INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL UPDATE – 7th May 2021

The resumption of international travel will be possible from 17th May 2021 in accordance with the UK Government’s traffic light system. The list of countries will be reviewed every 3 weeks. Note these restrictions apply to England only at this time.

GREEN: There are 12 countries or territories under this category. Of these, 4 have direct non-stop air links to England. Restrictions may still apply to enter these countries so please check the FCDO website for the exact requirements: GIBRALTAR ICELAND ISRAEL PORTUGAL

AMBER: Most European countries and North America are under this category which requires home quarantine on return. In fact, any country not on the green or red lists is considered amber.

RED: This category allows entry from UK citizens & residents only and requires a mandatory hotel quarantine on return. New additions to this list are: MALDIVES NEPAL TURKEY

BEFORE returning home:

Complete a passenger locator form

Take a COVID-19 test – lateral flow

Book and pay for a day 2 COVID-19 test

Book and pay for a day 8 COVID-19 test

Book and pay for a quarantine hotel package

Lateral flow test (antigen test) taken overseas must be certified. You can’t arrive at border control and just tell them you tested negative. You can also take a PCR test but obviously these are a higher cost usually.

ON arrival home:

Quarantine at home for 10 days

Quarantine in a managed hotel for 10 days

Take a COVID-19 test on or before day 2

Option to test and release on day 5

Take a COVID-19 test on or after day 8

Green countries: no quarantine required prior to your 2 day test result. The test is a precaution given low risk of green countries, balancing risk with allowing people to get back to work. You can quarantine if you feel it is appropriate.

TRANSIT: If you return from a green country but have visited or transited through an Amber or Red country in the 10 days before returning home, the rules for these countries apply.

REFUNDS: If you have booked and paid the full balance for a Package Holiday (flight + accommodation), you are likely to qualify for a full refund if your destination is Red and you are due to travel within two weeks. Outside of this period or for Amber countries, in most cases, you can either choose to travel or rebook for an alternative date or destination. Check your options with your tour operator or travel agent.

INSURANCE: Currently we are hearing mixed information about insurance coverage outside green list countries. Please check with your insurer that you are covered for travel to your destination. If you are travelling to a country the FCDO has advised can be travelled to then you should be covered but it can vary by supplier. Not being an insurance expert and with so many different providers, I would always advise you to check with your insurance that your insurance coverage is comprehensive for your trip.

Regular updates will follow – I have read the rules so you don’t have to! If you have any questions, please get in touch. I am happy to try and help even if you do not currently have a booking with me.