Beginning July 19, people of England, Wales, and Scotland who’ve had both Covid-19 vaccines may travel to amber list countries without being quarantined upon their return.
The government will no longer advocate against international tourism after that date. With major holiday locations such as mainland Spain, France, Greece, and Italy now graded amber, millions of vaccinated passengers may travel this summer. You’ve undoubtedly must long to travel since being confined up for so long. However, before you board a plane or hit the streets, consider how the spread of COVID-19 may influence your schedule. But don’t forget to pack the essential medicines and hygiene products.
Although quarantine is no longer required under the new regulations, fully vaccinated passengers may still complete two Covid tests. One lateral flow test will indeed be necessary prior to your travel, and another PCR test on or before day two of your return to the UK.
Rules for travelling to amber listed countries
Travellers landing in England and Scotland from these countries no longer require quarantine provided they have both doses of the Covid vaccination or are still under the age of 18.
With careful preparation, most pregnant women can travel without experiencing any health problems. However, pregnant women should see their travel health advisor 6 to 8 weeks before travel.
People returning from other locations, including France, Spain, and Portugal, will still need to undergo a Covid-19 test three days before their return.
It will also require visitors to take a test on or before the second day of their return, under the prior limitations, but will be exempt from the day-eight exam.
Although the revisions broaden the possibilities for British tourists, it is important to verify the entrance criteria for your preferred location and confirm that it welcomes people from the UK, as well as what certification they require.
Travellers should also examine the Government’s advice on non-essential travel, which works independently of the traffic-light system and can have serious consequences for travel insurance.
Protection against COVID-19 when flying
Those low-cost airfares are quite appealing right now. The oddity with means of transportation such as flying is that you are mostly clueless about who might sit next to you. The danger to you is minimal if the flight crew properly enforce masks during the flight, you keep your hands clean, and you actively avoid touching your face.
If you decide to fly, bear in mind that being safe on an aircraft necessitates considerably more than just donning a mask. You have to deal with check-in terminals and immigration queues before you even get to the plane. This entails coming into contact with regularly touched surfaces and being in close proximity to numerous individuals. So while you may be concerned about keeping safe on the plane, you should be more concerned about safeguarding yourself before boarding.
According to the experts, most viruses do not transmit easily aboard planes because of how air flows and is purified. Many airlines take the required steps to keep their flights sterilised and secure for passengers in an attempt to limit the spread of COVID-19.
They now use HEPA filters in aeroplanes that clean both outside air and recirculated air that flows through them. In addition, many airlines disinfect and even spray planes with an electrostatic disinfectant that adheres to seatbelts and other overly touched surfaces. Some airlines even changed their seating layouts to provide extra space between customers.
In terms of individual safety, a lot of airlines mandate passengers to wear facial masks when flying. Some even provide antibacterial wipes to passengers. Of course, you can always use your sanitiser or wipes to disinfect armrests, chairs, light switches, and even the restroom door handle for an added sense of security.
Protection against COVID-19 when at a hotel or rental home
If you travel outside of the city, you will require somewhere to stay. Some may prefer a hotel, while others may prefer the serenity of a vacation rental property. Either can be risk-free if you are careful, follow social distancing standards, and ask the right questions ahead of time.
Scrutinise the sanitation routine of the hotel or rental property before making a reservation. Many establishments are reporting how they go above or over to keep visitors safe in an effort to preserve transparency. Hotels, for example, are sanitising more thoroughly and providing online check-in and digital keys. Many have also instituted 24-hour vacancies for rooms that are not in use. Vacation rental firms, on the other hand, such as Airbnb, have implemented new cleaning procedures.
Such areas should be properly cleaned prior to your arrival, but you may always bring cleaning products with you to disinfect surfaces for added comfort. And, as with means of transport, hotel room or rental house ultimately comes down to wearing your mask in public places, washing your hands often, cleaning high-touch surfaces upon arrival, and not travelling if you’re sick.
It’s OK if you want or need to travel, but you should encourage planning ahead of time to keep yourself and the people you care about safe.
