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.
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.