Travel Information and Covid-19 Update
The information provided on this page is for guidance only. For all the latest advice and information before you travel we recommend:
Check the FCDO travel advice for information on leaving and re-entering the UK
Check the FCDO travel advice for the entry requirements for your destination
Goodbye Traffic Light System! Welcome New Travel Rules
The time is finally here, we’ve waved goodbye to the traffic light system and the world (well, most of it) is ours to explore once again.
Great news for travellers from the UK as we say goodbye to the Traffic Light System and welcome in the new, simplified travel privileges for the double vaccinated and under 18s.
Non-Red List Countries
If you are fully vaccinated, there will now be fewer testing requirements when returning from a non-red list country.
The biggest relief for fully vaccinated travellers will be no longer having to arrange a pre-departure test abroad in the three days before returning to the UK. Hooray!
There is the same requirement as before, to get tested at some point between your arrival in the UK (day 0) and the end of day 2 but from the end of October, this will no longer need to be a PCR test in England or Scotland. Instead you will need to take a lateral flow test (which is cheaper). If the lateral flow test is positive, you will need to isolate and take a confirmatory PCR test at no additional cost. The aim is for this to be in place when people return from their holidays this October half-term. (Wales and Northern Ireland have not yet announced if PCR tests will be replaced with lateral flow tests.). You will not need to take a Day 8 Covid test.
Red List Countries
Arrivals into the UK from red list countries remain the same. You will still have to take a pre-departure test and pre-book a mandatory 11-night quarantine hotel package, which will include two PCR tests, taken on day two and day eight, regardless of your vaccination status.
NB All travellers, regardless of their vaccination status and the country they are travelling from, will still need to complete a passenger locator form any time in the 48 hours before they arrive in the UK.
Destination Entry Requirements
Of course, even though a country is on the UK’s non-red-list, it is still necessary to check the entry requirements for that country before travelling. These can include filling in the correct forms, PCR test results, quarantine and insurance cover. If you are travelling with us we will advise you or you can visit www.gov.uk/foreigntraveladvice. It is important to remember some countries remain closed to non-essential travel e.g. Luxembourg, Australia, New Zealand. The USA isn’t currently open but the travel ban is set to come to an end in November as the US government reopens its borders to vaccinated travellers.
We are delighted that since Dubai, Turkey, Maldives and Mauritius were recently removed from the red list, these popular tourist destinations are included in the new changes. As a welcome reminder of how fabulous these places are, have a look at our latest offers to see some of the wonderful trips we have on offer.
We hope you find this information helpful in planning your future travels and never hesitate to get in touch if we can be of further assistance. The government intends to keep with the same 3 weekly timetable for travel list reviews so we keep our fingers crossed for more good news in the near future.
(Covid-19) Travel Guidance Follow FCO AdvicePeace of Mind GuaranteeBook with ConfidenceTravel with Confidence
We are here to help
In the current climate, it’s important to give you the confidence to book your next holiday, with much-needed flexibility and reassurance. At Queensferry Travel we understand the need for confidence when you make your future travel plans. It's why we are working closely with each of our travel trade partners to negotiate flexible terms wherever possible when you book a new holiday with us.
Our Approach
The safety and well-being of our travellers comes first and we are closely monitoring the situation as it evolves and we are following Government travel advice. In addition, we are in constant contact with our partners in affected destinations for first-hand up to date information and insight. At Queensferry Travel we understand that the outbreak of Coronavirus (Covid-19) raises many questions regarding travelling as well as planning travel in the near future and we recognise the uncertainty this may cause.Having operated throughout the UK lockdown period, we are fully set up from home, and ready and waiting to help you plan or rebook your next escape. What's more, is we introduced full flexibility on any new bookings made from 1 January to 31 December 2021 meaning you can look forward to your trip with peace of mind.
What are we doing?
As this situation develops, we will continue to proactively contact our customers to offer support and assistance. We are offering as much flexibility as possible for all bookings, and remain in close contact with our suppliers to facilitate this. We will be proactively contacting clients with upcoming bookings on a rolling basis, but if you'd like to have a chat with us in the meantime, we'd be delighted to hear from you.
Due to travel in the next few months?
Before travelling, please seek up to date advice from the UK Foreign Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice about travel to, and within, your chosen destination. Please pay particular attention to any entry requirements; whether there is any need to provide a medical certificate, complete a specific form or undergo testing for Coronavirus Covid-19 before departing from the UK or on arrival at the destination. Also be aware that a quarantine period may apply upon your return. Where the FCDO continues to advise against travel to a destination we will continue to offer customers a free of charge amendment*, or cancellation *any increase in holiday cost and supplier charges will be applicable. We will be in contact directly to discuss the options available to you and will ensure to update on the latest information available with regards to the destination.
Safe Travels
Our Travel Trade Partners have received the World Travel and Tourism Council’s Safe Travels stamp, which provides travellers with the assurance that we have implemented health and hygiene protocols that are aligned with WTTC’s Safe Travels Protocols. Learn more here – https://wttc.org/COVID-19/Safe-Travels-Global-Protocols-Stamp
‘Safe Travels’: Global Protocols & Stamp for the New Normal
Global Safety Stamp to Recognise Safe Travels Protocols – The specially designed stamp will allow travellers to recognise governments and companies around the world which have adopted health and hygiene global standardised protocols – so consumers can experience ‘Safe Travels’.
Eligible companies such as hotels, restaurants, airlines, cruise lines, tour operators, attractions, short term rentals, car rentals, outdoor shopping, transportation and airports, will be able to use the stamp once the health and hygiene protocols, outlined by WTTC, have been implemented.
