Travelling abroad has changed
How to make your journey as safe and smooth as possible
SINCE MAY 17, the UK Government has reopened international travel. Its priority continues to be protecting the public from Covid-19. You’ll be familiar with the traffic light system (red, amber, and green) which was introduced to inform those intending to travel to and from the UK, to help stop the spread of the virus. Everyone needs to follow the rules, so the UK can continue its journey out of the pandemic. This means that, along with packing the sunscreen and swimming costumes, there are a few extra things to remember.
For travel to a green list country, you need to complete a passenger locator form; you’ll also need a pre-departure test at your destination and a PCR test on or before day two of your return to the UK. It’s important to take a day two test to identify any variants of concern. For amber list countries, you’ll also need to self-isolate for ten days on your return (unless you’re fully vaccinated at least 14 days prior to arrival in UK).
The rules may change while you’re away, meaning extra checks when you come back. If you test positive while abroad, you will have to isolate in the country you are visiting before coming back to the UK.
EU MEASURES
You may face longer wait times throughout your journey due to additional health checks to help keep the UK safe. But every effort is being made to speed up queues safely.
If you don’t have the correct documentation ready to meet UK health and border requirements, you may delay yourself and others, be refused entry, or face a fine. So it’s best to prepare thoroughly. As soon as you start to plan your holiday, check gov.uk/visiteurope to ensure you comply with any new rules in place as a result of the UK having left the EU. Make sure your passport is valid using gov.uk/ check-passport and allow up to ten weeks for renewal. Also check your travel insurance covers all needs, including healthcare – do you have an in-date EHIC (UK European health insurance card) or a new GHI (global health insurance card)? If you’re going to drive abroad, check you have the correct documentation for the country you’re visiting.
Keep up to date with the latest info at gov.uk/guidance/traveladvice-novel-coronavirus, before, during and after you travel, to ensure you comply with the latest Covid-19 and non-Covid-19 regulations for entering the UK and the country you are visiting. These rules will help everyone travel safely and securely.