A new series of adverts from the government will highlight how travel will change for British holidaymakers after Brexit.
The “UK’s new start: let’s get going” campaign – which will feature on TV, radio and online from Monday – will give information about travel insurance and how to take pets abroad once the Brexit transition period ends on December 31.
It is hoped the adverts will help businesses and travellers prepare for the UK’s departure from the single market and customs union.
The ads, which will have the tagline “Check, Change, Go”, will direct people to a new checker tool on the government’s website to show them what steps they need to take next.
Businesses will also be able to contact a “field force team” for one-to-one support over the phone.
But acting Liberal Democrat leader Ed Davey said businesses would be filled with “utter horror” that the government wanted them to prepare for the end of the transition period during the coronavirus pandemic.
“Businesses right across the United Kingdom have struggled to survive financially over the past few months as a result of the coronavirus crisis,” he said.
“The fact that the government is now trying to force them to gear up and prepare for the end of the transition period will fill them with utter horror.”
Davey said it was time ministers “sought as close as possible relationship with the European Union to not only minimise the damage to the UK, but allow both themselves and British business time to focus on getting the UK back on its feet again after the pandemic”.
How is travel advice changing?
UK citizens intending to travel to Europe from January 1, 2021 may be told to ensure their passport is valid for the required period, get comprehensive travel insurance and check their mobile phone roaming policy.
People wishing to travel with their pet will be advised to contact a vet at least four months before travelling.
And businesses planning to export or import to or from the EU will be told to ensure they have registered with the relevant customs authority.
Some UK-wide guidance will not apply to trade between Northern Ireland and the EU until negotiations have concluded. Initial guidance for Northern Ireland is expected to be published in the coming weeks.
Cabinet minister Michael Gove said the UK was leaving the single market and customs union “regardless of the type of agreement we reach with the EU”.
“This will bring changes and significant opportunities for which we all need to prepare,” he said.
“While we have already made great progress in getting ready for this moment, there are actions that businesses and citizens must take now to ensure we are ready to hit the ground running as a fully independent United Kingdom.
“This is a new start for everyone in the UK – British and European citizens alike – so let’s get going.”