SAFE TRAVEL: your guide
From PCR tests to Passports, here’s everything you’ll need to know about Preparing to travel again
Sun-seekers and those planning a reunion with friends and relatives who live overseas are making careful preparations as they get ready to go abroad for the first time in months.
Travelling abroad has now changed, with Government guidance in place to keep everyone safe and protect their health as they embark on international travel, so there are a number of things you need to check before you go.
Your travel checklist
Travelling abroad will probably be different to the last time you went. The Government recognises it’s important to take a cautious approach that protects public health and the success of the vaccination programme. That’s why it has put in place a traffic light system with Red, Amber and Green destinations that balances the reopening of international travel with managing the risk of Covid-19 and imported variants.
Rules and guidance could change at any time, so you need to take steps before you travel and to keep safe while abroad in case things change while you are there.
Know the rules You can travel to Green and Amber List countries, but travel to Red List ones is not advised. Visit gov.uk/travelabroad for a step-bystep guide to the things that you need to do for a safe trip. Countries have different Covid-19 regulations, so you will also need to check those.
Get a test Make sure you book authorised Covid-19 PCR tests and complete relevant documentation (such as passenger locator forms) for your destination, and for when you come back to the UK.
Sort out your passport Check your passport is valid using gov. uk/check-passport and allow up to ten weeks for the renewal process. The rules have changed now the UK has left the EU, so it’s best to prepare early. Check gov.uk/ visiteurope to ensure you comply with any new rules.
Check health cover Make sure your travel insurance covers all your needs, including healthcare, and that you have an indate EHIC or a new GHIC. This might have changed since the last time you went abroad, so it’s vital to check before you go.
Don’t forget pets If you’re driving, travelling with a pet or taking products such as food and drink with you, see the relevant rules at gov.uk/ visiteurope.
Ensure you're cleared to entry Countries have different rules during the pandemic, so you may need a Covid-19 status certificate (either via the NHS app or in paper format). If you need a negative Covid-19 test to enter a country, you should use a private test provider – go to gov.uk/find-travel-testprovider to source one.
Follow local safety measures Check the guidance on safety measures such as face coverings and
social distancing in your destination and follow any local guidance.
Coming home
Prepare before you go and have all the correct documentation ready to meet the UK’S health and border rules, otherwise you may face delays or even be refused entry. You need to book authorised Covid tests and any hotel packages, and fill in your passenger locator form before travelling to the UK.
When you get to the border, have all your documentation ready, including travel documents and passenger locator form. Visit gov.uk/travelabroad to see what you need and if you’re a non-uk resident visit gov.uk/uk-border-control.