Travelling abroad during the pandemic: the whats, hows, and whys

It’s typically at this time of year that we start to plan for the last of the summer and start of the autumn months. What will we do? Who will we go with? And, just as importantly, where will we go? And while at the time of writing, we’re still in the midst of a global pandemic, there are some local highlights to rejoice about. Coronavirus restrictions continue to ease, and <a href="https://coronavirus.data.gov.uk/details/vaccinations" target="_blank">over 40 million Britons are fully vaccinated against Covid-19</a>. In turn, as of Monday 2 August 2021, the Government <a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/news/uk-travel-update-government-waives-quarantine-for-arrivals-fully-vaccinated-from-europe-and-usa-while-also-confirming-international-cruise-restart" target="_blank">waived quarantine measures</a> for Covid-19 double vaccinated English travellers returning from <a href="https://caxtonfx.com/travel-tracker" target="_blank">amber-listed (medium risk) countries<a> on its <a href="https://caxtonfx.com/travel-tracker" target="_blank">travel traffic light system</a>. Naturally, we’re no longer holidaying vicariously via throwback photos of trips abroad. Many travellers are now taking the opportunity to act on their year-long wanderlust with a summer getaway; reunite with friends and family living overseas; or embark on a sole international adventure. But many parts of the world (including some green-listed countries) are still subject to lockdowns and closed foreign borders. So, travel continues to pose a level of uncertainty, as well as extra costs and considerations than ever before. With this in mind, we’ve rounded up what you need to know and do before you fly abroad.

What countries are on the Government’s Green, Amber, and Red lists?

