Coronavirus Update

Travel Information

Covid-19 Update
Travel Information

The information provided on this page is for guidance only.  For all the latest advice and information before you travel we recommend:

Check the FCDO travel advice for information on leaving and re-entering the UK 

Check the FCDO travel advice for the entry requirements for your destination

Goodbye Traffic Light System! Welcome New Travel Rules

The time is finally here, we’ve waved goodbye to the traffic light system and the world (well, most of it) is ours to explore once again.

Great news for travellers from the UK as we say goodbye to the Traffic Light System and welcome in the new, simplified travel privileges for the double vaccinated and under 18s.

Non-Red List Countries

If you are fully vaccinated, there will now be fewer testing requirements when returning from a non-red list country. 

The biggest relief for fully vaccinated travellers will be no longer having to arrange a pre-departure test abroad in the three days before returning to the UK. Hooray! 

There is the same requirement as before, to get tested at some point between your arrival in the UK (day 0) and the end of day 2 but from the end of October, this will no longer need to be a PCR test in England or Scotland. Instead you will need to take a lateral flow test (which is cheaper). If the lateral flow test is positive, you will need to isolate and take a confirmatory PCR test at no additional cost. The aim is for this to be in place when people return from their holidays this October half-term. (Wales and Northern Ireland have not yet announced if PCR tests will be replaced with lateral flow tests.). You will not need to take a Day 8 Covid test. 

Red List Countries

Arrivals into the UK from red list countries remain the same. You will still have to take a pre-departure test and pre-book a mandatory 11-night quarantine hotel package, which will include two PCR tests, taken on day two and day eight, regardless of your vaccination status.

NB All travellers, regardless of their vaccination status and the country they are travelling from, will still need to complete a passenger locator form any time in the 48 hours before they arrive in the UK. 

In the current climate, it’s important to give you the confidence to book your next holiday, with much-needed flexibility and reassurance.  At Rainbow Lux Travel we understand the need for confidence when you make your future travel plans. It’s why we are working closely with each of our travel trade partners to negotiate flexible terms wherever possible when you book a new holiday with us. 

The safety and well-being of our travellers comes first and we are closely monitoring the situation as it evolves and we are following Government travel advice. In addition, we are in constant contact with our partners in affected destinations for first-hand up to date information and insight. At Rainbow Lux Travel we understand that the outbreak of Coronavirus (Covid-19) raises many questions regarding travelling as well as planning travel in the near future and we recognise the uncertainty this may cause. Having operated throughout the UK lockdown period, we are fully set up from home, and ready and waiting to help you plan or rebook your next escape. What’s more, is we introduced free cancellation and amendment fees on any new bookings made from 1 July 2020 to 30 April 2021 meaning you can look forward to your trip with peace of mind and flexibility.

Please get in touch with us and we will get back to you as soon as possible. Thank you for support and understanding during these difficult times.

As this situation develops, we will continue to proactively contact our customers to offer support and assistance. We are offering as much flexibility as possible for all bookings, and remain in close contact with our suppliers to facilitate this. We will be proactively contacting clients with upcoming bookings on a rolling basis, but if you’d like to have a chat with us in the meantime, we’d be delighted to hear from you.

Before travelling, please seek up to date advice from the UK Foreign Commonwealth & Development  Office (FCDO) www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice about travel to, and within, your chosen destination.  Please pay particular attention to any entry requirements; whether there is any need to provide a medical certificate, complete a specific form or undergo testing for Coronavirus Covid-19 before departing from the UK or on arrival at the destination. Also be aware that a quarantine period may apply upon your return. Where the FCDO continues to advise against travel to a destination we will continue to offer customers a free of charge amendment*, or cancellation *any increase in holiday cost and supplier charges will be applicable.  We will be in contact directly to discuss the options available to you and will ensure to update on the latest information available with regards to the destination you are travelling to.  

‘Safe Travels’: Global Protocols & Stamp for the New Normal’

Global Safety Stamp to Recognise Safe Travels Protocols

 

Covid-19 Update

We’re continuing to deliver our personalised service throughout this challenging period, and we are here to offer support when you need it.  At Rainbow Lux Travel, we know how much your holiday means to you, but what matters most to us, is your wellbeing. 

We are currently guided by the latest advice and guidance from the Foreign & Commonwealth Office (FCDO), Public Health Scotland and Public Health England with regards to the COVID-19 pandemic.  For the latest advice, please see FCDO, Public Health Scotland and Public Health England for guidance. 

Safe Travels

Our Travel Trade Partners have received the World Travel and Tourism Council’s Safe Travels stamp, which provides travellers with the assurance that we have implemented health and hygiene protocols that are aligned with WTTC’s Safe Travels Protocols. Learn more here – https://wttc.org/COVID-19/Safe-Travels-Global-Protocols-Stamp

‘Safe Travels’: Global Protocols & Stamp for the New Normal 

Global Safety Stamp to Recognise Safe Travels Protocols – The specially designed stamp will allow travellers to recognise governments and companies around the world which have adopted health and hygiene global standardised protocols – so consumers can experience ‘Safe Travels’.

Eligible companies such as hotels, restaurants, airlines, cruise lines, tour operators, attractions, short term rentals, car rentals, outdoor shopping, transportation and airports, will be able to use the stamp once the health and hygiene protocols, outlined by WTTC, have been implemented. 

Destinations using the Safe Travels Stamp – If you are looking for the stamp process and contact details for the below destinations to ask for the stamp, click here.

