Everybody is excited to finally go on holiday after enduring 15 months of the UK’s miserable weather. As well as this, we all need a break from all the stresses associated with the pandemic. However, as the past year has highlighted, coronavirus isn’t going anywhere. We cannot afford to throw caution to the wind, even as restrictions begin to ease. If you are planning on travelling during the pandemic, then you might want to keep reading. Here’s everything that tourists need to be aware of whilst on holiday in the coming months:
Immunocompromised Travel Companions
Most immunocompromised people in the UK have now received both dosages of the coronavirus vaccine. This means that they can enjoy moving around more freely. However, being double jabbed does not make you invulnerable to the virus. It certainly decreases transmissibility and reduces the risk of serious illness or hospitalisation – but the danger is still there. If you are immunocompromised or have a travel companion who is, then you should exert caution whilst holidaying. In addition, it might be worth investing in travel insurance for medical conditions before departing on your journey, so that you have something to fall back on in case of emergency.
Coronavirus Vaccine Passports
It comes as no surprise that tourists are now required to obtain a vaccine passport before travelling between countries. Don’t let yourself get caught out by this new regulation! We recommend planning all your holidays for dates that come after your second dose of the vaccine. You should also sort out your vaccine passport far in advance of travelling. It could potentially take a long time for this document to be processed, so it might arrive after your departure flight if you aren’t careful. For those wondering where they can get a vaccine passport, you can find out more information on the government’s website. In England, these essential travel documents are called NHS Covid Passes. You will need them when crossing country borders or trying to enter certain venues and events.
Booking Coronavirus Tests
Tourists might be asked to show proof of a negative coronavirus test result before they are admitted into countries, accommodations, or events. Therefore, travellers should book coronavirus tests in preparation for their flights. A few days before your flight is the optimal time. As well as this, tourists should have testing kits in preparation for their return to their home country and for the duration of their holiday. Ideally, you’ll have a PCR test before flying. Lateral flow tests may suffice in some circumstances, though. Once again, this is something to be aware of, as it is easy to be caught out.
Checking the Rules in Other Countries
Though the restrictions in the United Kingdom have significantly eased, the same cannot be said for all other countries. As tourism forms a big part of the economy, most places have tentatively opened their borders, whilst keeping stringent regulations in place for residents and travellers. So, before heading to your travel destination, you should check what the restrictions currently are – especially in red and amber countries. Remember, coronavirus rules might vary from area to area. There is no such thing as being underprepared in these circumstances. As a precautionary measure, it is worth bringing plenty of face masks with you. Hand sanitiser definitely won’t go amiss, either. Finally, we recommend maintaining a 2-metre distance from everybody outside of your household whenever possible.
These are some of the main things that tourists should be mindful of whilst travelling during the pandemic. We hope you have found this guide helpful and informative.
