PEOPLE planning to holiday in the EU are not prepared for changes affecting travel now the Brexit transition period has ended due to the existing Covid travel ban, a ferry firm has warned. 

Research by Discover Ferries, which represents 13 ferry operators across the UK including DFDS which runs the Newcastle-Amsterdam ferry service, found many consumers are unaware of the changes that affect travel to the EU.

New rules came into force at the start of the year, with the Brexit transition period ending on December 31 - marking the end of freedom of movement rights between the UK and EU. 

UK citizens will be able to go on holiday or take a business trip to EU countries but it will not be as straightforward as before, with restrictions on travelling with a pet, the validity of your passport and what food can be taken across borders.

Discover Ferries is urging those eager to get away after months of changing travel rules to get up to scratch with the Brexit changes.

It comes after just 36 per cent of those surveyed said they feel confident they know what travel changes will be in place at the end of the transition period.

Almost all (94 per cent) respondents failed to identify all of the changes to travel that will apply when travelling to the EU.

Abby Penlington, director at the industry body, puts this down to the coronavirus travel ban, with many holidaymakers not yet experiencing changes. 

READ MORE: Lockdown powers have been extended - pubs may stay shut until July

She said: "2020 robbed many people of the chance of travelling abroad. With news of successful vaccine trials and improved testing to reduce quarantine periods for holidaymakers, travel opportunities are once again on the horizon. 

"Current Covid travel bans mean Brexit has not yet had much of an impact on passenger ferry travel.

"The main challenge is educating passengers on the changes in documentation needed to travel to the EU so they are ready to travel as soon as they are able to. 

"It's easy and inexpensive to prepare, however, our research shows less than half (46 per cent) of respondents were aware that they need at least six-months validity on their passports and only 30 per cent knew they need a Green Card from their insurance company to drive their vehicle in the EU."

READ MORE: Top most expensive places to live in North Yorkshire

The research found less than a quarter (22 per cent) of respondents were aware that they would no longer be able to take meat and dairy products into the EU while the same percentage knew there are new procedures to travel with a pet.

More than a quarter (27 per cent) of respondents also believe they need travel visa when visiting the EU, which is unnecessary for stays of less than 90 days.

Meanwhile, 31 per cent of people believed they would need to update their European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), which will no longer be available to UK citizens.

"The good news for passengers who will sail to The Netherlands, or other EU countries including the Republic of Ireland, is that they will now be able to take advantage of duty-free while in the bars, shops and restaurants on board," Ms Penlington added. 

Ms Penlington said that ferry travel lends itself to social distancing with public lounges, outside deck space, the ability to board in your own vehicle and, on longer sailings, to book private cabins. 

She said: "Ferries have continued to operate throughout the pandemic, ensuring the supply of essential goods, the movement of key workers and providing lifeline services for island communities. 

"Operators implemented stringent Covid-safety procedures early on, such as staggered boarding and disembarkation, and increased hygiene measures, reassuring travellers they have the experience to protect passengers and crew. 

"While domestic operators benefited from last summer's staycation trend, albeit operating with reduced capacities, routes to the Republic of Ireland and continental Europe, including from Newcastle to Amsterdam, were hit by a mix of changing travel restrictions and quarantines which impacted the number of passengers sailing.

"Following travel uncertainty in 2020, operators are expecting passengers to book closer to their departure date than usual, which allows less time to renew passports, update insurance and pet travel documents and organise an International Driving Permit if needed.

"Equally if your car or travel insurance is up for renewal, it is important to check you have the right cover in place for potential trips.”

The organisation has put together a checklist for travelling to the EU, which can be found here.