Know before you go

The NHS App contains your vaccination status, and you can use it to prove that you're fully-vaccinated. Don't forget to download it in plenty of time before you travel, as you will need to verify your details and that can take up to 24 hours. Please note that different destinations may require different forms of proof when it comes to vaccination status, therefore some regions may not accept the NHS App as proof. We recommend checking the FCDO website to keep up to date with the specific requirements for your destination.

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.

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.

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.

As of Monday 19th July, UK residents returning to England from amber list destinations will no longer be required to quarantine if they are fully-vaccinated. Additionally, anyone under the age of 18 will also not be required to quarantine. For more information, and to check your destination's traffic light status visit our COVID-19 destination updates page.

As per the 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 on our COVID-19 testing before you travel page. Please note that the traffic light system applies to England only.

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.

Please note that different destinations may require different forms of proof with regards to vaccination status, therefore some regions may not accept the NHS App as proof. Please check the FCDO website to find the specific requirements for your destination.

As the UK Government prepares to allow fully-vaccinated UK residents to re-enter England from Amber list destinations, without the need for self-isolation, it’s crucial that you know how to easily demonstrate your vaccination status.

The NHS App holds your personal medical information, including your vaccination status. The app presents you with a unique QR code which you can then share when required at the airport, giving you peace of mind when you travel.

The NHS App is free to download, and is available from all app stores – simply search ‘NHS App’. Please note that this is a different app to the NHS COVID-19 App, which you might be used to using when you’re out and about.

Once you’ve downloaded the app, simply follow the on-screen instructions to link your own NHS details.

In order to verify your identity you may be asked to provide photographic evidence of your ID, such as a driver’s license or passport, and it may take up to 24 hours for this to be verified – so be sure to get set up in plenty of time before you travel!

Once verified, your personal vaccination status is available to view via the app, and a personal, unique QR code is generated for you to share at the airport.

It’s important to remember that ‘fully-vaccinated’ means that 14 days have passed since your second vaccination.

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 - 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.

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.

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.

Although government guidance has now changed regarding the requirement of face masks, most airports and airlines still strongly recommend that passengers wear a face covering. Additional measures such as health screenings and the requirement of an electronic boarding pass (instead of a print-out) may also be in place at 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.

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.

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.

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

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.