When it comes to travelling abroad at the moment, the old saying “the world is your oyster” definitely does not ring true. However, it isn’t all bad news. Although some countries are still not open to UK travellers, there are plenty of places that are.
Even the European Union, for example, has recently decided to open its borders and more and more countries are waiving (or will shortly waive) those stressful quarantine requirements, meaning you will no longer have to build an extra 10 days of travel-less travel into your plans.
However, let’s not get carried away too early – things are not exactly back to the way they were pre-COVID. This post lockdown world of travel still has its fair share of complications, many of which will require you to do a little bit more planning than you normally would.
So, here are a few things you need to know before you travel abroad this summer:
#1 You will probably need to get vaccinated
Not all countries that will allow UK travellers to enter them for non-essential travel will require them to be vaccinated, but most European countries probably will. This means you will need to present some kind of proof of vaccination before you will be allowed
in, and this will usually be in the form of either a PDF print off (accessed through the NHS website) or via the NHS App.
Even if you are heading to a country that does not require travellers to be vaccinated, if you are not vaccinated then you will likely have to complete more checks than vaccinated travellers do. You may even have to quarantine on arrival and take multiple COVID tests as well.
#2 Be prepared to get tested
Speaking of COVID tests you should also be prepared to show at least one negative COVID test result before you travel this summer. In fact, many popular holiday destinations require proof of a negative test before arrival, even if you are fully vaccinated, with most countries requiring this to be completed no more than 72 hours before arrival.
In some cases, you will also need to take a PCR test after being in the country for a few days. Some countries require a negative PCR test two to three days after arrival, and some also require another test after five to ten days. Here at Fit2FlyTest, we offer a Fit to Fly COVID Test (with digital Fit to Fly Certificate included).
#3 Masks will still be required in most countries
In the UK, we still have to wear masks in most indoor settings (unless exempt), such as public transport, supermarkets, hair salons, etc. This is also still the case for many other countries overseas, especially when it comes to public transport and public buildings. You may also find that you get fined if you venture out abroad without a mask, so make sure to bring enough with you to last your entire trip – just to be on the safe side.
#4 Closures, curfews & capacity limits will be a way of life
Even though many countries are open to tourists, many of them are still under some form of lockdown (like the UK) and in some places, this may mean strict curfews on travel after dark. It could also mean some places, such as your favourite restaurant, are also closed either in part or totally. Capacity limits may also be in place in popular tourist locations so you will need to be flexible about your plans on where you want to go and when.
#5 You will need a negative test result to come back home
The UK is one of the least lax countries when it comes to letting travellers past our borders, and so if you leave the UK to travel abroad this summer, you will need to show a negative COVID test result on your return – with the test result being no more than 72 hours old.
Travelling abroad has never been simple, even when we aren’t facing a global pandemic, but Fit2FlyTest are here to help make things as easy as possible for you with our range of COVID tests for travel, which enable you to travel and work safely.
