Current status of UK nationals in the EU
Until the UK leaves the EU, the UK remains a full member of the EU and all the rights and obligations of EU membership remain in force. This means:
Travelling in the EU – passports and healthcare
UK nationals can continue to travel freely within the EU using a UK passport
there continue to be no visa requirements for UK nationals entering another EU country
UK nationals can continue to access healthcare during temporary visits to EU countries using the European Health Insurance Card
Agreement on rights for UK nationals and their families
The agreement we have reached for UK nationals and their family members is:
UK nationals, as well as their family members covered by the agreement, who are lawfully residing in a EU27 Member State by 29 March 2019, will be able to continue to reside in that Member State.
Children born or adopted outside of a UK national’s resident Member State after the 29 March 2019 will also be covered by this agreement.
Close family members (spouses, civil partners and unmarried partners, dependent children and grandchildren and dependent parents and grandparents) will be able to join UK nationals in their Member State of residence after exit under these rules, where the relationship existed on 29 March 2019 and continues to exist when they wish to move to join their UK national family member.
EU27 Member States may require UK nationals and their family members covered by the agreement to apply to obtain a status conferring the right of residence and/or obtain a residency document. Administrative procedures for applications for status will be transparent, smooth and streamlined. Where an application is required to obtain status, UK nationals will have at least two years to submit their applications. Residence documents will be issued free of charge or for a charge not exceeding that imposed on nationals for the issuing of similar documents. Further information on these administrative procedures will be provided when available.
UK nationals and their family members covered by the agreement will be able to be absent from their Member State of residence for up to 5 years without losing their right to return.
UK nationals and their family members covered by the agreement will continue to have the same access as they currently do to healthcare, pensions and other benefits.