A voice you can trust
UPDATED FRIDAY 09 APRIL:
There doesn't seem to be a day that goes by without the publication of an article about travel this summer. Will we travel? Can we travel?... conflicting and often confusing pieces re-edited for the sake of another news cycle.
With 50 years of experience behind us, we are well versed at extracting fact from fiction. And, thanks to our close relationships with our destination hosts, tourist offices and ministers, we are able to appreciate the context in which the headline statements are made.
I would therefore like to take a moment to share our thoughts for the forthcoming summer.
Facts:
On Friday 09 April the UK government published its roadmap for the reopening of overseas travel. The report has confirmed that destinations will be categorised using a traffic light system and has highlighted a list of key factors that will be taken into consideration: the percentage of the population that have been vaccinated, the rate of infection, the prevalence of variants of concern and the country’s access to reliable scientific data and genomic sequencing. It has also proposed a testing mechanism for each category.
Much remains unknown, but it is a step in the right direction, with our own Government, and its overseas counterparts working together to enable the world to travel again safely. Travel is, after all, not only about holidays but about the ability to reconnect with loved ones, to learn about our global society, to open our eyes and our minds to the unknown, and to create memories that far outlast the return flight.
An announcement on the categorisation of destinations is expected at the beginning of May. Exactly when we have not been told.
Review checkpoints have been announced and will take place at the end of June, July and September. These will assess the success of the processes and protocols in place.
Facts cont:
- The situation surrounding the Covid-19 pandemic remains fluid and ever-evolving. We all must play our part to safeguard the wellbeing of society across the globe.
- The 17th May has been pencilled in as the first date at which international holidays may resume.
- Most airlines, tour operators are planning to operate and destinations to open as from 17 May, if permitted to do so.
- A number of countries have announced that UK travellers will be welcomed as of May. These include: Greece, Cyprus, Spain and Portugal*
- The borders for some countries will remain closed as they continue to fight the spread of the virus
- The European Union is in discussions concerning the production of a 'Green Digital Pass' vaccination certificate. The certificate will provide evidence that a person has been vaccinated against, or recovered from, Covid or has received a negative test result. The date of its release is yet to be confirmed.
- Evidence of a payable negative Covid test will be required by many destinations if a traveller is not vaccinated.**
- Travel insurance is now available to cover some issues surrounding the Coronavirus
- Passenger Locator Forms will be required for travel from/to the UK
*Of course, situations may change should the rate of infection indicate.
** Whilst PCR tests have been mentioned in the Global Travel Task Force report, discussions are ongoing about the use of lateral flow tests which are much cheaper.
Country status:
Below is a list of Sunvil's featured destinations that have announced that they are preparing to welcome UK travellers.
Greece:
The 'Green Digital Pass' will provide the details required for entry into Greece after 17 May. If you are yet to receive your vaccination, you will be required to provide evidence of a negative Covid test result, taken within 72 hours of departure.
Cyprus:
The 'Green Digital Pass' will provide the details required for entry into Cyprus after 01 May. If you are yet to receive your vaccination, you will be required to provide evidence of a negative Covid test result, taken within 72 hours of departure.
Portugal:
The 'Green Digital Pass' will provide the details required for entry into Portugal after 01 May. If you are yet to receive your vaccination, you will be required to provide evidence of a negative Covid test result, taken within 72 hours of departure.
Spain:
Spain is looking towards reopening in mid-May and the 'Green Digital Pass' will provide the details required for entry. If you are yet to receive your vaccination, you will be required to provide evidence of a negative Covid test result, taken within 72 hours of departure.
Mexico:
Is open for visitors, with no requirement to show evidence of a negative test.
Costa Rica:
Is open for visitors providing that you purchase insurance with specific cover and complete an advance epidemiological information form. Direct flights will resume in late autumn; until then, indirect services are available.
