Look before you book!
Q&A
I AM not sure I will bother with a foreign holiday this year. Don’t we have to take Covid tests before we return from abroad to Britain now?
FROM Monday at 4am, yes. And the PM announced yesterday that all travel corridors will close at the same time. But don’t let that put you off. We may not be able to go anywhere right now because of the lockdown, but when it eases the new system should be just about bearable.
IT ALL sounds hideously complicated. How does it work?
YOU will have to take a Covid test up to 72 hours before departure and provide proof, in documentation, of the negative result. Your tour operator or accommodation provider should inform you of where it is possible to get a test.
OK, BUT what type of test is acceptable? I want to be sure.
THE Government has issued guidelines on exactly which types will be allowed at ‘Coronavirus (COVID-19): testing for people travelling to England’ on gov.uk. See also Wales (gov.wales) and Scotland ( gov.scot). For England, PCR (polymerase chain reaction) swab tests are acceptable.
HOW much do these cost?
IN THE UK they cost about £120, so expect to pay roughly the same abroad.
SO IF I take a test before I fly to my destination and when I return, it will cost me £240?
YES, unless tests become cheaper, which is likely.
WHAT if I test positive while I am abroad?
YOU would not be allowed to travel and would have to follow local coronavirus rules.
IF I have been vaccinated, do I still need to do these tests?
YES.
I AM missing foreign travel, and can’t wait to visit Cuba so I am willing to jump through these hoops — what advice do you have on booking a trip?
BUY a package holiday. Packages are covered under the Package Travel Regulations, which require companies to provide a refund within 14 days if a holiday has to be cancelled.
ARE some operators allowing customers to rebook for other destinations in case of cancellation?
YES, but check the policy of your company. For example, TUI is allowing free changes for bookings made from October to February 28 for travel this year.
I PREFER booking my own flight and hotel, surely that is OK?
YES, but if the flight, say, is cancelled or the border closed, your accommodation provider may refuse to refund you. Likewise, if the airline continues flying when a border is shut to non-essential travel, getting a refund may be tricky.
ANY other tips?
BOOK with a company that is ATOL (Air Travel Organiser’s Licence) bonded. If it goes bust, a government-backed fund provides recompense. And book with a credit card, as if there is trouble getting compensation, you are covered by Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act.
WHAT about travel insurance?
TAKE it out as soon as you book any break.
WILL European Health Insurance Cards work after Brexit?
YES, until your card expires. Then apply for a Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) at nhs.uk. Both give reciprocal medical cover in EU countries.
GOSH, this is a lot to take in — is a trip safe?
YES. Follow the destination’s rules (see gov.uk) book a package, and all should be well.