British travellers face a ban on bringing home cheese and meat from their Continental holidays next summer.
WHETHER your taste is for Camembert or Chorizo, Brie or Bratwurst, these treats will be off the menu thanks to Brexit.
From July visitors returning from EU countries will see restrictions on the food items they can bring back in their luggage.
Government guidance states that “passengers travelling from the EU to GB may continue to carry food items containing meat and dairy from the EU from 1 January 2021 until July 2021, when controls will be put in place at GB passenger hubs.” There is no further detail what the controls are or if there will be an allowance.
Industry insiders say that while this could cause problems, it’ll be difficult for customs officials to check and enforce – but if a passenger is stopped and caught they may be fined.
This is just one of several freedoms holidaymakers have long taken for granted that are set to be curbed. As the Brexit trade negotiations continue into December, day-trippers and those who take weekend breaks, to shop and stock up at European markets, are unaware and unprepared for the changes ahead when the UK leaves the EU in four weeks (31 December 2020).
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Britons will also face restrictions leaving the country. They will no longer be able carry any meat or dairy – including a ham and cheese sandwich – to an EU country. The rules state that “if you are carrying any meat or dairy products, which you have not declared they will be confiscated and destroyed, you may also be fined or face criminal prosecution.” These checks will begin on 1st January.
Other changes that come into force in the New Year include extra passport checks at the borders as Britons arrive as non-EU members into Schengen. The length of time tourists can stay is restricted to 90 days in six months.
The goods news is that we will benefit from duty-free alcohol and cigarettes. In what the Government has described as “one of the most generous allowances anywhere in the world” Britons will be allowed to bring back “three crates of beer, two case of still wine and one case of sparkling wine to GB without paying UK duties.”
