Britons mull ‘Brexit’

In a referendum on June 23, the British public will vote on whether or not to remain in the European Union (EU). Should they vote for an exit from the EU, something colloquially being called the “Brexit,” the British Parliament will decide whether or not to support the public’s vote and begin to negotiate the Brexit.

Even if the United Kingdom does withdraw from the EU, a process that would take at least two years to complete, travelers to the country will be little affected. In addition to changes in immigration policy, most of the impact of a Brexit would be economic — a change in trade policy, a halt to fees Britain pays to the EU, and the growth or stagnation of the UK’s economy (experts have posited both outcomes). The UK never adopted the euro, so in either case its currency will remain the pound.

Some changes in free movement across Britain’s borders could occur, but they would be unlikely to involve travelers from North America or from countries still in the EU (much like how Switzerland, not part of the EU, is still a member of the Schengen Zone).

One aspect of the Brexit that would affect travelers would be the lack of protection for travelers’ rights as provided by the EU, such as the right to a monetary award from an airline following the long delay of a flight. Whether the UK would maintain such protections would be up to Parliament.