Coronavirus Advice: Travel During the COVID-19 Outbreak

For some, travel during the coronavirus Covid-19 pandemic is unnavoidable. But, is it safe? Is it possible? There’s plenty of coronavirus myths out there – let us guide you through the reliable sources of information and the extra steps you’ll need to take in your travel preparation during this unprecendented global event.

Research & Monitor Covid-19 Guidance

The situation is developing rapidly and information can change in hours. Check the FCO coronavirus travel advice for regularly updated information for British travellers. Search for your destination on their foreign travel advice database to find out if their are any entry restrictions or updated information for travellers, and subscribe for email alerts to be notified if information changes. For information directly from the countries you are visiting, contact their embassy or consulate to find our about restrictions or requirements. Also contact your airline, travel agent and accomodation providers to find out if they have any special measures in place you should be aware of.

Get to know the symptoms of covid-19 coronavirus and how to prevent spreading the disease. It’s important that you as a traveller are not spreading the virus unknowingly to the local population, so follow the guidance and self-isolate if necessary.

Vaccinations, Health & First Aid

Although we can’t vaccinate your against the covid-19 coronavirus (yet!), it’s really important that you protect yourself against all the other risks at your destinations. If you contract an illness during the pandemic, you are at increased risk while there are huge pressures on health services. Even if you can access the medical care you need, why take up bed space when you can get a vaccine to avoid illness altogether? Even if you don’t suffer extreme symptoms of an illness, you may be passing it amongst the population around, again increasing pressures on health services. Book a consultation for an in-depth guide to all the risks at your destinations and to make sure all your vaccinations are up to date.

Likewise, having all the first aid you might need will ensure you’re not putting further strain on local services. Take a kit like The Ultimate so you can care for your owns cuts, scrapes and minor illnesses. The Ultimate includes 2 antibiotics for self-treatment of infections & travellers diarrhoea so you don’t need to rely on local pharmacies. Try harder than usual to avoid injury and illness – be clean and careful!

Remote Travel Health Consultations

We are now offering a range of remote travel health consultations for anyone, anywhere to have a consultation with an expert travel nurse about the health risks associated with their trip, or on Covid-19 coronavirus specifically. To find out more & to book a remote consultation – Call Now.

Prepare for an extended time away

In the event that you are asked to isolate at your destination, you’ll need to be prepared to potentially be away for longer than expected. Make sure you’ve got people that can deal with your pets or plants if you won’t be back on the expected date. If you take regular medication, make sure you’re able to take a supply for longer than your planned trip. Ensure you’ve got access to enough funds in the event that you have to extend your stay or make unexpected journeys.

Get Properly Insured

It’s vital that you make sure your insurance will cover you in the event that you either contract covid-19 coronavirus or have your plans impacted by the pandemic. Will you be covered if you need to return to the UK early? Or if you have unexpected costs due to having to extende your stay & move your flight? Is the covid-19 coronavirus specifically covered by your insurance plan if you have symptoms? This is a more important time than ever to make sure you’ve got airtight coverage for whatever might happen.

Follow Local Guidance

The situation is changing every hour, so it’s important that if you travel during this time that you don’t completely switch off from the world. You may be required to self-isolate or get tested for covid-19 coronavirus by local authorities – look out for local news or chat to locals about the situation. The FCO may change their foreign travel advice for your destination while you’re away; keep checking their information for any important updates that might affect your trip.

If you are asked to self-isolate, go into a quarantine facility or be tested for Covid-19 coronavirus – do as asked for the good of the local population. Contact your insurance company and airline as soon as possible to reschedule your flight and ensure any medical needs will be provided for.