Guide to Travel Post Covid19
Added 29/06/2020
Updated: 3 July 2020.
Travel and holidays are going to look different for a while post coronavirus or covid19, but the good news is that you will still be able to travel, and you will be able to enjoy yourselves.
We've put together this guide to help you find the informaton you need to prepare for your next holiday, as well as understand what changes might be implemented to make your holiday safer, in a world where we are living with coronavirus / covid19.
Government travel advice
What is the current advice?
The government has lifted its blanket ban on all international travel. From 4 July travel will be allowed to countries that no longer pose an unacceptably high risk of Covid19.
You should check the latest government advice before you travel to ensure that you are allowed to go to your chosen destination. Be aware that the advice may change as the risk levels change.
All passengers will be expected to provide contact information when they arrive back into the UK.
Read the latest travel advice >>
What about quarantine?
If you are arriving back into England from an exempted country, you will not need to complete 14 days of self-isolation or quarantine.
The quarantine rules require travellers arriving in the UK to quarantine themselves at home, or a specified address, for 14 days. Certain professions, such as medical workers are exempt from the quarantine rules.
However, the government has now published a list of countries which will be exempt from quarantine measures in England from 10 July. This means people arriving back into England from these destinations will not need to self-isolate, unless they have been in or transited through a non-exempt country in the preceding 14 days.
Follow this link for the up to date list of these travel corridors. https://www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-travel-corridors
Passengers arriving back into Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland may still be expected to self-isolate.
All passengers will be expected to provide contact information when they arrive back into the UK.
To find out what quarantine measures are required when arriving at your holiday destination, or when you return to the UK check the latest travel advice from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.
Read the latest travel advice >>
Always check the FCO travel advice for your destination country before you travel
It is very important to check the latest travel advice for your destination before you travel.
As well as telling you whether you are allowed to travel there, it will tell you important information, such as whether there are any quarantine requirements or medical tests being conducted on arrival into the country, or on your return into the UK. As well as whether it is mandatory to wear a face mask in certain situations and what social distancing rules are in place.
Read the latest travel advice >>
Do I need a Covid-19 test?
Some countries require you to have a negative covid-19 test in order to gain entry. You can find full details of entry requirements on the FCDO website. Check the latest travel advice for up to date information>>
If you do need to obtain a covid test, Rightangled can send a PCR swab test kit to your home, with the results available online in 24 hours.
Get 10% off the cost by quoting GTG10 when you purchase your test.
https://rightangled.co/products/covid-19-test
How does FCO travel advice affect travel insurance
Most travel insurance, including all policies from goodtogoinsurance.com will not provide any cover if you travel against FCO advice. It is important to check that travel is allowed to your destination before you leave home.
Travel insurance
What am I covered for?
To give you the confidence to travel, once restrictions are lifted, all our policies provide cover for emergency medical treatment if you catch COVID19/Coronavirus whilst you are abroad.
Covid+ policies also include cover for cancellation if you, or anyone insured on the policy, contract COVID19/Coronavirus before you travel.
What am I not covered for?
There is no cover under any other section of the policy for anything caused by or relating to Covid-19/Coronavirus/SARs-COV-2, any mutation of Covid-19/Coronavirus/SARs-COV-2 or any pandemic or fear or threat of any of the above.
There is no cover for cancellation due to contracting COVID19/Coronavirus unless you purchase a Covid+ policy.
There is no cover for cancellation due to a change in government/FCDO travel advice.
You are not covered if you go to a destination where the government/FCDO advise against all or all but essential travel.
What if my trip dates change?
If your trip dates change due to government advice or the coronavirus pandemic, we can move your single trip insurance to your new dates without any admin charge.
If the new trip is for a longer period, to a different destination, or more than 12 months from the adjustment date, there may be an additional premium.
For more information on travel insurance cover and what to do if your holiday is cancelled or changed read our Coronavirus information page.
What will travel and holidays look like post covid19?
Airports and flying
The UK government has issues guidance for airlines, airports and air passengers to make air travel post covid19 safer.
The guidance includes:
- A requirement to check in online and use self-service luggage drops
- Use of a facemask or face covering in the airport and on the plane
- Keeping hand luggage to a minimum
- Stay seated as much as possible on the plane
Read the full guidance for air passengers >>
Flying during a pandemic – Video from the BBC
This a really good short video from the BBC which highlights the key things you need to remember when flying post Covid19. It does talk about quarantining at the end, but that may not be necessary if you are travelling to and from a country with which there is a travel corridor arrangement.
Ferries and Eurotunnel
If you are concerned about getting on an aeroplane, ferries and Eurotunnel are another option for travel to the continent this summer.
Ferries have a lot more room onboard making it easier to keep your distance than an aeroplane and you can even stand outside. Just be aware of keeping your distance in corridors and stairwells and of what surfaces you touch.
Eurotunnel is even better for socially distanced travel as you can stay in your car, within the train carriage for the whole journey. You don’t need to be near anyone else or touch any surfaces that anyone else has touched.
Hotels and resorts
Tour operators and travel providers are starting to produce information on what they will be doing to make our holidays safe, but also reassure us that we will still be able to relax and enjoy ourselves.
TUI, the biggest tour operator promises to only take you away if they are sure you’ll be able to have a brilliant time.
They have also published some very useful information about how they will be keeping holidaymakers safe in their hotels and resorts. Measures include:
- More transfer buses to get you to your hotel, to aid with social distancing
- Online hotel check-in to avoid queues at hotel receptions
- Restaurants will become table service rather than self-service, with tables further apart and longer opening hours.
- Entertainment and shows will move outside
- Increased cleaning of rooms and public areas
Read the full information from TUI >>
Beaches
In order to keep beaches safe and make it easier for people to social distance, some of the following measures may be in place in popular resorts in Europe this summer:
- In Spain a traffic light system will be used to let you know how busy a beach is. If it is red, no more people will be allowed on the sand.
- In some resorts, such as Benidorm, visitors will be able to book a 2 metres square area on the beach using an app.
- There is likely to be increased signage with advice on how to keep safe
- Some beaches are banning team sports such as football and volleyball.
- Sunbeds will be placed further apart and may be fixed down
- There may be one-way systems for walking along busy promenades
Holidays in the UK
Another popular option this summer could be a holiday within the UK, once restrictions for staying away from home are lifted on 4th July.
The UK has some fantastic beaches, beautiful countryside and exciting cities to explore.
Remember, If you are planning a holiday within the UK, it is still a good idea to buy travel insurance for your trip. Here are 4 good reasons to buy travel insurance for your UK holiday.
