How To Travel Safely In A Global Pandemic

We've partnered with TripsGuard to help bring you the most up-to-date travel safety information around. In these uncertain times making sure you have relevant travel information regarding your future trips is just another way we're helping to make your travel as hassle-free as possible. For more information about TripsGuard and key COVID-19 related info about some of the UK travellers's top destinations, keep reading.

2020 has changed the way we travel, however our desire to travel remains as strong as ever. Many travellers still want to see the world, and are willing to take the needed precautions to make it happen.

TripsGuard.com was created to cater to these exact needs - it allows you to easily see where you can travel during the COVID-19 pandemic, the procedures that are in place in different countries, and the precautions they are taking to ensure travellers’ safety.

With TripsGuard you can find out which countries are open for travellers, which tests, documents, or insurance you should prepare before traveling, as well as information about  what you can do and where you can go once you reach your destination.

Here’s a taste of the kind of information that can be found on TripsGuard, for a few select destinations.

At the moment, it is possible to travel to Greece from EU+ countries, including the UK, as well as some third countries, approved by the EU commission.

Greece is updating the list of countries regularly, removing some countries that were previously allowed (e.g., Montenegro and Algeria), and adding others, based on infection rates.

Some of the arrivals will be subject to enhanced screening.

Arriving to Greece is not completely hassle-free. All arrivals must complete a Passenger Locator Form, no less than 24 hours before arriving, with their travel history and accommodation details. After filling this form you will receive a QR code that will determine if you should undergo a health screening upon arrival.

All tourists are also recommended to install the Visit Greece app before arriving.

Tourists flying in from certain countries, as well as anyone arriving by land, are required to present a negative PCR test, taken no more than 72 hours before departing.

Arrivals from the UK may enter by air without presenting test results.

COVID-19 infections

Since opening up for tourism, the number of infections in Greece rose, and some areas in Greece are more at risk than others. At the moment, mainland Greece is considered safe, and you will not be required to self-isolate when returning to the UK. However, those returning from Greek islands, and not the mainland, will need to self-isolate for 14 days.

Accommodations, leisure activities and tours are available throughout Greece. Health measures such as a limit on the number of people and distance requirements are in place, and everyone is required to wear masks in public. It is advised to book tickets, tours and activities in advance.

As most of the EU, Spain has opened its borders for travel from within the European Area, including the UK, as well as the third countries approved by the commission.

Ease of Entry

Arrivals from countries considered safe, may enter Spain without having to quarantine or present test results. However, all arrivals must fill in the FCS form, receive an individual QR code, and present it at the airport.

COVID-19 infections

Spain is experiencing a second wave of infections in many areas of the country, and Madrid has entered a lockdown. Though travel in the less-busy, rural parts of Spain is not too risky, Spain is not on the UK’s safe corridor list, and anyone returning to the UK from Spain will be required to self-isolate.

Availability of leisure activities

Most of the museums, tours and activities in Spain are open for visitors again, with limitations on the number of visitors, and a requirement to wear face masks during the visit. It is required to buy tickets in advance to secure your place.

Night clubs in most of the country remain closed, and a lockdown is in place in Madrid, which means entry and exit are restricted to essential travel only, and businesses operate in reduced capacity.

France is open for tourists arriving from within the EU, the UK, and third countries approved by the EU commission. France will most likely not be accepting arrivals from any countries that are not defined as safe by the commission.

Ease of Entry

Those who are allowed to enter France for non-essential travel, are not required to undergo any special procedures - there is no requirement for a PCR test, quarantine or a certificate.

France has been recently experiencing a rise in infection rates, resulting in reinstating some restrictions to battle this trend. At the moment, it is not on the UK’s safe corridor list, and all those returning from France will need to self-isolate.

Availability of leisure activities

Most of the leisure activities and attractions across France are open, though reservations are required, and health protocols are in place. In Paris, where the number of cases rose significantly, bars, gyms and swimming pools were ordered to close again.

Italy is also accepting tourists from Europe and approved third countries, however some additional restrictions and procedures are in place for those arriving from certain countries, including the UK.

Anyone arriving in Italy, will be required to fill a travel declaration form before arrival. In addition, anyone arriving in Italy from the UK, as well as Belgium, France, the Netherlands, the Czech Republic, and Spain, will be required to present a negative PCR test result, taken no more than 72 hours before departing.

COVID-19 infections

Italy has infection rates mostly under control, and is considered a safe destination. It appears on the UK’s safe travel corridor, meaning those arriving to the UK from Italy, are not required to self-isolate.

Availability of leisure activities

Leisure activities in Italy have resumed, and attractions are open, with various health measures in place. It is required to book tickets and schedule your visit in advance in most places, including Vatican City, and face masks must be worn while visiting.

Night clubs and similar dance venues are currently closed.

The above information was correct at the time of publishing. Please check out TripsGuard.com for all the most up-to-date information regarding your travel destination.