Preparations Before Travelling Internationally
Monday, March 15th, 2021
Preparations before travelling are essential just now with the current covid-19 restrictions in place. Gran Canaria is part of the Canary Islands and so travel restrictions currently apply until 21 June 2021. Currently, all UK passengers are banned from travel to Spain unless you are a Spanish national.
Essential preparations before travelling
If you are legally permitted to travel abroad, carefully consider the following advice to prepare and be ready for your trip:
- Keep up to date with the latest official travel advice from the country you are departing and the country you are travelling too.
- Due to the pandemic all countries may impose travel restrictions without notice.
- If you are travelling from the UK, check the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO)
- Check what are the current entry restrictions, quarantine requirements on arrival that might affect you. You may be required to self-isolate for a period of time, even if you do not have symptoms.
- Regarding travel insurance make sure you have adequate cover. What impact has COVID-19 had on your travel insurance coverage. Your travel insurance may be compromised if you extend your trip abroad or if you have travelled abroad against UK Government advice.
- Just prior to travel contact your airline, tour operator, and accommodation providers for up-to-date information on your itinerary and travel plans.
COVID-19 testing and travel
Some countries may ask for evidence of testing for entry into their country. So as to be certain contact the UK embassy in the country you are travelling to. Remember you cannot use the NHS test and trace service for travelling abroad. Consult with your GP or private clinic of the options available, and if you are travelling for work, seek advice from your employer.
Timing is very important when getting a test. Don’t leave it to the last minute but then do not get the test too early that it becomes invalid. This usually is a swab PCR test. When arriving in to the UK you will be required to present a negative covid-19 test taken up to 72 hours before departure.
Also from 21 February 2021 a test needs to be carried out on day 2 and day 8 when a person arrives in to the UK from abroad. This applies whether under quarantine at home or hotel quarantine.