1. Check the Entry Requirements for the Country You’re Travelling to, plus the Requirements for Re-entering the UK
It is important to be fully prepared for your upcoming holiday, which includes checking the entry requirements for the country you are travelling to and the requirements for re-entering the UK.
You may need to complete a pre-departure form and may require a Covid-19 test before you leave for your holiday. We will provide a link to the Passenger Locator Forms for your relevant country of travel. It is important to be clear on the entry requirements, as if you don’t meet these requirements for the country you’re travelling to, you could be refused boarding, delayed or even fined.
We recommend signing up to the FCDO travel advice alerts, so you can stay up-to-date on all of the latest travel advice updates and travel requirements for the destinations you need to know about.
You’ll also need to complete a form before you return home and provide evidence of a pre-booked lateral flow test for Day 2, so it’s a good idea to plan ahead and know what you’ll need to do before your holiday starts by booking any tests in advance if they’re required.
Find out more about testing >>
Follow the latest Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) guidance for worldwide travel >>
2. Download the NHS App
You’ll be required to show a QR code at border control on the NHS App to share your Covid-19 vaccination status. You can download the NHS App here. You’ll also find government guidance on how to show evidence of your vaccination status here.
Simply step-by-step guide:
- Download the App
- Enter your NHS login details or sign-up as a new user
- Click on ‘Get Your NHS COVID Pass’
- Click on ‘Continue’
- Click on ‘Travel’
- Click on ‘Show details’
3. Allow Extra Time for Travel
Due to the additional measures in place to keep everyone safe, it is likely to take longer to clear airport security checks and to board your aircraft, so please allow for plenty of time before your scheduled departure time.
4. Contactless Payments
Be prepared to use less cash when travelling to minimise contact where possible. Some outlets may only accept contactless payments, so ensure your credit cards are set up to be used abroad and that they are contactless where possible. It is still recommended to take some cash too just in case.
5. Passport Validity
As the UK is no longer part of the European Union, most EU countries now require UK passports to be less than ten years old and still be valid for at least three months at the time you’re due to leave their country. Check the date of issue on your passport to work out whether it meets this criteria and make sure your passport is valid for travel here>>.
6. Pack Smart – Face Masks & Gloves
It is required by law that everyone over the age of six years old is to wear a face mask on flights unless you’re exempt due to a medical condition. You’ll need to take enough face masks with you to allow you to change them frequently during your stay. However, face mask regulations will differ depending on your destination. You can check this by visiting the FCDO website.
7. Holiday Insurance
Many companies are now offering cancellation Covid cover with their insurances for single or multi trip policies. However, most will only cover you if the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) say it’s safe to travel to your destination.
Your travel insurance can only cover you for specific scenarios for the coronavirus pandemic. Many policies protect you before you even set foot on the plane for the following scenarios:
- If you test positive for COVID-19 up to 14 days before departure
- Cover for vaccine intolerance
- You are told to self-isolate by Test & Trace
- You are denied boarding at the airport.
Many policies cover you for emergency medical expenses, repatriation and cutting your trip short, so you can travel with peace of mind.
For some providers there are no upper age limits whenever you choose a single trip or annual policy.
You must ensure that you choose the best insurance to suit your needs.
8. Prepared for Re-Entering the UK
As already mentioned, you will be required to complete a form before you travel back to the UK and get tested once you have returned.
Make sure you have your UK Passenger Locator Form ready to show to staff on arrival.
With every passenger needing to have their travel documents checked by a UK Border Force agent, you are likely to experience delays as you re-enter the UK.
