Being familiar with coronavirus procedures at airports will save time, stress and help to ensure your journey takes place.
The video is accurate and useful at the time we added this, just remember that the situation is changeable at short notice. Similar thoughts apply for a return journey, so understanding the position at your destination is important.
A number of countries are not permitting entry, unless you meet their criteria for an essential journey. A recent Covid-19 negative test may be required in both directions and isolation is also a possibility.
This advice section from the Foreign Office is searchable by country and tends to be up to date. Checking government websites in your destination country is helpful, Google translate can assist if they do not have English language versions.
You could sign up for email alerts on the Foreign Office page and check information on specialist websites, such as Travel Health Pro. We are all aware how much the world has changed and there has never been a better time to be informed in detail.
Thinking About Travel
During the 2021 lockdown, the basic requirement is to stay at home, you need a legally permitted reason to travel anywhere, not least overseas. The most common reason is for work you can’t fulfil without travel.
As much as we are here to offer services to business travellers, we would suggest that for your safety, alternatives are considered. Even if they are not your favourite thing, video meetings, online demos, or other digital options may help.
If you do need to travel, again be informed. Changes to air travel are not alone, ferry companies are asking you to arrive early and in most cases, not taking foot passengers. Non EU citizens (including us) face additional restrictions.
Negating Risk
Carrying out a risk assessment before business travel has always made sense but now more than ever. Risk has been heightened in even relatively safe places by the virus and by the repercussions from this.
Staff shortages and service cuts are common, some hotels are not so well kept, shops no longer available. Hunting round to buy anything will add virus risk and in some instances, a higher than usual security risk.
Taking everything you need is important and this should include a supply of face masks, hand sanitiser and anti-viral wipes. Don’t rely on others to clean surfaces you encounter and focus on hygiene wherever you are.
Keeping healthy in terms of diet and sleep will also assist, along with logical precautions. Social distancing is likely to apply in most places and should even if not official, including for business meetings.
Inclusive travel insurance is worthwhile, to cover the unforeseen and your health. An immediate return to the UK for medical reasons may make sense, along with not facing cover exclusion for pandemics.
If you are heading overseas, our team wish you well and should we be providing an ATA carnet, everything will be done to ensure smooth use. Not a time for delay, or hassle, a quiet life really will be better.