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Brexit

Since the UK was never part of the Schengen agreements, we were already used to showing our identity card to the border police when we crossed the Channel. After the Brexit, the UK has left the European Union, which will also put an end to the free movement of goods and travellers. The Customs services of the European Member States will treat travellers to and from the United Kingdom (except Northern Ireland) in the same way as travellers to, say, the United States, Egypt or Thailand. In the station of Brussels-Midi, you will be able to find not only the police but also the Customs services.

Since 1 January 2021, the UK is no longer a Member State, the maximum quantities of, for example, alcohol or cigarettes are much lower than the quantities you were allowed to bring with you beforehand. You will also not be allowed to bring meat products, and large amounts of cash must be declared. The do's and don'ts can be found in our brochure ' Travel wisely (PDF, 1.9 MB)'. After the Brexit, the United Kingdom (with the exception of Northern Ireland, which is still considered to be part of the EU customs territory) will fall into the category of ‘third countries’ of the brochure.

United Kingdom nationals (excluding Northern Ireland) who return after their stay in Belgium, will be able to recover the VAT on purchases made in Belgium in certain cases.

The European Union also imposes strict rules for travelling with pets. The Customs authorities, together with the FASFC, has ensured that dogs and cats can now also be brought to the airports of Deurne and Wevelgem, but also via the car ferry in Zeebrugge. Make sure that your pets are vaccinated if you take them to the United Kingdom because after the Brexit, for them too this will be a trip outside the European Union.

More info can be found in our brochure ' Travel wisely (PDF, 1.9 MB)’ or at the FASFC.