Coronavirus travel restrictions ended last week for the first time in two years since the pandemic started.
From March 18, passenger locator forms and tests for all arrivals were stood down for travel to the UK.
Time-consuming locator forms required individuals to fill in travel details, their address in the UK and vaccination status. They were used to track people after outbreaks of the virus.
A number of airlines have also now dropped the requirement to wear face masks on planes, including Jet2 and TUI.
Face coverings will only be required on flights when a country has its own “restrictions and legal requirements”, such as in Scotland and the United States.
European countries have also eased many of their Covid restrictions in a bid to open up the tourism industry.
With most restrictions now scrapped, the UK Government's Foreign Office has issued eight steps for UK travellers should follow.
1. Plan your trip
Before travelling abroad, people should check foreign travel advice for all countries you will visit or travel through, and arrange any v covid tests you need to enter these countries.
You should also familiarise yourself with the NHS Covid Pass to prove your vaccination status abroad. Foreign travel advice will also tell you if the UK government advises against all but essential travel to the country.
2. Get passports and visas ready
How much time you need on your passport depends on the country you're visiting. Check the entry requirements for the country you want to travel to, and make sure you have any necessary visas for all passengers.
3. Travel insurance and vaccinations
If you’re travelling abroad, it's important to take out appropriate travel insurance before you go. If you already have a travel insurance policy, check what cover it provides for coronavirus-related events, including medical treatment and travel disruption, and any planned activities such as adventure sports.
You may also need inoculations for travel to some countries. You can check what vaccinations you may need on the TravelHealthPro website.
4. Find out how to travel safely
Find out how to travel safely in airports and on aircraft during Covid-19. Because of the pandemic, there are rules that you need to follow when going abroad.
Where possible, your airline will inform you of measures to minimise transmission of Covid. In line with other medical conditions, airlines have the right to refuse travel to anyone they believe is not fit to fly.
5. Border Control
You may need to show paperwork such as your passport or visa. You may also need a negative Covid-19 test result or to demonstrate your vaccination status at the point of entry.
It is therefore important to make sure you know the entry requirements of your destination, or a country you are travelling through. Again, you can use the NHS Covid Pass as proof of vaccination.
6. Prepare for an emergency
Nobody expects bad things to happen on holiday, but sometimes they do. It can help to be prepared. Find out here what to do if you are the victim of a crime, are arrested, need healthcare or are affected by a crisis while overseas.
7. Return to the UK
You do not need to take any covid tests or fill in a passenger locator form. This applies whether you are fully vaccinated or not, however you should follow any rules your travel provider issues.
8. After arrival in the UK
There are still high levels of covid in the UK and there is a risk you could catch or pass on the virus, even once you are fully vaccinated. The government therefore says it is important that you understand and consider the risks of catching or spreading Covid-19 in all situations.
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