Over 3,290 EU citizens were denied access despite a significant drop in air traffic due to the coronavirus pandemic. In 2020 during the same time, only 493 citizens were refused entry to the UK, despite 20 times as many flights arriving.

There have been reports of passengers being detained, in some cases without access to telephones, legal representation, or medication. Border officials are alleged to have acted against the Home Office’s guidance in relation to the rules. The reaction from Europe has been that they are concerned. It is reported that Brussels has been closely following developments around the conditions and time that EU nationals are being detained.

What can European visitors do in the UK?

The right of European Union nationals to travel freely to Britain ended on the 31^st of December 2020. There is now a visa-free arrangement in place so that Europeans can travel within the UK for up to 180 days at a time without needing a visa. In most cases, the visitor can visit their friends or family, undertake certain business activities, or even undertake a short course of study at an approved institution.

However, EU visitors are prohibited from taking up paid employment, studying full-time, marrying a partner, accessing NHS medical treatment or using public funds during their stay in Britain.