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COVID-19 Travel Requirements

With a new traffic light system in place for different destinations, you might be wondering – what can I do to prepare for my holiday? Well, now that travel is permitted again, there are some new important steps you'll need to follow and information you'll need to keep up to date with.

Please note that this is a fast-moving situation and information changes frequently. We will always try to provide you with the most up-to-date information as and when it becomes available.

What do I need to do before I travel?

  • Check your passport - Travelling to the EU? Your passport will need to be less than 10 years old and have more than 6 months left before it expires. If you’re in need of a new one, get your application into the Passport Office as soon as possible to avoid any delays.

  • Keep up to date with FCDO advice - In the current times travel advice and guidance is updated regularly and can change at any moment. Make sure you keep up to date with the latest advice from the FDCO regarding your holiday destination. Check for updates regularly or sign up to receive the FCDO travel advice email alerts so you won’t miss anything.

  • Check your destination’s entry requirements - Each destination has different steps you’ll need to follow before you travel. Many destinations will require you to complete a passenger locator form and get a PCR test completed (within varying time frames) before arrival – even if you have had your vaccination. If you don’t meet the entry requirements you may be denied entry to your destination. Before you travel, it is important that you keep up to date with the entry requirements on the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office website for your destination and take the necessary next steps.

  • Find out which COVID-19 tests you will require - As per the new traffic light system, testing times, types of test and quarantine times will vary between destinations. You will need to arrange a test before and after you return from your holiday. You can find more information and help on our COVID-19 destination updates page and COVID-19 testing before you travel page.

    • Please note that the traffic light system applies to England only. We are still awaiting further information for those travelling from Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

  • Have access to a Passenger Locator Form for your return to the UK - Have access to a Passenger Locator Form for your return to the UK Before you return from your trip, you’ll need to fill out the UK Passenger Locator Form 48 hours before you return. It’s worth adding this to your to-do list and ensuring you have access to it on your travels.

Do I need a COVID-19 test?

Regardless of a country's traffic light categorisation, you will need to get tested for COVID-19 in order to travel.

We recommend that you:

  • Give yourself plenty of time to plan and check your destination’s entry requirements. These may also include filling out a form per passenger.
  • Note that the details about when to take your test - and what type of tests are accepted - this may differ from country to country.
  • Understand that it’s your responsibility to meet entry requirements; if you don’t, you may not be able to board your flight.
  • Understand that if you test positive on arrival in your chosen destination, you may need to self-isolate until you receive a negative test.

The latest travel advice for every destination can be found on the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office website. You can sign up for alerts to let you know if advice changes for your holiday destination.

Please note that you must have proof of a negative COVID-19 test to travel to England from abroad. Please see the government website for more information.

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Planning for your holiday

What happens if my chosen hotel is unavailable?

It is our responsibility to make sure that your holiday goes to plan, and that you and your fellow holidaymakers are looked after for the duration of your stay. Therefore, if – for any reason – your chosen hotel is unavailable, we will look to find you a suitable alternative, to the same or better standard and we will be in touch if this is the case.

What happens if my hotel is closed?

Where flights continue to operate, these are non-refundable. To protect package organisers and customers then where hotels are closed, package organisers are obliged to provide suitable alternative accommodation. A suitable alternative is deemed to be of the same or higher star rating (and quality), the same board basis and a similar location.

The relevant clause in the Package Travel Directive is as follows: Where, following commencement of the package, significant proportions of the package cannot be performed, alternatives offered should be at no extra cost and should, where possible, be of equivalent or higher quality than those specified in the original contract. If the organiser is constrained to propose alternative arrangements of a lower quality, the organiser must grant an appropriate price reduction. Travellers may choose to reject alternative arrangements only if they are not comparable with those originally agreed, or the price reduction offered is inadequate.

A change of hotel is not a major change that triggers the cancellation of the package and so where hotels are closed but flights are operating, suitable alternatives are being booked for all guests for the duration of their stay. Our operations team continues to deal with these in departure date order to ensure that all guests have suitable accommodation for their stay.

What new health and safety measures are airports and airlines implementing?

From the moment you arrive at the airport, your wellbeing comes first. New measures have been introduced, such as readily available hand sanitiser stations throughout airports, and all planes will be disinfected thoroughly between each flight. At some airports you can even pre-book security slots to avoid the queues.

Holidaymakers will be expected to wear masks and all boarding passes must be presented on a mobile device, rather than a print-out. Additional checks may be in place, so giver yourself plenty of time to get through the airport. It’s important that you check the websites of both your airline and departure airport for the most up-to-date information on this before you travel.

What can I do to protect myself while I'm away?

The health and safety of our customers is our number one priority. The best way to protect yourself while you enjoy your holiday is to continue to follow advice from the World Health Organisation and the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

What happens if I catch the virus on holiday?

If you or a member of your party tests positive for COVID-19 before you are due to return to the UK, please contact your insurance provider immediately. If you have an On the Beach travel insurance policy please see our dedicated FAQs page for a complete breakdown of your coverage.

Additionally, we ask that you always comply with instructions given to you by the local health authorities. For the latest advice please visit the FCDO website.

What happens if there is an outbreak whilst I am away?

You can find up to date information on the FCDO website.

I have transfers arranged whilst on holiday - what safety measures will be put in place?

Our transfers partner has put together this useful guide highlighting the precautions and safety measures that they are taking to ensure your wellbeing whilst abroad.