Coronavirus: Is it safe to travel to Europe?
Read on to book a hassle-free holiday in Europe…
Consider your own travel situation
Before you decide where to book your next holiday, you should also consider the threat you may pose to others. You shouldn’t travel if you’re experiencing a high temperature, a new continuous cough, or any other coronavirus symptoms within seven days of travel. If you share a household with someone who has experienced symptoms in the last 14 days, or you’ve been advised by the NHS test and trace service to self-isolate you should also stay at home. You can find more information on the government’s safer air travel for passengers page.
Check travel corridors
Travel corridors should be your first port of call when choosing your European destination. Countries on the list are exempt from Government advice against non-essential international travel. Be aware that, although these destinations pose a reduced threat for transmitting coronavirus, the regions are under constant review and situations may change at short notice. You can check the travel corridor page for warnings about possible changes to the list.
Stick to local travel advice
Although your chances of contracting coronavirus at a travel corridor destination are relatively low, the regions will have their own rules to help minimise the spread of the virus. Whether it’s face coverings in public places or curfews in pubs and restaurants, you’ll find everything you need to know on this foreign travel advice page, which features specific advice for more than 220 countries and territories. Pay special attention to entry requirements as some countries ask visitors to provide proof of a negative coronavirus test, taken a few days before travel.
Download contact-tracing apps
If you’re looking for extra reassurance, a number of European countries have launched their own mobile contact tracing apps. Installing the software on your phone will alert you when you’ve been close to someone with coronavirus and provide you with information on where to get tested while abroad. The European Commission has collected a list of all the contact tracing apps available in EU member states for easy access.
Ensuring accuracy
The European Commission has also proposed a host of measures to help provide accurate and consistent coronavirus-related data about its member states. Suggestions include the weekly reporting of positive COVID-19 tests per 100,000 people and in a given area. The Commission has also set the wheels in motion for a colour-coded map to be updated every week by the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control. More information on the proposals can be found on its common approach page.
Sort your cover for the continent
All World First policies include our enhanced coronavirus cover, which means you are covered for certain types of holiday disruption caused by COVID-19. You can find out more here.