caxton-travel-smarter-blog-travelling-abroad-pandemic-what-know-traffic-light-system.png The Government will continue to regularly revise destinations listed on the <a href="https://caxtonfx.com/travel-tracker" target="_blank">traffic light system</a>, based on Covid-19 data. But as of Sunday 8 August 2021 at 4am, the latest travel updates have come into effect. These changes are set to remain in place for three weeks, before the next review. The countries and territories currently on the UK’s Green list are: <a href="https://caxtonfx.com/travel-tracker/anguilla" target="_blank">Anguilla</a>; <a href="https://caxtonfx.com/travel-tracker/antigua-and-barbuda" target="_blank">Antigua and Barbuda</a>; <a href="https://caxtonfx.com/travel-tracker/australia" target="_blank">Australia</a>; <a href="https://caxtonfx.com/travel-tracker/austria" target="_blank">Austria</a>; <a href="https://caxtonfx.com/travel-tracker/barbados" target="_blank">Barbados</a>; <a href="https://caxtonfx.com/travel-tracker/bermuda" target="_blank">Bermuda</a>; <a href="https://caxtonfx.com/travel-tracker/british-indian-territory" target="_blank">British Indian Territory</a>; <a href="https://caxtonfx.com/travel-tracker/brunei" target="_blank">Brunei</a>; <a href="https://caxtonfx.com/travel-tracker/bulgaria" target="_blank">Bulgaria</a>; <a href="https://caxtonfx.com/travel-tracker/cayman-islands" target="_blank">Cayman Islands</a>; <a href="https://caxtonfx.com/travel-tracker/croatia" target="_blank">Croatia</a>; <a href="https://caxtonfx.com/travel-tracker/dominica" target="_blank">Dominica</a>; <a href="https://caxtonfx.com/travel-tracker/falkland-islands" target="_blank">Falkland Islands</a>; <a href="https://caxtonfx.com/travel-tracker/faroe-islands" target="_blank">Faroe Islands</a>; <a href="https://caxtonfx.com/travel-tracker/germany" target="_blank">Germany</a>; <a href="https://caxtonfx.com/travel-tracker/grenada" target="_blank">Grenada</a>; <a href="https://caxtonfx.com/travel-tracker/hong-kong" target="_blank">Hong Kong</a>; <a href="https://caxtonfx.com/travel-tracker/israel" target="_blank">Israel</a>; <a href="https://caxtonfx.com/travel-tracker/latvia" target="_blank">Latvia</a>; <a href="https://caxtonfx.com/travel-tracker/malta" target="_blank">Malta</a>; <a href="https://caxtonfx.com/travel-tracker/montserrat" target="_blank">Montserrat</a>; <a href="https://caxtonfx.com/travel-tracker/new-zealand" target="_blank">New Zealand</a>; <a href="https://caxtonfx.com/travel-tracker/norway" target="_blank">Norway</a>; <a href="https://caxtonfx.com/travel-tracker/pitcairn-islands" target="_blank">Pitcairn Islands</a>; <a href="https://caxtonfx.com/travel-tracker/romania" target="_blank">Romania</a>; <a href="https://caxtonfx.com/travel-tracker/singapore" target="_blank">Singapore</a>; <a href="https://caxtonfx.com/travel-tracker/slovakia" target="_blank">Slovakia</a>; <a href="https://caxtonfx.com/travel-tracker/slovenia" target="_blank">Slovenia</a>; <a href="https://caxtonfx.com/travel-tracker/south-georgia-and-south-sandwich-islands" target="_blank">South Georgia and South Sandwich Islands</a>; <a href="https://caxtonfx.com/travel-tracker/st-helena-ascension-and-tristan-de-cunha" target="_blank">St Helena, Ascension, and Tristan de Cunha</a>; <a href="https://caxtonfx.com/travel-tracker/taiwan" target="_blank">Taiwan</a>; and <a href="https://caxtonfx.com/travel-tracker/turks-and-caicos" target="_blank">Turks and Caicos</a>. Head over to our <a href="https://caxtonfx.com/travel-tracker" target="_blank">Travel Tracker tool</a>, where you’ll find a breakdown of information on what you need to do, before, during, and post-leisure or essential travel to a green-listed country or territory. And while you’re there, you can also search for amber (and red-listed) destinations, via our interactive world map or search functionality. Note: if your desired destination is green-listed by the Government, do take care to check (prior to booking flights) if it will indeed grant you entry. Some countries and territories are not permitting international travellers (including English ones) to enter – due to respective entry restrictions. For instance, last week, Australian authorities announced that parts of the country would go into or remain in lockdown, amid new Covid-19 infections; and that <a href="https://caxtonfx.com/travel-tracker/australia" target="_blank">international borders</a> would remain closed. Meanwhile, New Zealand’s Prime Minister Jacinda Arden announced that the country will gradually reopen to international tourism from early 2022 (yes, next year!).

What are the Covid-19 test requirements?

caxton-travel-smarter-blog-travelling-abroad-pandemic-covid-19-testing.png Exact requirements for pre-travel testing (i.e. to depart from England) vary by country. The majority of green and amber-listed countries and territories expect you to provide proof of a negative Covid-19 PCR or antigen test. Some have exemptions in place for children, but please refer to our <a href="https://caxtonfx.com/travel-tracker" target="_blank">Travel Tracker</a> for details. Typically, you’ll need to take a test within 48 or 72 hours prior to departure, and provide proof of a negative test result at boarding. But the timescale can change suddenly. So, it’s up to you to check requirements for your destination closer to your holiday departure date – to ensure you take one within the requested window. On arrival, some locations may ask you to take further Covid-19 tests – either in place of or alongside quarantine/self-isolation measures. And prior to your return to England from green-listed (low risk) countries, you must undergo a test within 72 hours (three days) before your scheduled return flight. For example, if you’re due to travel to England on Friday, you can take a test on or after Tuesday to have a negative test result available before boarding. And don’t get caught out – ensure your test meets the <a href="https://www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-testing-for-people-travelling-to-england" target="_blank">rules and standards, as outlined by the Government</a>. You’ll also need to take a <a href="https://www.find-travel-test-provider.service.gov.uk/test-type/green" target="_blank">private Covid-19 PCR test on or before day two of your arrival</a>. Destinations in the amber category also require you to take a test 72 hours prior to departure, as well as on or before day two after arrival and on day eight (unless you are fully vaccinated with two doses of a Covid-19 vaccine). If you’re set to return from a red-listed destination, you must take a test 72 hours prior to departure. Plus, during quarantine back in England, you’ll need to take two Covid-19 PCR tests – one on or before day two of your arrival and one on day eight, with no exceptions.

