Before you book

What you need to know as the country prepares to get away

Are overseas holidays possible now?

People from Scotland are now allowed to travel to almost all the of the so-called air bridge countries approved by the UK Government and Foreign Office. However, those flying in from Spain and Serbia will still have to quarantine for 14 days, Nicola Sturgeon said last week.

What’s the latest guidance?

The Scottish Government announced that the quarantine will be suspended for people travelling from 57 countries where the coronavirus risk is low.

Under the new rules, all arrivals into the UK will still have to fill out a form setting out their address and contact details. However, those from “air bridge” countries will not have to self-isolate. The rules include people arriving through the Channel Tunnel and by ferry.

The Foreign Office has also updated their guidance on travel, to allow non-essential journeys from the UK to the air-bridge destinations.

Which countries will be covered?

The Foreign Office advice is that it is safe to visit the following destinations: Austria, Andorra, Belgium, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Gibraltar, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, The Netherlands (not including the constituent countries and special municipalities located in the Dutch Caribbean), Norway, Poland, Portugal (only The Azores and Madeira), San Marino, Serbia (unless travelling from Scotland), Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain (unless travelling from Scotland), Switzerland, Turkey, Americas, Antigua & Barbuda, Bahamas, Barbados, Bermuda, Canada, Cayman Islands, Dominica, Grenada, Jamaica, Martinique, South Georgia & the South Sandwich Islands, St Kitts and Nevis, St Lucia, St Pierre and Miquelon, St Vincent and The Grenadines, Trinidad and Tobago, Turks and Caicos Islands, Australia, Brunei, French Polynesia, Hong Kong, Japan, Macao, Malaysia, New Zealand, Taiwan, Thailand, Singapore, South Korea, Vietnam, Wallis and Futuna, Reunion, Antarctica, British Antarctic Territory.

Is this likely to change?

It may do. The UK Government has said that a “strict handbrake mechanism” will be put in place, meaning that if an outbreak occurs in one of the countries the UK will “immediately reintroduce self isolation requirements”.

Will travel insurance cover my holiday?

Most insurers cover travel to air bridge countries.

What happens when I am abroad?

Many countries and territories have screening measures (temperature checks, health/travel questions, quarantine) and entry restrictions at border crossings and transport hubs, so be prepared for these. Check for updates at gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice

Will I need to wear a face mask?

Airports are asking passengers to come prepared with face coverings for use within the terminal building. This doesn’t need to be a surgical face mask, it can be a scarf or similar, as long as it covers your mouth and nose. Face coverings should not be used for under fives.