Travel Guide for UK Residents

While things may be improving throughout the globe, countries all over are still trying to take precautions and keep Covid-19 cases to a minimum. While the UK is easing restrictions, this doesn’t mean things are completely back to normal. Travellers coming to the UK or going abroad need to be sure to check for travel guidelines so they can avoid any issues that might hinder their holiday plans.

Green List Countries:

To make travel decisions easier, the British authorities have divided up the countries safe for travel into different coloured lists. The “Green List” is a list of countries British citizens are allowed to travel to and the residents of these countries are allowed quarantine free entry into the UK. This list includes Australia, Singapore, Brunei, Portugal, New Zealand, Iceland, the Falkland Islands, Israel, Gibraltar, South Georgia and a few more. Be sure to check the list on the UK Government website to be sure if you can travel or from the United Kingdom without facing any troubles at border control.

FCDO Travel Guide:

According to the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), they advise all travellers to only take essential trips. Non-essential travels are being advised against especially to certain countries and territories. The UK authorities have made a list, so be sure to check it out before you make travel plans. Since these lists are constantly being revised and updated, countries are being added and removed based on changes in their current Covid-19 situation. This is only to ensure the safety of British citizens and to be careful of bringing in different strains of the virus from regions across the globe.

Making Travel Plans:

If you have decided that a holiday is just what you need to recover from your Corona blues, be aware of the current situation and inform yourself of the potential risks. While measures are continuously being taken, vaccines are being provided and many people are recovering on a daily basis, this doesn’t imply that travel is risk-free. However, before you go, make sure to follow the checklist we’ve prepared for you – for before you travel and when you reach your destination.

Before you go:

• If you reside in the UK, Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland, be sure to check the travel restrictions and rules that have been provided on respective websites.
• You can now also get email alerts to update you on the current situation in the countries you’re planning your travels too. Be sure to switch on your notifications and stay up-to-date.
• If you are a UK resident and have received both doses of your vaccine, you can now show proof using the NHS app. This is incredibly helpful for border control, to speed up the process and avoid any hassle during your travels.
• Check for any restrictions in the country you’re travelling to. Whether you’d need to quarantine, get tested or provide negative results on arrival. Make a checklist of your own so you can collect all the documents you’ll need for your journey.
• The passenger Covid-19 deed also has plenty of useful information regarding your rights and responsibilities. Have a read before you go!
• Be sure to confirm with your accommodation whether they’re following all SOP’s before you make any bookings.
• Lastly, get travel insurance and check your cancellation rights.

Upon arrival:

• Keep a close eye on travel advice, there are constant changes in the regulations and updates on the restrictions – they could possibly change.
• Stay updated on the changes in the green, amber and red lists.
• If you do contract the virus during your travels, you may need to get treatment wherever you are and may not be able to travel back to the UK.
• Be prepared for any changes as fluctuation in cases could possibly mean border closures, testing requirements, quarantine necessities and movement restrictions.
• You must also be prepared for any changes in your plans as restrictions or new regulations could cause unexpected delays on your return home.

Returning home:

• Before you come back to the UK, you will need to get tested three days prior to your return.
• You will also have to submit a passenger locator form two days prior to your travel back to the UK.
• If you have travelled to a country on the red list or even transited through one ten days prior to your return, you will have to book a quarantined hotel.
• If you travelled to a country on the amber list, you will need to take a Covid-19 test upon your return.

Changes in the FCDO Travel Guide:

Since there have been so many fluctuations in cases over the past year, the travel guidelines are likely to face some changes during your travel too. So be sure to stay up-to-date and if any changes do occur, be sure to immediately contact your airline or travel company for advice and other alternatives.

While all this may seem quite overwhelming, we are hopeful that you will have a safe, relaxed trip to wherever you decide to go. If it is possible, try to get vaccinated before you make travel plans just so you can avoid stress during your holidays. We advise getting the vaccine from your country of residence but if that isn’t possible and your holiday is extended, get in touch with your healthcare provider and ask them for advice on the steps you should take to ensure personal safety. They will be able to better assist you and guide you through the process no matter where you are.