It's as you were for EU holidays
29 June 2016 09:20
Britons visiting Paris and its Eiffel Tower should notice little difference
For British holiday-goers planning a trip abroad to Europe it's business as usual for now, Abta insists.
The travel organisation says that last week's Brexit vote will have little immediate effect on people going to EU countries.
But it has moved quickly to ease UK travellers' fears by publishing a question-and-answer session on its website.
Abta says that because Britain does not officially depart the Union until June 2018 at the earliest, people travelling overseas should not notice much difference until then.
Flight cancellations
British tourists will keep getting compensation in the event of plane cancellations or delays.
But Westminster will have to bring in new regulations once Britain has departed the EU.
Travel insurance covers both of these holiday mishaps as well as stolen possessions, lost documents, thieved luggage and a host of other things.
What won't change for now
• Freedom of movement: Tourists can move between mainland Europe and Britain as before, says Abta
• Air Passenger Rights and similar travel rules
• European Health Insurance Cards
• Passport validity: People will only need a new one once Britain officially leaves. So, for example, they won't require a visa if they are travelling to Spain this summer
• Airport queues: Britons will still have to stand in the EU passport queue
What might change
• The short-term cost of flights to EU hotspots: The weaker pound could see prices rise, says Abta
• Holiday expenses: The sinking pound may give tourists fewer goods, meals out and beverages than they enjoyed previously. People who have already booked a package deal should not notice any difference if they drink and eat within the confines of their accommodation
• The cost of paying in other currencies: If holidaymakers are paying in dollars, euros or other currencies, then higher costs are likely as sterling falls