Guide to Travelling During the Covid19 Pandemic

Government/FCDO travel advice

What is the current advice?

The government has lifted its blanket ban on international travel and we can now visit 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.

Check the latest travel advice >>

What about 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, there are a number of countries which are exempt from quarantine measures. This means people arriving back 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 these links for the up to date list of these travel corridors. 

England: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-travel-corridors
Wales: https://gov.wales/exemptions-self-isolation-coronavirus-covid-19-html
Scotland: https://www.gov.scot/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-public-health-checks-at-borders/pages/exemptions/
Northern Ireland: https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/coronavirus-covid-19-travel-advice

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, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO).

Read the latest travel advice >>

Test to Release

The government is launching its test to release scheme on 15 December.  This enables travellers returning from countries which are not exempt from quarantine to reduce the length of time they are required to self-isolate by opting to have a Covid19 test after 5 days. If the test is negative, they can end their isolation.

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-test-to-release-for-international-travel

Always check the FCDO 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 >>

How does FCDO travel advice affect travel insurance

Most travel insurance, including all policies from insurewithease.com will not provide any cover if you travel against FCDO/government advice.  It is important to check that travel is allowed to your destination before you leave home.

Read the latest travel advice >>

If you are looking for insurance cover to travel against FCDO advice click here.

Do you need a pre-travel Covid-19 test before you travel?

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.  Read 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.  (These tests are not valid for the test to release scheme).

Get 10% off the cost by quoting IWE10 when you purchase your test.
https://www.rightangled.co/products/covid-19-test

Travel insurance

What am I covered for?

To give you the confidence to travel all our policies provide cover for emergency medical treatment if you catch COVID19/Coronavirus whilst you are abroad.  Polcies issued on or after 21 August 2020 also include cancellation cover if you 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 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, up until 31 December 2021. 

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 the UK has a travel corridor arrangement.

Watch the BBC video >>

Ferries and Eurotunnel 

If you are concerned about getting on an aeroplane, ferries and Eurotunnel are another option for travel to the continent.

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:

• Traffic light systems 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 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 could be a holiday within the UK.

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. It can provide cover for Cancellation, Personal Possessions and Personal Liability, including damage to holiday rentals. Get a quote for UK travel insurance.

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