January 31, 2020 is the official date that history will remember for the UK’s exit from the European Union. But what will happen in concrete terms for the citizens? We take stock of some practical themes.
Let us be clear, we must first reassure those who go to the United Kingdom: there will be no radical change after January 31.
Take the example of a trip to the UK, whether you take the Eurostar, a ferry or the plane, there is no particular difficulty to fear. You can simply use your Belgian identity card to clear customs. You will not be asked for a visa or specific declaration.
Once there, you can pay for your purchases as before Brexit, using your credit cards, withdrawing cash from ATMs, or making transfers to the United Kingdom. Agreements have been made between British banks and European banks. No costs and no additional tax to what may already exist is to be expected.
Roaming: no change… for now anyway
If you want to use your phone in the UK, don’t worry either. Again, the roaming costs are not increased. You can still benefit from the same prices whether you are in the UK, Belgium or another European country. However, be careful: agreements have been signed between the operators, but they could be canceled or modified in the coming months.
January 31: historic date and start of a new phase
January 31, 2020: this is the date that will be recorded in the history books as the official date of the United Kingdom’s exit from the European Union. A transition period will then begin. It will last until December 31, 2020, eleven months. This time should be used by the authorities to define the relationship between the United Kingdom and the European Union.
Many sensitive files are on the table, including in particular:
- Trade agreements, essential for businesses.
- The rights of citizens: for example those of Belgians present on British territory.
- University programs, such as Erasmus.
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