Travellers are urged to follow the FCDO’s travel advice before heading out on their 2021 summer holiday.
Below is a compressed yet thorough version of what was discussed prior to the actual tips:
The FCDO advice stresses that travel has still not returned to normal, and travellers need to take action before going abroad. In addition, travellers should check the FCDO’s travel advice for entry requirements and sign up to get updates.
As schools close down for summer, and people start thinking about going on a long-overdue summer holiday, travellers should look to the Foreign Commonwealth & Development Office’s advice (FCDO) to double and triple-check whether intended international travel is free of disruption.
Ever since July 19, fully-vaccinated (with NHS-administrated vaccine) citizens are no longer required to self-isolate on return from an amber list destination to the UK unless they are returning from France.
With over 100 countries and territories placing barriers or requirements on travellers from the UK, summer holidays will be more challenging than ever before this year. Therefore, anyone planning on going abroad will have to remember that there will be a few more obstacles than usual.
Below is a laydown of the 8 travel tips people should follow if they plan to take a summer holiday this year:
- Always check FCDO travel advice to skim through all the specifics of your destination’s entry and quarantine requirements before you consider booking a holiday to said destination.
- Stay up-to-date with the local COVID-19 guidelines and restrictions – many destinations recognise not following mask or social distancing rules as a criminal offence.
- Your destination might ask for proof that you have been fully vaccinated. Click here to check with the FCDO on how to show proof of your vaccination.
- Check what proof of vaccination your destination requires. Remember to download the NHS app and follow instructions to validate your NHS COVID Pass if you are in England/Wales. If you are in Scotland, you can get a record of coronavirus vaccination status, and in Northern Ireland, you can apply for a vaccine certificate.
- If you are travelling to Europe, please make sure to stay updated on the new rules for travellers from the UK; this includes passport validity, healthcare access, taking a vehicle or pet, and travelling with perishable products such as food and drinks.
- Be prepared for abrupt changes. COVID-19 is still very much an active threat, despite the relaxed travel restrictions in the UK. Countries may also choose to close borders or change specific rules for travellers from the UK at short notice.
- Sign up for the FCDO’s travel advice email alerts, so you automatically receive the latest travel advice updates for the destinations you want to know about.
- Travel insurance is mandatory, especially in these tumultuous times. Once you get a travel insurance policy, check what the exemptions are – if you are visiting the EU, be sure to have a valid European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) or replace it with a Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC).
Here is what Jennifer Anderson, Director of Consular, FCDO, said:
“The success of our vaccine roll out means people who have been fully vaccinated in the UK can now travel to amber list countries, without the need for quarantine on their return, with the exception of those returning from France.
“But travel this summer is still different from before. It is essential that travellers plan ahead and familiarise themselves with the rules and requirements of the country they plan to visit to minimise disruption and avoid disappointment.
“The first step for anybody thinking of going abroad is to check the FCDO’s Travel Advice and subscribe to updates. We keep it under constant review so it reflects the most up to date information.”
Coming back to the UK
Before returning home, travellers to England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland must provide proof of a negative coronavirus test.
(Remember, you will have to take this even if you are fully vaccinated)
Travellers will need to take a pre-departure test 72 hours before their return journey. If positive, they will not be permitted to travel back and will be required to follow the local rules for isolation – this may incur additional costs.
Before travelling to the UK, all passengers will need to complete a passenger locator form regardless of where they are coming from. If they are arriving from a green list destination, they will be asked to take a day 2 PCR test.
Arrivals from amber list countries and territories who are also not fully vaccinated will need a day 2 and day 8 test, and to quarantine for 10 days.
For travellers who are returning from amber list countries/territories and are not fully vaccinated, the Test to Release scheme remains as an option to shorten their quarantine period.
You are not encouraged to travel to red list countries or territories.
Travellers are heavily encouraged to check the booking terms and conditions on flexibility and refunds with your travel agency (if you are using one) because the situation remains volatile.
