As of Friday, Brexit becomes a reality and European and British citizens will have to get used to the “new normal” in relations between the United Kingdom and the European Union (EU), with an impact in areas such as tourism, work and studies. The EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement finalized on 24 December clarified several issues that directly affect people and businesses: Visas In addition to tourists, the reciprocal visa waiver for stays of up to 90 days over a six-month period now covers business trips. In some cases, professional travel can be extended up to three years. Longer stays will have to take national laws into account. Documents The British will have to travel with a passport that is at least six months valid and issued after 2011. Europeans can continue to use European identity cards such as the Citizen Card until 30 September 2021. From 1 October 2021 , you will need to show a valid biometric passport at the border during your stay. In some European countries the British will have to present an international driving license in order to drive. European driving licenses will be accepted in the United Kingdom. To travel with pets, British and Europeans are no longer able to use the current “passport” and need an animal health certificate and up-to-date vaccines. The Agreement guaranteed reciprocal medical assistance during the period of temporary stay, whether from British in the EU or Europeans in the United Kingdom. European health cards held by Britons will remain valid until the expiration date and then be replaced by a UK Global Health Insurance Card. However, British authorities continue to advise travel insurance because it covers additional situations, such as relief or repatriation operations. Social Security Individuals moving between the UK and the EU in the future will have their situation protected thanks to coordination between systems, maintaining access to a variety of social security benefits and an updated state pension. Pensions and other cash benefits will be paid, even if the individual resides in another country. Professional qualifications There will no longer be automatic recognition of professional qualifications, such as doctors, nurses, engineers or architects. The Agreement does, however, provide for a mechanism by which the EU and the United Kingdom may subsequently agree, case by case and for specific professions, the mutual recognition of certain professional qualifications.
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