: Change of Scenery

Travelling around Europe

If you are a UK citizen and are planning to travel on the continent, you will need to remember to bring along your passport, because the UK is not a so-called “Schengen” country. That is to say, the “Schengen Agreement,” which was signed by 13 of the EU’s Member States (Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, Germany, Greece, France, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Portugal, Spain and Sweden), plus Norway and Iceland, and ended internal border checkpoints and controls.  In practice, it means that you can travel between the signatory countries without going through customs or getting your passport stamped or applying for visas. Flights, roads, trains are handled as domestic trips. To travel between Schengen countries and the UK or Ireland, however, you will need your passport. 

Travellers under 26 should also be aware of the many discounts available to them. Not only can they get cheaper fares on train and flight tickets, but they can also save on hotels, restaurants, concerts, museums and shops. The Euro <26 card is valid for one year and entitles holders to discounts in 35 European countries. For details on how and where to buy the card visit: www.euro26.org

Another useful card is the ISIC – International Student Identity Card. As the name suggests, you have to be a full time student (between 12 and 31 years of age), but the card is reasonably priced and is recognised in 116 countries. For more information: www.isic.org

If you’re planning to visit Europe by train, the Interrail Pass might come in handy. To find out more: www.raileurope.co.uk
 

Living within the 25 Member States

• Right of Residence: As a national of one of the twenty-five EU countries, you are entitled to stay in any EU country, whatever your profession or your economic circumstances.  As a student, your right of residence is still valid provided you have sufficient financial resources and health insurance.  If you are unemployed, you have the right to live in another country for a reasonable period of time to look for a job.  For most Member States this is six months, however some are limited to 3 months.  Family members may accompany you, however, as a student this right is only granted to your spouse and dependent children. 

• Permits- you qualify for a residence permit if you are planning on residing in a country for more than three months.  Apply for a residency permit to the competent administrative authorities in the country in which you will be living.  All students must be registered with an approved educational establishment, prove that you have adequate sickness insurance and state in writing that you have sufficient financial resources. 

• Exceptions-An EU country is entitled to refuse to issue or renew your residence permit, or to require you to leave its territory if your actions constitute a serious threat to public order or public security.  Having a criminal record is not sufficient grounds for refusal of a residence application.

• Social Security-If you live in a Member State where you are studying, you are entitled to all the sickness benefits in kind provided under the legislation of that Member State. You will need to complete Form E109.  If you are only temporarily (up to 3 months) living in another Member State you will need a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC - which replaced the old Form E111 from 1 September 2005). The EHIC can be obtained from www.dh.gov.uk/travellerswww.dh.gov.uk/travellers (delivery within 7 days) or by telephone on 0845 606 2030 (delivery within 10 days). You can also pick up an application by post from the Post Office (delivery within 21 days).

• Health Insurance- If you are living or working abroad in another EU country you can take advantage of the reciprocal health insurance benefits.  If you remain in a country for less than a year you remain covered by the UK, however if you reside for more than a year, you are covered by the insurance scheme in the country in which you work.  Before leaving the UK, be sure to obtain your EHIC as explained above and take note of variations in individual national health insurance schemes.  In some situations you may be asked to pay for health services while living abroad, but it is possible to secure a refund from the UK's National Health Service (NHS), although this can be a lengthy and sometimes frustrating process. You might want to contact the Department of Social Security Overseas Branch for more information about your rights and obligations: Newcastle-upon-Tyne NE98 1YX, Tel: 0191 225 7520.

• Elections/voting- the Maastricht Treaty gives every citizen of the Union the right to vote and stand as a candidate in municipal and European elections in the country where he or she lives under the same conditions as nationals of that country.  You do not give up your right to vote in your country of origin by voting in the municipal elections of your country of residence.  Elections to the European Parliament, however, prohibit you from voting in more than one Member State. 

• Driving licences- As of 1996 you may retain your original licence as long as it is still valid.  Your host country will apply its own national rules as regards the period of validity, tax rules, and endorsements.

• Taxes-It is important to establish when you move to another EU nation if you become a 'resident for tax purposes' there. The definition for a 'resident for tax purposes' is not the same in every EU country.  A person resident for tax purposes in one country must normally declare all his or her income there and may also be subject to other taxes such as inheritance tax.  The UK Consulate in the Member State you are planning on living in can provide you with this information.

  On the Europa website there is a section called Your Europe.  This page allows you to search the countries within the EU and EFTA for information you could need to prepare yourself for residence and tips for working abroad.    www.europa.eu.int/citizens/index_en.html

Living Outside the EU

Although there are advantages to remaining within the EU Member States, there are many opportunities to study and work in the Americas, Africa, and Asia.  When accepting a position as a student or professional outside of Europe, it is important to recognise that each country will have different requirements and will pose different challenges for you as an EU national.  Some advice to make the transition easier:

1.       Before you go….

1. Go to the Foreign and Commonwealth Office website and look up any travel advisories that may be in effect for your destination. UK travel advisory warnings are available at:
   www.fco.gov.uk
2. The CIA of the United States of America has a useful database of country
   profiles in its CIA factbook:
   www.cia.gov/cia/publications/factbook/index.html
3. Contact the consulate or embassy of the nation you will be living in while still in the UK. They will be able to give you information on applying for a visa and securing all the necessary documents you will need.
4. Make sure you have a valid passport that will be valid for at least six months after your planned return date.
5. Arrange for your personal finances to be managed by a family member or financial service before you leave.
6. Make sure your credit cards will not expire while you are away.
7. Photocopy your passport-this makes replacement much easier.

2.       While you are abroad….

1. Register with the local British Consulate. They can provide you with services such as passport replacement and assistance in the event of an emergency.
2. It may also be necessary for you to register with the immigration authorities of your host country.
3. Travel and have fun!