What do I need to do in order to travel?
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, travelling has become more complicated, and we simply cannot cut any corners. Here’s a checklist of actions to be taken
Check your passport expiry date
If your passport has less than six months to its expiry date or is more than 10 years old, you can be turned away from any EU country (excluding Ireland but including Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Andorra, Monaco, San Marino or Vatican City) on arrival. So check it right now and apply for a new one if you need to.
Ensure you’re insured
Organise COVID-19 travel insurance as soon as you’ve booked your trip to supplement and/or combine with your usual travel insurance and healthcare package. Imagine the peace of mind knowing you and your loved ones are covered against anything the virus may throw at you? We have partnered with two amazing companies, both offering all-in-one options for all COVID-19 permutations, including (amongst other things) trip cancellation cover, overseas emergency medical expenses cover and even evacuation services! Get in touch if you’d like any recommendations or guidance.
Ensure you have your COVID-19 status certification, should you still need to show it
English residents should download the main NHS app - not the NHS COVID-19 app - to use as a health certificate for international travel and to prove you’ve been vaccinated against COVID-19, tested negative or recently recovered from the virus. We suggest you also download or email yourself the PDF to print off in paper form. The certificate is recognised by the EU and internationally. You can also download it from the NHS website or by calling the NHS helpline on 119.
EU citizens use a “EU Digital COVID Certificate” covering vaccination, test and recovery status to enable travel across all 27 EU member states and non-EU countries including Norway, Iceland and Switzerland. The certificate is recognised by the UK and beyond Europe under a mutual recognition arrangement. It is available free and in digital and paper format. The UK is also part of the EU COVID vaccine passport scheme, which makes travelling in Europe easier and cheaper for British tourists.
Keep up to date with the entry requirements of your destination and accommodation
Do you still have to show a negative PCR test? Do you have to be fully vaccinated? Does your hotel require you to do a test? Tourist board websites and the Foreign Office website are great sources, but procedures and restrictions are still around. This is where we come in! It’s our job to be incredibly well-informed on everything and anything that goes on in our industry, so if you’re not sure, please ask, especially if you need information about a specific resort or hotel.
Ensure you have a valid European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) or UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC)
For further peace of mind, check you have your EHIC, which is valid until it expires. If you don’t have one or it’s lost or expired, take a few minutes online to get a GHIC for free from the NHS website. This card - replacing the EHIC, which is being discontinued - offers state-provided medical treatment for any chronic or existing illnesses, routine maternity care and emergencies whilst you’re in any EU country (plus some others countries). It doesn’t replace your travel insurance, it complements it.