4 March 2021
It has taken a few years but the transition period is now over and preparing for business travel within the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein should be at the top of everyone’s agenda, especially with the multitude of changes and requirements now in place.
To help you get started we’ve highlighted the main changes and restrictions that are now in force.
Working, living, and staying in the EU has become more difficult since Brexit. New immigration rules now apply and to make it a little more confusing individual countries have their own regulations and visa requirements.
Before you start planning for your business trips you need to check the following:
• your passport – it must be less than 10 years old and have at least 6 months left
• your healthcare insurance within the EU, for a comprehensive overview please click
here Healthcare
• your driving documentation and the requirements of the country your visiting. Green cards and GB stickers will be required if using your own car and an International Driving Permit (IDP) may also be required in some EU Countries, always check with the embassy before you go
(UK Government Foreign Embassy link)
So what does a business trip to the EU look like?
Although there is a requirement for visas, it is possible to travel to the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein without one but only for a combined 90 days (within a 180 day period), however there are limited activities permitted and, it’s not a one size fits all scenario as activities that are permitted in one country may require a visa in another so, its always best to check the government link for a complete guide to each country’s requirements
(Foreign Travel Advice) . https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice
Proof of eligibility will also be required to ensure the traveller isn’t staying for more than 90 days and that their business-related activity is permitted within the country being visited, without the need of a visa.
Most EU countries will allow business travellers in without a visa if they are participating in activities such as, meetings, events, prospecting sales, conferences and providing services including charities if it’s for no longer than 90 days.
Travellers also need to be aware that this is a combined amount of time across most EU countries, so, if your business trip consists of visiting numerous destinations, make sure it’s within the 90-day limit, in a 180-day period.
If you’re staying for a longer period or partaking in activities not covered within the 90-day limit then a visa may be required, activities like:
• transferring from the UK branch of a company to a branch in a different country (‘intra-corporate transfer’), even for a short period of time
• carrying out contracts to provide a service to a client in another country in which your employer has no presence
• providing services in another country as a self-employed person
(As stated on the
www.Gov.uk website)
For a complete guide of the entry requirements and rules of each EU country please visit the governments foreign travel advice through the links below.
UK Government Business Travel advice for travel to Europe
UK Government Foreign Trave advice
With travel restrictions starting to lift, making sure your team is prepared to travel and ready to react when the corridors open will ensure you can get to your clients when they need you.
We’re already assisting many of our clients who are getting ready to restart their international travel, so, if you feel it’s time to start planning your future travel programme please don’t hesitate to get in touch with our team at
[email protected]