After the year we’ve had, we could all do with a holiday. However, although we’re allowed to travel internationally again, travelling in 2020 is very different to travelling in 2019. So, before you book your next break, let’s take a look at everything you need to know about travelling in Covid times.
#1 You may need a fit-to-fly test
If you’ve previously suffered from a health condition affecting your heart or lungs (like Covid), you may need to produce a fit-to-fly certificate before you travel. Each airline has a different policy, but you’ll generally need to show a certificate if you’ve suffered from a condition that affected your breathing, or if you’ve recently undergone surgery. So, before you book your flights, check your airline’s policy.
#2 Doing research can help you avoid quarantine
Depending on the country or region you’re visiting, you may need to quarantine for two weeks when you get back to England. So, if you can’t work from home or you’re unable to quarantine, you’ll need to do your research and ensure that quarantine rules don’t apply to the destination you’re visiting.
The good news is that the Government has established a ‘travel corridor list’. This means that, when you visit any of the countries or regions on this list, you can return to England without the need to quarantine (unless their status changes while you’re away). However, all of the countries on this list have different rules, and just because a country is on this list doesn’t mean that no form of quarantine is required for your trip.
For example, if you travel to Grenada, you do not need to quarantine when you return, but you still have to quarantine when you arrive. Depending on what you’re planning on doing, this could affect your break. However, by contrast, in Cyprus and Greece, you can avoid a quarantine period by producing a negative Covid test at the airport when you land. So, do your research before you travel and make sure you’re equipped to avoid quarantine rules both at home and in your chosen destination.
#3 Social distancing applies in airports and on planes
Although flights have now resumed, the way we travel through the airport and the rules governing what we can do on the aircraft have changed due to social distancing requirements. For example, now airlines are asking customers to complete as much of the check-in process online as possible and they’re also restricting cabin baggage to essentials.
When you arrive at the airport, you’ll also find plenty of one-way systems and the security process may be different depending on your chosen airport.
When you board the plane, you’ll also discover several differences. For example, many airlines are currently running a reduced trolley service and most are also leaving the middle seat free. In addition to this, you’ll also be asked to wear your mask for the duration of your time at the airport and at all times during the flight.
#4 Your booking terms and conditions may have changed
Before you book your break, you should also check your chosen provider’s terms and conditions. Although many travel providers were hesitant to offer refunds during the first half of the year, most have now changed their booking policies to reflect the unique nature of the world we’re currently living in.
As a result, you should check your provider’s terms and conditions carefully. This way, you’ll know what you’re entitled to if your holiday is cancelled or if you cannot travel because you’ve tested positive for the virus.
In addition to this, if you’re purchasing travel insurance, you should also double-check exactly what it protects you for. This is because many forms of insurance do not cover pandemics.
#5 Covid rules vary from location to location
Much like how the Covid rules are different in England depending on where you live, these rules will also vary depending on where you visit. For example, if you’re visiting France, you’ll find that several major cities such as Paris are currently subject to a curfew in an attempt to stop the spread of the virus. Similarly, if you’re travelling in Italy, wearing a mask outdoors is mandatory.
Due to this, before you travel, you should research the local rules carefully. This way, you’ll know what to expect when you arrive. Throughout your time in your destination, you should constantly look for signs and make sure you read the news daily just in case the rules change. By arming yourself with as much information as possible, you’ll ensure that you’re safe and you’ll eliminate the likelihood of being fined.
It’s possible to travel internationally again, but you’ll need to do your research before you book your break. Remember that legislation is different around the world and you may be asked to quarantine either when you arrive or when you return home. You should also keep in mind that the situation is changing daily. As a result, you need to keep checking the latest developments at every opportunity. By doing so, you’ll be able to enjoy a safe, fun break.
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