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Whether you think ‘Brexit’ sounds like a yucky breakfast bar or have been geeking out on the whole political saga, it’s impossible to deny that the UK Referendum vote to leave the EU is historic. Yet, considering that the question ‘What is the EU?’ became a top Google trend in the UK hours after the vote to exit, it would seem, to put it lightly, that just a touch of confusion on the whole topic remains. We pulled together both the basics on what’s likely to change for those traveling to and from the EU in summer 2016, and also had a look at what destinations and travel terms were trending today on Google.
What people searched for
‘Ryanair’, the low-cost European airline, is a top trending search in the UK today, with interest split between those hoping to get a cheap fare while travel is easy, and a bit of help due to a premature ‘celebrate Remaining in Europe with this fare sale’ email that went out early in the morning…
Meanwhile, the search term ‘travel to Europe’ was getting a bump in the UK, Ireland and Australia, with the lion’s share of searches from the UK (presumably from discontented remainers looking for a last baguette sans visa).
People searching for ‘flights to London’, however, were primarily from the UK itself, Ireland, Malta, Trinidad and Tobago, South Africa and Cyprus, belying the idea that it would be mainly US travelers taking advantage of a lower pound.
There didn’t seem to be much change in how many people were searching for specific European countries.
So what about visa requirements and actual ease of travel throughout Europe?
The short answer is that not much will change immediately but keep your eyes on the news as the situation evolves.
Are there actually new visas and entry requirements already?
For American travelers not much will change. The UK never signed the Schengen treaty, which gives US citizens a 90 day visa-free stay in Europe. US citizens can still stay 90 days in Europe and 6 months in the UK, which is exactly the same as before. You will have to get your passport stamped when you enter and leave the UK, which is also the same. For European travelers, nothing will immediately change. Cameron has resigned and will not himself invoke Article 50 of the Lisbon treaty, which is what needs invoking to set off the actual UK-EU divorce proceedings. He’s likely to stick around until October, so summer travel in Europe-by-Europeans should remain the same until further notice. For everyone else, similarly to US travelers, your usual visa requirements apply.
Is London super cheap now?
Well, kinda. The pound has fallen against the dollar and euro (and everything else). But not THAT low – as of this afternoon it’s still at 1.35 to the dollar, so it’s not like this trip is gonna be free.
What else do you need to know about the effect of Brexit on your travel plans?
In terms of your cocktail party conversation with locals, if you’re in London or Scotland, you’re in parts of the UK that voted to stay in the EU (and which are both proposing to leave the UK now – with Scotland looking much more possible than a London secession, clearly). If you’re anywhere else in the UK, people voted to leave. This is a deeply divided moment in a country that has historically been quite tolerant and relatively united, so be sensitive in your discussions of the issue. Besides that, pack your bags and have a smashing time, until further notice.
Source: gogobot.com