What you need to know before travelling after the new strain of COVID?

What you need to know before travelling after the new strain of COVID?

Everything to know Traveling after the New Strain of COVID

If you are looking to travel during the current COVID-19 restrictions, here is some important information that you should think about.

There is an opening for traveling abroad, but disruptions can occur, as border closures, quarantine rules, and movement restrictions can be suddenly implemented. People traveling abroad should be aware that they may have to change their plans.

From 4 am on 18 March 2022, arrivals to the UK will be free from all restrictions imposed by COVID-19. COVID tests or a locator form will not be required for travellers arriving in the UK, although they are still available at places such as ExpressTest. From mid-March 2022, hotel quarantine will no longer be needed.

Contingency plans are managing the COVID-19 variants of concern. Travelers, particularly people who are at greater risk of severe COVID-19 infection, must still carefully assess their risk before travel and ensure that they are entirely up to date with all the needed vaccinations required by the United Kingdom.

Before Your Travels

Maintain up-to-date knowledge regarding advice provided by the country from which you will be departing and to which you will be traveling. Any government can impose travel restrictions without notice.

Check our Country Information pages for current travel health recommendations.

Worldwide, travellers now face the risk of contracting COVID-19. These countries have been separated into:

• Individual travellers face travel risks.
• Travel presents a health risk to the UK public.

Talk to your GP, practice nurse, pharmacist, or travel clinic if you need travel health advice, vaccinations, or malaria medication.

Arrangements for any COVID-19 tests are still required as certain countries may need a before, after, or on arrival test.

An official record of any tests you may have previously taken should be held in the event that someone asks for them at check-in, by border control, or during other moments of your trip. Your proof of vaccination from the UK is essential on many trips, although vaccine documentation may differ between different countries.

Delays could happen, so it is important to factor those into your trip, especially when it comes to practical or financial obligations. You should pack extra supplies of medication or medical equipment if that is something you require, in case you need to self-isolate overseas or find that you have been delayed. Always carry medication in your hand luggage and keep your prescription documents with you. It is also good to keep a backup version of your COVID-19 vaccine documentation or any test certificates you have.

Your travel insurance may be impacted due to COVID-19, such as medical repatriation costs if you become ill while abroad on your trip. If you need to self-isolate or quarantine, you should always complete these periods in your country. Your travel insurance may be compromised if you travel against UK Government advice.

Remember to contact your tour operator, airline, cruise line, or other transport or accommodation provider to ensure that you always have the most up-to-date information on your travel plans and itinerary. Rules to check how to reduce the transmission of COVID-19 can be found online, along with guidance measures for boarding aircraft and other transport methods.

During Your Travel

Each country has its specific COVID-19 protocol, so it is essential to follow the individual rules. Enhanced monitoring and screening could be found at entry and exit points. Regulations can change during your stay, meaning that you may be required to self-isolate if any borders are closed.

The quality of the air is carefully monitored on all aircraft, with the control being frequently changed to allow the air to pass through filters, removing any chance of virus spread. Since the beginning of the pandemic, aircraft have confirmed very few cases compared to general living. The risk of transmission is so low due to masks being worn. Adding this extra layer appears to provide protection.

When planning to fly, you should not travel if you’re feeling unwell, as you may be denied access when boarding the plane, especially if any of these are symptoms of COVID-19.

Encourage blood flow by moving your lower legs with flexes and ankle extensions, but moving seats is not recommended. If you begin to feel unwell during your flight, follow the onboard information provided.

Returning to the UK

The United Kingdom (UK) will remove international travel restrictions due to COVID-19 by 4 am on 18 March 2022. Changing rules may occur at any time, so be sure not to miss any updates.

In England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland, you should follow current public health advice if you develop any of the main symptoms of COVID-19 after returning home.

It is imperative that you seek immediate medical attention if you become ill after returning from malaria-risk areas. If you develop a fever on the same day you travelled to a malaria-risk area in the previous six months, tell the health professional that you require an urgent malaria test.