THE TRAVELLER'S CHECKLIST

Business Traveller looks at what readers need to consider before travelling abroad, from entry requirements and testing to quarantine, masks and vaccine passports

Words Hannah Brandler

WHAT ARE THE ENTRY REQUIREMENTS?

Before departing for your destination (or even choosing a location), you should check the requirements for entry into the country and for re-entry home. ese can change regularly, but you can nd all the relevant information on the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development O ce (FCDO) website or overseas government websites.

DO I NEED TO TAKE A TEST?

Some countries still require proof of a negative Covid-19 test for entry depending on your vaccination status. Check whether you need to take a PCR test, which can take 24 to 48 hours to receive results, or the more rapid antigen (lateral ow) test which can be completed at home and gives a result within 30 minutes. You will also need to make sure that you take the test in the right timeframe, which ranges from 24 to 72 hours depending on the destination. To make matters more complicated, this timeframe can apply to ