This is how Brexit affects studies, travel, jobs and e-commerce

At the turn of the year, the post-Brexit transition period ends and that means a number of changes for people who live in the UK and Brits in Finland.

Here are six of them.

1. Tourist excursions are pretty much the same as before

As a member of the European Union, the United Kingdom was not part of the Schengen Area and therefore did not have freedom of movement before departure.

EU citizens can still travel to the UK without a visa, as long as you are not staying more than six months. For short trips, the same rules apply as before.

As of October, ID cards are no longer sufficient for travel to the UK, but a passport is required.

However, EU pet passports for dogs, cats and ferrets will not be valid from the end of the year. Instead, one is required Animal certification Which has similar requirements for a pet passport.

2. New provisions on immigration

For those who wish to move to the UK, the new rules will take effect after the end of the year. Those who reside in the UK before the end of the year are entitled to stay in accordance with the exit agreement and hence must apply for Right of residence No later than June 30, 2021.

Likewise, the Withdrawal Agreement allows British residents in Finland before the end of the year to Apply for the right of residence According to the withdrawal agreement. After that, a normal residence permit is required.

To settle in the UK after the end of the year, the same rules apply to EU citizens as people from other countries. Visas are required to study, work or live in the country. The UK also offers a points-based system to allow high income and highly educated workers to work in the country.

You will find the British government here Summary of the new immigration rules (In English).

Studies after the turn of the year and Erasmus

From the turn of the year, a study visa will be required for EU citizens moving to the UK to study.

Students who had resided in the UK before the end of the year, but had returned to Finland due to the Coronavirus pandemic, can apply for the right of residence under the exit agreement.

The UK will no longer participate in the Erasmus network, which allows, among other things, to exchange studies. According to the British government, the Erasmus program means prohibitive costs for the country and will instead be replaced by a new program under the name. Turing chart.

The Erasmus program has already received funding for the 2020-2021 academic year, and those who have been granted an exchange place in the spring semester can go on the exchange as usual.

4. Health care

People who were resident in the UK before the end of the year will continue to receive health care. distance Need European Union citizens Visa and must pay health fees. Certain types of medical care are always available for everyone, including emergency care and family planning.

Both the Finnish and British authorities recommend that travelers take out comprehensive travel insurance.

5. Driving licenses are still valid

Finnish driver’s licenses will continue to be valid in the UK after the end of the year. To drive a car registered in Finland in the country, a so-called green card is required to ensure that the car insurance is valid or British car insurance.

People residing in the United Kingdom can drive with an EU driver’s license until they turn 70, as long as the driver’s license is valid.

6. Customs fees for e-commerce

Anyone ordering goods from the UK after the end of the year must also pay customs duties. If the value exceeds 22 euros, it must be cleared through customs and VAT must be paid. If the value exceeds 150 €, customs fees are also charged.

Goods that are ordered before the end of the year but do not arrive until 2021 are treated as EU goods and do not need to be cleared from customs.

Starting July 1st, all goods from outside the European Union will be cleared of customs, even if their value is less than € 22.

On the other hand, goods ordered from Northern Ireland are treated the same way as goods from European Union countries.

Here you will find more information about the new regulations: Embassy of Finland in London And the Prime Minister’s Office And the British government.