Planning a family holiday this summer during the pandemic

It’s great news for us all that restrictions are easing across the country and families can think about taking a holiday again this summer. However, it is important to remember that we are still living in a pandemic and if you are travelling with your family, there are some important things to take into consideration to ensure everyone stays safe.

If you're travelling abroad

If you are thinking of a holiday abroad this summer, it’s important to understand what testing is necessary for where you’re going.

The good news is that from 4am, Monday 19 July, the government no longer recommends against travel to amber list countries. People covered by the amber list rules, who have been fully vaccinated under the UK vaccination programme, will not need to quarantine on arrival in England or take a COVID-19 test on day 8.
If you have had your second vaccine up to 14 days before, you will still need to take a COVID-19 test three days before travel and a PCR test on or before day two. For children between the ages of five and 10, they will need to take a day two test. 

You will also need to prove you’ve had both vaccinations through the Covid pass on the NHS app – this is not the Covid app - or you can obtain a letter which you get by calling 119.

It’s essential to check the rules that apply to the country you are travelling to before you go.

Before you return from your holiday, you will need to take a COVID-19 test while you are still in your holiday destination. (To board your transport to England, you need proof of a negative result from a test taken in the 3 days before the service departs.)

You will also need to complete a passenger locator form which can do done any time in the 48 hours before you arrive in England.
Find out more about the current government guidelines on international travel at the Gov website

Travelling in the UK

It’s a good idea to plan a bit more thoroughly even if you are only travelling around the UK this summer and the following precautions are still recommended:

• Wherever possible travel by walking or cycling 
• Plan your travel – try to avoid busy times and routes on public transport
• Continue to regularly wash or sanitise your hands
• Wear a face covering on public transport, unless exempt
• Ensure the space you’re travelling in is well ventilated - open windows to allow plenty of fresh air
• You must not share a private vehicle in groups larger than 6 people (except when everyone present is from no more than 2 households), unless your journey is made for an exempt reason.

Although there are no longer any official restrictions for travelling between England, Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland, it’s a good idea to check any recommendations in place in the area you are travelling to before you go.

Find out more about the current government guidelines at the Gov website.

It sounds a lot, but if you are organised and really plan ahead, you can still have an enjoyable summer holiday, and be sure everyone stays safe.