Everyone has been talking about the UK government travel corridor policy since travel was on the cards again in July and with the list of countries going on and off changing faster than the speed of light it has raised a few eyebrows, extensive debate and not to mention a few unhappy travellers when told they’ll have to quarantine after returning to the UK with little to zero notice.
However, the current list of countries where a period of self isolation is required, as of the 3rd of October 2020, can be found on the Gov.uk website together with a lot of helpful information and guidance for safe travel:
From the gov.uk website....
"Stay up to date
Countries, territories and regions can be taken off or added to this travel corridor list at any time.
Sign up to get an email alert whenever this page is updated."
So we've compiled a brief summary below for your convenience but this will undoubtedly change following the next Government announcement so always check before booking and travelling.
If you were lucky to get away for a mini holiday in the summer or if you are desperately planning (with hesitation, we’ll always have the wonderful UK staycations) a little winter getaway in the coming months but you are nervous to make the move and book those shiny flight ticket deals that keep popping in your inbox you’ll want to be well informed on the current situation and where you can actually go!
This is where our list (taken from both the Foreign & Commonwealth Office and UK government advice) comes in handy and the difference here is that you don’t have to do the dreaded mandatory quarantine on either side! The sweet spot lies wherein a country is shown on both lists. It’s worth noting that this list applies to countries that appear on England’s travel corridors list. The countries that appear on the lists of Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland may differ.
Feeling a bit better? Well then read on!
EUROPE
* Updated 09/10/20 - The Greek islands of Lesvos, Tinos, Serifos, Santorini and Zakynthos have been added to England’s travel corridor list, transport secretary Grant Shapps has confirmed.
From 4am on Saturday, travellers from the Greek islands will no longer have to self-isolate for 14 days
Greece (mainland and some islands)
The seven troublemakers on this one are Crete, Lesvos, Mykonos, Santorini, Serifos, Tinos and Zakynthos, so as beautiful and exciting as they might sound they are a no no if you want to avoid a full quarantine. There are regional travel corridors in place and UK travellers arriving from other areas of Greece, including the mainland won’t have to quarantine.
Cyprus
You can go but there are a few steps to follow before:
Get a COVID test 72 hours before travelling, you are only allowed if it’s negative!
Complete a Cyprus Flight Pass and upload your negative results within 24 hours prior to departure.
It’s a gamble on this one, as you might be subject to another test on arrival and if someone in your plan tests positive then you’ll have to quarantine.
Gibraltar
Nice and simple, no quarantine or test required so fly away!
Germany
Londoners are in luck with this one as if you’re arriving from one of the following English regions, you’re considered high risk: North East, North West, Yorkshire and the Humber but if you are coming from London for example then you are all good, being a Londoner never felt so good!
Liechtenstein
Another one that is super simple, no quarantine or test here either. Just make sure you haven’t been to any high risk countries or territories prior to flying.
Italy
Lots of Brits have made it their choice of holiday break in the last few months as there is no quarantine or test required however you may be subject to region specific forms so it’s worth checking the respective websites for information prior to booking.
Vatican City
Simple no quarantine or negative test.
San Marino
Same as above, no quarantine or negative test.
Portugal
You can only fly to Azores and Madeira which are on the corridor list, goes a bit like Cyprus: Covid test is required 72 hours before, then you must take a test on arrival and wait for those results at your accommodation before you can start enjoying the destination. Anything to avoid the 14 day quarantine!
Faroe Islands
You must take a Covid test on arrival, but you need to factor this into your budget as it will cost you between DKK 390-500 (about £48-£62). On the sixth day of your stay, travellers should take a follow-up test.
Sweden
Super simple, no quarantine or negative test
It’s worth knowing that as of 3 October Turkey and Poland are no longer on this list. This is how it goes! Always check before you book!
If you are thinking of going FAR FAR AWAY, then there is one possible option…(for those that have always wanted to visit Cuba!)
Cuba
Those willing to enter the country are only permitted if on international charter flights arriving directly into Cayo Coco, Cayo Cruz, Cayo Guillermo, Cayo Santa Maria or Cayo Largo del Sur.
A few key points to note from the UK gov website!
You will still need to complete the passenger locator form before you enter the UK. You must complete the passenger locator form online before you arrive in the UK from any country. This includes if you’re travelling from a country or territory where you do not have to self-isolate when you arrive in the UK. You must complete this form even if you’ve already completed a different form to enter another country.
If you do not complete the form before you arrive in the UK, it’s likely to take you longer to enter the UK.
You cannot submit the form until 48 hours before you’re due to arrive in the UK.
Make sure you have appropriate travel insurance in case you have unexpected costs.
Remember to check the gov.uk website before you book or travel....and then check again!
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