Destinations using the Safe Travels Stamp – If you are looking for the stamp process and contact details for the below destinations to ask for the stamp, click here.
The United Kingdom’s departure from the European Union
As the UK departed the EU, it is important that you understand how this may impact your European holiday plans.
Please keep up to date with changes to European travel rules and regulations – It is the travellers’ responsibility to keep up to date with the very latest advice and information with regards travel rules and regulations. With this in mind, we recommend you save this link https://www.gov.uk/visit-europe-1-january-2021 to the Gov.uk website and check back on a regular basis.
Brexit – Important Information
We have summarised answers to some of the more frequently asked questions raised by the United Kingdom’s departure from the European Union. Below, you’ll find a handy guide to the changes Brexit will bring to European holidays.
No. UK travellers do not require a visa to travel to the EU.
Please ensure each person travelling has a passport that:
-Is valid for a minimum of at least 6 months
-Is less than 10 years old
Travel may be refused if either of these are not adhered too.
Passport renewals – Your passport does need to be valid for the whole of your trip.
As long as you have a full UK driving licence, you don’t currently need an additional licence to drive in the EU. This has not changed following 31 January 2020.
Driving in the EU
From 1st January 2021, you may be required to have an International Driving Permit (IPD) when driving in Europe.
The Post Office has a handy tool for this – https://www.postoffice.co.uk/identity/international-driving-permit#IDP-Checker
Yes. Everything will stay the same, the UK and EU have ensured flights, ferries, cruises & trains will continue to operate as normal. You can still travel to Europe after the UK’s departure from the EU.
Please ensure that a valid travel insurance policy is in place before travelling. Please ensure the travel insurance policy covers any pre-existing medical conditions, as these were covered by the EHIC however, many insurance policies will not cover for existing conditions.
European Health Insurance Card (EHIC)
UK-issued European Health Insurance Cards (EHICs) are still valid and offer the same cover as GHICs in the EU. Once your EHIC has expired, you’ll be able to replace it with a GHIC.
The European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) allows any EU citizen to access state medical care when they are travelling in another EU country. Apply for a free UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC)
ABTA has always advised holidaymakers and business travellers to make sure they have appropriate travel insurance, whether they have an EHIC card or not, as there are limitations to EHIC.
When travelling in the EU and beyond, it is important you take out travel insurance and check that it covers your current circumstances, including any medical conditions. If you have an annual policy, make sure you check the Terms and Conditions and contact your insurance provider if you’re not sure.
Mobile roaming charges are changing. We advise you check with your network provider to understand your data roaming policy and charges.
Cruise Lines Policies on CoronaVirus
We are working closely with our Cruise Line Partners. They continually assess upcoming cruises and if they have any guidance on how you may be affected they post updates on their websites.
All cruise lines actively ensure the safety of passengers. Customers will not be taken to destinations that the UK Foreign Office advises against. Ships have well established practices to prevent the spreading of illnesses. There will however be some additional steps taken prior to letting passengers board ships. These steps can be updated at any time latest updates will be posted on their websites.
Thank you for your patience, our number one priority is to safeguard our passengers during this constantly changing time. Links to travel advice while the outbreak of Covid-19 continues are below.
UK Government Advice
For country-specific advice, please see the UK Government’s information here >>
Links To Individual Cruise Lines Travel Updates (Covid-19)
Azamara Cruises CLICK HERE
Carnival Cruises CLICK HERE
Celebrity Cruises CLICK HERE
Cunard CLICK HERE
Fred Olsen CLICK HERE
Disney CLICK HERE
Holland America CLICK HERE
MSC CLICK HERE
NCL CLICK HERE
Oceania CLICK HERE
P&O CLICK HERE
Princess CLICK HERE
Regent CLICK HERE
Royal Caribbean CLICK HERE
Seabourn CLICK HERE
SilverSea CLICK HERE
Tui Marella CLICK HERE
WindStar CLICK HERE
Rest Assured
In response to the current outbreak of coronavirus, we wish to reassure our clients that we follow the official advice of the Foreign & Commonwealth Office (FCO) and as such, we are fully briefed on all the latest news and advice relating to all our featured destinations.
We highly recommend you sign up to receive the latest FCO Travel Advice for any countries involved in your upcoming travels. This will provide you with the latest information, which is particularly important, in this rapidly changing situation.
Please click the links to the FCO and ABTA advice pages for travellers, for further details.
Click here FCO https://www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-information-for-the-public
Click here ABTA https://www.abta.com/news/coronavirus-outbreak
If you do have any specific questions regarding your forthcoming holiday that aren’t covered by the FCO and ABTA advice, please do contact us and we would be delighted to assist.
Useful Links
Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice
Travel Health Advice
www.travelhealthpro.org.uk
UK Passport Service
www.gov.uk/browse/abroad/passports
ABTA – The Travel Association
www.abta.com
ABTA – Balcony Safe Campaign
Balcony Safe Campaign
ABTA – Swim Safe
Swim Safe
ABTA – Fun in the Sun
ABTA – Holidays in the Snow
AITO – Association of Independent Tour Operators
www.aito.co.uk
The Package Travel and Linked Travel Arrangements Regulations
The Package Travel and Linked Travel Arrangements Regulations 2018
CAA – Civil Aviation Authority
http://www.caa.co.uk/
It is the traveller’s responsibility to be aware of changes to rules and regulations when travelling to Europe – and adhere to them.
Check before you travel
Before planning a trip abroad, check the GOV.UK guidance for travelling overseas during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
Brexit Advice from Association of British Travel Agents’ (ABTA) website here.
We have provided a link to the Gov.uk website here https://www.gov.uk/visit-europe-1-january-2021 which we suggest that you check back regularly to ensure you are fully up to date before you travel.