How do I obtain Covid-19 tests?

caxton-travel-smarter-blog-travelling-abroad-pandemic-covid-19-testing-1.png You can’t take a free NHS Covid-19 test prior to departure to a foreign destination, as it won’t include the appropriate information you need to provide as proof of a negative test result. Whether you choose to carry out your ‘Fit-to-Fly’ test at home and take them to a drop-off location or take a test in person at a supervised testing centre, you’ll need to book and pay for one via a government-approved, <a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/list-of-private-providers-of-coronavirus-testing/list-of-private-providers-of-coronavirus-testing" target="_blank">private Covid-19 test provider</a>. Some airlines, including <a href="https://www.britishairways.com/en-gb/information/incident/coronavirus/covid19-tests#suppliertable" target="_blank">British Airways</a>, <a href="https://www.easyjet.com/en/holidays/info/covid-19-testing" target="_blank">EasyJet</a>, and <a href="https://www.ryanair.com/gb/en/useful-info/covid-19-test-locations" target="_blank">Ryanair</a>, have even partnered up with government-listed, private testing providers – to offer passengers exclusive discount rates. If you need to take any further Covid-19 tests on arrival at your destination, authorities will arrange for you to take these free-of-charge at the airport or a nearby testing facility. Or you may need to pre-book and pay for these, ahead of travel – so it’s vital for you to <a href="https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice" target="_blank">check requirements</a> nearer to the time of departure. You’ll need to <a href="https://www.find-travel-test-provider.service.gov.uk/test-type" target="_blank">pre-book and pay for private Covid-19 tests</a>, to take once you return to England from a green or amber-listed country. If you’re returning to England from a red-listed country, your tests will be included in the costs for the on-arrival quarantine package.

How do I provide proof of negative Covid-19 test result?

You can present an original Covid-19 test result notification in the following two formats: a printed document or an email/text on your phone. The <a href="https://www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-testing-for-people-travelling-to-england#how-to-provide-proof-of-a-negative-test-result" target="_blank">test result notification</a> must be in English, French, or Spanish – translations won’t be accepted. It must include the following information (otherwise, you may need to pay a £500 fine): • Your name, which should match your passport and travel documents; • Your date of birth/age; • The result of the test; • The date the test was taken or received by the private test provider; • The name and contact details of the private test provider; • Confirmation of the device used for the test, or that the test was a PCR test.

Do I need to complete a Passenger Locator Form?

Regardless of the country you’re returning from to England, there’s currently a requirement for all inbound passengers to complete the Government’s <a href="https://www.gov.uk/provide-journey-contact-details-before-travel-uk" target="_blank">Passenger Locator Form</a> in the 48 hours before arrival. You’ll need to include your passport and flight details, UK address, and booking reference numbers for Covid-19 tests to be taken after arriving back in England. If you’re returning from a red-listed country, you must also include the invoice number for the hotel you’re due to stay in for your 10-day quarantine period. Note: if you fail to complete the form, you may incur a fine of up to £100 – which can increase up to £3,200, if you cite the wrong address. If you’re not a British or Irish citizen, you may not be allowed into the UK.

