in any 180 day period. Unless things get really out of hand that should be ample.

From 2022 there may be a requirement for UK nationals to pay for visa waiver entry for entry in to the EU – this is a simple electronic application that will cost something in the region of €7 per traveller.

Please get in touch with us about arranging your European Stag or Hen Do – we've got over 39 EU destinations to choose from!

Will I need a new passport? toggle

The passport requirements have tightened but only slightly. Basically your passport needs to be less than 10 years old and have six months* left before it runs out. Despite what Nigel Farage might prefer there is definitely no requirement for it to be blue.

*As Ireland is part of the "Common Travel area", the six-month rule won't apply to revellers looking to celebrate in the likes of Dublin, Cork or Galway.

What about health cover and EHICS cards? toggle

We thoroughly recommend taking out comprehensive travel insurance before travelling anywhere on a stag or hen do (it's actually a condition of booking with us)

The EHICS (European Health Insurance Card Scheme) has now been replaced by the GHICS (Global Health Insurance Card Scheme - clever!) and details can be found here. Don't worry though, EHICS issued before the end of 2020 will still be valid until their expiry date. But, just to be sure, and sorry to sound like your parents but we'll say it again... make sure you have fully comprehensive travel insurance before travelling anywhere!

What queue can I use at passport control? toggle

This is perhaps the biggest change for post-Brexit travel, but don't worry, it's not as daunting as it seems. You won't be able to use EU fast-track passport control and customs lanes anymore when you land in a European country. You're back in the same queue with the Aussies and Kiwis now, no big deal.

You should be prepared to provide your return ticket upon entry as well as proof that you have enough money for your stay. All of this means it could take longer to cross the border, so prepare for some extra airport time when travelling – especially when arranging transfers.

Can I buy duty free? toggle

Yes, duty free shopping has now been opened up to those of us travelling to the EU. In fact, the limits on tobacco and alcohol are set to increase, meaning you can bag yourself some gin on your way home to keep the party going (if you can even face thinking about more booze by that point).

Will I be able to drive in Europe? toggle

Yes, you can, but it will be a massive pain. As well as your driving licence, you'll need to also bring along your logbook (V5C), valid insurance documents and a green card issued by your insurance provider. Considering you're likely to be over the limit for most of your stay, and there's loads of taxi and transfer providers, we'd recommend not bothering.

Will mobile phone charges increase? toggle

So good news and bad news.

The bad news is the certainty of free roaming throughout Europe will end on 1st January 2021. BUT the good news is that the four main UK operators have said they do not plan to reintroduce extra charges.

In fact, the UK government has passed laws to protect phone users, including:

  • £45-a-month cap on using mobile data abroad
  • Requirements for customers to be informed when they've reached 80% and 100% of their data allowance.

The best thing to do before heading on your stag or hen weekend is to check with your network provider to definitely make sure what the rules are so you don't get caught out.

Can we still have an epic time? toggle

Oui, Ja, si and to be sure!!! Oh yes!! Please get in touch with us about arranging your European Stag or Hen Do.

Build Your Own Stag Do

Customise your Stag do by choosing your own activites and accommodation.

Build Your Own Hen Do

Customise your Hen do by choosing your own activites and accommodation.

Last Updated - 22/02/2024

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