The United Kingdom’s departure from the European Union

As the UK departed the EU, it is important that you understand how this may impact your European holiday plans.  

Please keep up to date with changes to European travel rules and regulations – It is the travellers’ responsibility to keep up to date with the very latest advice and information with regards travel rules and regulations.  With this in mind, we recommend you save this link https://www.gov.uk/visit-europe-1-january-2021  to the Gov.uk website and check back on a regular basis.  

Brexit – Important Information  

We have summarised answers to some of the more frequently asked questions raised by the United Kingdom’s departure from the European Union.  Below, you’ll find a handy guide to the changes Brexit will bring to European holidays. 

No. UK travellers do not require a visa to travel to the EU.

Please ensure each person travelling has a passport that:

-Is valid for a minimum of at least 6 months

-Is less than 10 years old

Travel may be refused if either of these are not adhered too.  

Passport renewals – Your passport does need to be valid for the whole of your trip.

As long as you have a full UK driving licence, you don’t currently need an additional licence to drive in the EU.  This has not changed following 31 January 2020.  

Driving in the EU

From 1st January 2021, you may be required to have an International Driving Permit (IPD) when driving in Europe.

The Post Office has a handy tool for this – https://www.postoffice.co.uk/identity/international-driving-permit#IDP-Checker

 

Mobile roaming charges are changing.  We advise you check with your network provider to understand your data roaming policy and charges.

Yes.  Everything will stay the same, the UK and EU have ensured flights will continue to operate as normal.  You can still fly to Europe after the UK’s departure from the EU.

Will cruise ships and ferries still sail?  Ferry services and cruises will still sail as in any case the majority of the rules under which they operate are not based on EU rules, but are international.

Will trains from the UK to the EU still operate?  Trains from the UK to the EU will continue to operate as usual.

Please ensure that a valid travel insurance policy is in place before travelling.  Please ensure the travel insurance policy covers any pre-existing medical conditions, as these were covered by the EHIC however, many insurance policies will not cover for existing conditions.  

European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) 

UK-issued European Health Insurance Cards (EHICs) are still valid and offer the same cover as GHICs in the EU. Once your EHIC has expired, you’ll be able to replace it with a GHIC.

The European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) allows any EU citizen to access state medical care when they are travelling in another EU country. Apply for a free UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC

ABTA has always advised holidaymakers and business travellers to make sure they have appropriate travel insurance, whether they have an EHIC card or not, as there are limitations to EHIC.

When travelling in the EU and beyond, it is important you take out travel insurance and check that it covers your current circumstances, including any medical conditions. If you have an annual policy, make sure you check the Terms and Conditions and contact your insurance provider if you’re not sure.

Cruise Lines Policies on CoronaVirus

We are working closely with our Cruise Line Partners. They continually assess upcoming cruises and if they have any guidance on how you may be affected they post updates on their websites.

All cruise lines actively ensure the safety of passengers. Customers will not be taken to destinations that the UK Foreign Office advises against. Ships have well established practices to prevent the spreading of illnesses. There will however be some additional steps taken prior to letting passengers board ships. These steps can be updated at any time latest updates will be posted on their websites.

Thank you for your patience, our number one priority is to safeguard our passengers during this constantly changing time. Links to travel advice while the outbreak of Covid-19 continues  are below.

UK Government Advice

For country-specific advice, please see the UK Government’s information here >>

Links To Individual Cruise Lines Travel Updates (Covid-19)

Azamara Cruises CLICK HERE

Carnival Cruises CLICK HERE

Celebrity Cruises CLICK HERE

Cunard  CLICK HERE

Fred Olsen CLICK HERE

Disney CLICK HERE

Holland America CLICK HERE

MSC  CLICK HERE

NCL  CLICK HERE

Oceania CLICK HERE

P&O  CLICK HERE

Princess CLICK HERE

Regent CLICK HERE

Royal Caribbean  CLICK HERE

Seabourn  CLICK HERE

SilverSea  CLICK HERE

Tui Marella  CLICK HERE

WindStar CLICK HERE

Rest Assured

In response to the current outbreak of coronavirus, we wish to reassure our clients that we follow the official advice of the Foreign & Commonwealth Office (FCO) and as such, we are fully briefed on all the latest news and advice relating to all our featured destinations.

We highly recommend you sign up to receive the latest FCO Travel Advice for any countries involved in your upcoming travels.  This will provide you with the latest information, which is particularly important, in this rapidly changing situation. 

Please click the links to the FCO and ABTA advice pages for travellers, for further details.

Click here FCO https://www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-information-for-the-public

Click here ABTA https://www.abta.com/news/coronavirus-outbreak

If you do have any specific questions regarding your forthcoming holiday that aren’t covered by the FCO  and ABTA advice, please do contact us and we would be delighted to assist.

Useful Links

Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice

Travel Health Advice
www.travelhealthpro.org.uk

UK Passport Service
www.gov.uk/browse/abroad/passports

CAA – Civil Aviation Authority
http://www.caa.co.uk/

It is the traveller’s responsibility to be aware of changes to rules and regulations when travelling to Europe – and adhere to them. 

Check before you travel

Before planning a trip abroad, check the GOV.UK guidance for travelling overseas during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

Brexit Advice from Association of British Travel Agents’ (ABTA) website here.

We have provided a link to the Gov.uk website here https://www.gov.uk/visit-europe-1-january-2021 which we suggest that you check back regularly to ensure you are fully up to date before you travel.