Do I need to quarantine on arrival to my desired destination and on return to England?

caxton-travel-smarter-blog-travelling-abroad-pandemic-quarantine-self-isolation.png If a given country or territory designates England as a high risk country, you may need to quarantine or self-isolate for a period of time on arrival. But other destinations may deem you exempt from such measures – if you can prove you’re fully vaccinated; have recovered from a recent Covid-19 infection; or, in some cases, can provide a negative Covid-19 test result, taken within 72 hours prior to travel. But more on this a little later. Meanwhile, what you do when you arrive in England from abroad depends on your vaccination status and where you have been in the past 10 days before arrival. This will determine the quarantine or self-isolation procedure on your return. As mentioned earlier, if you arrive back in England from an amber-listed country (such as Spain, France, or Greece), and were not fully vaccinated with two doses of a Covid-19 vaccine, you’ll need to self-isolate at home for 10 days. Plus, it’s important to note that the <a href="_https://www.gov.uk/guidance/red-amber-and-green-list-rules-for-entering-england#Government's%20Guidelines" target="_blank">Government strictly advises against leisure travel to red-listed countries</a>. But in instances such as a family emergency, you may need to embark on essential travel. On your return to England, you’ll need to undergo mandatory quarantine (regardless of vaccination status) for 10 days in a pre-booked, government-designated hotel. This stay will cost up to £1,750 per person – but will cover the transfer from the airport and food, as well as two other Covid-19 PCR tests; to be taken on or before day two of your arrival in England and then on day eight. The rest of the UK publishes its own rules, so we recommend for you to refer to Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland’s government websites for the latest, most up-to-date information and guidance.

How do I prove my Covid-19 vaccination or previous positive Covid-19 test result status?

If you’re fully vaccinated with two doses of a Covid-19 vaccine, your <a href="https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/covid-pass/" target="_blank">NHS Covid Pass</a> will show these details, i.e. your Covid-19 status. If you’re aged 16 or over, you’ll eligible to access an NHS Covid Pass for foreign travel. If you need to prove you’re fully vaccinated for the purpose of travel abroad, you can obtain a pass typically within 24 hours of having your vaccination. But keep in mind, that it can take up to five days for records to be updated. If you need to prove a previous positive Covid-19 infection within the past six months, you can get a pass as soon as you’ve finished self-isolating or up to 180 days after taking the test.

How do I get access to my NHS Covid Pass?

You can opt for a digital version (PDF or email), via the <a href="https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/online-services/nhs-app/" target="_blank">NHS App</a> or <a href="https://covid-status.service.nhsx.nhs.uk/" target="_blank">website</a>. You’ll need to create an <a href="https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/online-services/nhs-log-in/" target="_blank">NHS login</a> to use either service, taking care to register at least two weeks before you need to use your pass. If you had your vaccine in the UK, your pass will last for 30 days, but this period refreshes with every login. If you’ve had a positive PCR test (to confirm a previous infection), your pass will also last 30 days. But this 30-day period will refresh every time you login (for up to 180 days from when you took the test). Or you can request a paper version (vaccination status only), which will be an NHS Covid Pass letter in English sent in the post. Before you request a <a href="https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/covid-pass/get-your-covid-pass-letter/" target="_blank">letter via the NHS website</a> or <a href="https://www.gov.uk/guidance/nhs-covid-pass" target="_blank">calling the NHS 119 helpline</a>, you need to wait five working days after having your second dose of the vaccine – to ensure your records are up-to-date. Please allow for five working days for the letter to arrive.

Looking to travel abroad soon? Bookmark our <a href="https://caxtonfx.com/travel-tracker" target="_blank">Travel Tracker tool</a>, for the dos and don’ts – before, during, and after your international holiday. And while you’re making travel plans, don’t forget to take advantage of fee-free spending in over 35 million locations across the globe, when you pay using your <a href="https://www.caxtonfx.com/cards/currency-card" target="_blank">Caxton pre-paid currency card</a>. <a href="https://myaccount.caxtonfx.com/Account/login" target="_blank">Log into your Caxton account</a> today to top up, view transactions, and much more. If you’re yet to <a href="https://myaccount.caxtonfx.com/Account/Register" target="_blank">register an account</a> with us and would like to find out more, discover how to <a href="https://www.caxtonfx.com/cards" target="_blank">spend and send your money</a> in a smarter, more secure way.