FCDO shares top tips for UK travellers going on holiday

Autumn is on the horizon and with it the last chance for a late summer or half-term holiday. If you're planning to travel this year, the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) has created a selection of top tips to help you get away - and come back - hassle-free.

Top tips for going on holiday - © Travnikov Studio - Fotolia.com

In a bid to make people aware of everything from official UK government coronavirus advice to the need to understand Covid-19 requirements in other countries and practical solutions such as how to access your proof of vaccination status, the FCDO's top tips make for a handy checklist and support the department's Travel Aware campaign.

A helping hand: as well as following official FCDO travel advice, you can find everything you need to know in our comprehensive coronavirus travel advice guide while our Covid-19 travel planner will help you find the perfect place to go.

FCDO travel advice

Destination

FCDO's top tips for UK travellers

1. Check FCDO Travel Advice - be sure you know your destination's entry and quarantine requirements before you book by checking current travel advice from the FCDO.

2. Follow local Covid-19 rules - be sure you are aware of your chosen destination's restrictions including limits on group numbers and curfews, if applicable.

3. Know a country's vaccination requirements - some countries will only accept fully vaccinated travellers; be sure you know whether or not you will need to prove you have been fully vaccinated on arrival at your destination.

4. Prepare to prove vaccination status - if you do need to prove you are fully vaccinated, check what proof your destination accepts. In England, download the NHS app to validate your NHS Covid Pass; in Scotland, you will need to apply for a vaccine certificate; in Wales, you will need to download/print a PDF document from the NHS Covid Pass website and in Northern Ireland, download the COVIDCert NI app.

5. Know the new rules for entering Europe - check the new requirements for entering Europe following Brexit such as passport validity, access to healthcare and taking a vehicle or pet, among others.

6. Book authorised Covid-19 tests - be sure to book government-authorised Covid-19 tests for travel, any hotel packages and complete your passenger locator form before you return to the UK.

7. Be prepared for change - coronavirus is still a threat and disruption is still possible; stay up-to-date with the latest changes to the traffic light lists and remember other countries can also close their borders or change entry rules for travellers from the UK at short notice.

8. Purchase appropriate travel insurance - make sure you know what is and isn't included with your travel insurance policy and, if you're visiting the EU, be certain to take your valid European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) or new Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC).

9. Be financially prepared - contracting Covid-19 on holiday could be very expensive as some countries insist you enter a quarantine hotel at your expense. Make sure you have the money or insurance policy to pay for it; please note, European Health Insurance Cards (EHIC) and Global Health Insurance Cards (GHIC) cannot be used to cover the cost of a hotel to quarantine in when travelling.

10. Stay up-to-date - sign up for travel advice email alerts from the FCDO, so you automatically receive the latest travel updates for your chosen destination(s). Simply navigate to a country and select the 'Get email alerts' option above the summary.

Ready to book your late summer escape? Browse the latest deals on holidays, flights, accommodation, Covid-19 tests and much more.

Updated on Wednesday 15 September 2021

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