On Thursday, June 23, 2016, the British people voted to leave the European Union in a referendum. Short-term effects on travel to Great Britain and Northern Ireland, on the right of residence of German citizens in Great Britain or on payment transactions are currently not to be expected; rather, the exit negotiations are likely to drag on over a longer period of time.

The fundamental freedoms of the European Single Market (freedom of movement, freedom of establishment, freedom to provide services and free movement of capital) will continue to apply during the exit negotiations. The UK must comply with EU law as a whole (e.g. the EU treaties, directives and regulations) and the case law of the European Court of Justice. During this period, it may not enact any regulations that contradict EU law.

Tourism

1. can I go on my summer vacation to Great Britain and Northern Ireland?

The UK will remain a member of the EU until the withdrawal comes into force. The vote to leave will therefore not initially change the existing entry modalities. German nationals will still be able to enter the country without a visa. Entry requirements for German nationals may change at short notice. Legally binding information on entry requirements can only be obtained directly from the embassy or one of the consulates general of the United Kingdom.

2 Is my international health insurance still valid in the UK?

You must always ask the insurer for details of your insurance cover.

Longer stay in Great Britain

1. what does the Brexit vote mean for German employees in the UK?

The EU rules on the free movement of workers continue to apply during the exit negotiations.

2. my child wants to study at a British university from the fall semester (alternatively: my child is going on a student exchange to the UK for several months). Are there any changes to the right of residence or the recognition of British degrees?

In the short term, no changes are expected to the right of residence or the recognition of degrees. For longer stays, you should monitor the legal situation.

Economy and finance

1. will there be any changes to customs legislation for the import and export of goods to and from the UK?

The UK will remain a member of the EU and the European Single Market until the withdrawal comes into force. The current regulations will continue to apply until then.

2 What will happen to savings in UK accounts?

The EU requirements for a national deposit guarantee scheme will not be legally affected by the Brexit vote for the time being. There are therefore no changes to the possibility of transferring savings to UK accounts and transferring them back from there.

Medical care

Until the UK's withdrawal from the EU comes into force, you will continue to have access to free medical services from the National Health Service in an emergency. For German nationals, presentation of a valid identity card or passport is generally sufficient as proof of entitlement. Nevertheless, it is recommended that you carry the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) or a replacement certificate with you as proof (you can obtain both documents from your health insurance company).