So much has changed in such a short period of time and we will all continue to adapt to the new normal, whatever form that takes. We are already used to having face masks and sanitser with us when we go out so packing them for a trip will be just a few more things on the check list.

While travel to many locations is now possible, it isn’t always practicable and for some, it is more sensible to stay home and remain safe.

However, for those able to travel, and who want to travel, it is possible. To that end, we thought it would be helpful to have a brief summary of our key European destinations.

AUSTRIA

On 20th August, the FCO once again advised against travel to Austria. Those already in Austria are not currently being advised to return to the UK but to follow advice of the local authorities on how best to protect themselves and others. On return to the UK, after 4 am on 22nd August you will need to self isolate. You also need to provide your journey and contact details from 48 hours prior to your return.  The form is online HERE.

BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA

Although Bosnia’s borders are open you must be aware that FCO advice against all but essential travel to Bosnia and Herzegovnia remains in place and this may impact on your travel insurance.  British Nationals need a negative Covid-19 (PCR) test result not older than 48 hours in order to enter Bosnia and Herzegovina.  On your return to the UK, you will be required to self isolate for 14 days.  You do have to provide your journey and contact details from 48 hours prior to your return.  The form is online HERE.

CROATIA

FCO exemption was revoked on 20th August 2020 and the FCO now advise against all but essential travel. Those currently travelling haven’t been advised to return home but to follow local advice. Be advised that it is mandatory to wear face masks on public transport, in taxis, in shops and commercial premises.  You are required to complete an online entry form HERE. From 22nd August on return to the UK, you will be required to self isolate for 14 days and to provide your journey and contact details from 48 hours prior to your return.  The form is online HERE.

ICELAND

FCO exception was declared on 4th July 2020 and this is still valid. Pre-registration is required for Iceland, available through Covid.is. On arrival in Iceland, you must choose to pay to be tested for Covid-19 or self isolate for 14 days on arrival. From 19th August a second test in Iceland, 5 or 6 days after the first test will be required – even if the first test is negative. Effectively this means that while travel is possible, it may no longer be practical to do so as you are required to remain in quarantine for the 5 days between tests. You are required to pay for the first Covid-19 test but the second test is free of charge. You are also required to sign up to the contact tracing app Rakning C-19. On return to the UK, you are not currently required to isolate but you do have to provide your journey and contact details from 48 hours prior to your return.  The form is online HERE.

ITALY

FCO exemption was declared on 4th July 2020.  You are required to complete a self-declaration form prior to travel to Italy, available HERE but UK citizens are not required to quarantine on arrival.  You will need to provide this to your airline/transport.  You are no longer required to quarantine on arrival in Italy unless you have arrived from a country on their restricted list which is available HERE.   

NORWAY

FCO exemption was declared on 4th July 2020 (although the FCO still advises against cruise ship travel).  From midnight on 21st August travellers from the UK are required to self quarantine for 10 days on arrival in Norway so while it is possible to travel, it may not be practical to do so. You can view the full list of countries allowed entry to Norway HERE. On return to the UK, you are not currently required to isolate but you do have to provide your journey and contact details from 48 hours prior to your return.  The form is online HERE.

PORTUGAL

FCO exemption was effective from 4 am on Saturday 22nd August 2020 but you are subject to health screening on arrival. From 22nd August you are no longer required to quarantine for 14 days on your return. If travelling to Madeira, Porto Santo or the Azores, you must take a COVID-19 test before you travel or on arrival. You do have to provide your journey and contact details from 48 hours prior to your return.  The form is online HERE. If you are returning to Wales or Scotland from mainland Portugal you are required to self-isolate for 14 days. For those returning to Scotland, that includes travellers having visited the autonomous regions of Madeira and the Azores.

SLOVENIA

FCO exemption was declared on 4th July 2020. From 17th July travellers from the UK will no longer be subject to 14 day quarantine on arrival to Slovenia.  Health checks are conducted at all border entry points if you display signs of Covid-19 you will be denied entry. On you return to the UK, you are not currently required to isolate but you do have to provide your journey and contact details from 48 hours prior to your return.  The form is online HERE.

The above is only a small part of the wider list of countries no longer covered by UK FCO advice against all but essential travel. The full list is available HERE.

We will continue to update and expand on the the above list as the situation changes. For more information please contact Peter McLeod or Charlotte Chilcott or call our office on +44(0)1980 847389.

Travelling to Europe after leaving the EU (as Covid-19 allows)

The UK has left the European Union. The rules on travel to EU countries will stay the same until 31 December 2020 while the UK and EU negotiate additional arrangements.  From 1st January 2021, travel requirements to the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein will change and you can sign up to receive Government updates HERE.

Using your passport

If your passport is burgundy, or has “European Union” on the cover, you can continue to use it until it expires. If you need to renew your passport, allow a minimum of 6 weeks if you are applying online – longer if you apply by post.

Travel Insurance

Before you travel, please check that any existing travel insurance policies will cover you for Covid-19 related issues either by endorsement or the reissue of the policy including this new cover.  Specifically cancellation prior to travel because you have contracted Covid-19 or should you have to cancel and self-isolate because you have been in contact with someone who has contracted Covid-19.  The policy should include cover for Covid-19 related medical costs whilst abroad and Covid-19 related quarantine costs whilst aboard.

Returning to the UK

All travellers, regardless of whether you are travelling from a country or territory where you do not have to self-isolate, must complete the online form available HERE. 

You cannot submit the form until 48 hours before you are due to arrive in the UK.

Each person travelling must complete a separate form unless you are travelling with someone under 18 years of age but only if you are travelling together, will holiday together and return to the same UK address.

The form must be completed online – do not print it out and fill it in by hand.  You will receive a confirmation email once the form has been submitted. When you arrive at the UK border you will need to show either:

Why do you have to do this?

Border Force officers will use the QR code at the top of the document to check you have completed the form successfully. The government will use the information you give to contact you if you or someone you’ve travelled with develops coronavirus (COVID-19) symptoms. If you need to self-isolate for the first 14 days after you arrive in the UK, the government will also use the information to check that you’re self-isolating.

You may be fined up to £100 if you refuse to provide your contact details, or more if you break this rule more than once. You also may not be allowed to enter the UK (unless you are either British or a UK resident). The full UK Government advice on providing your details is available HERE.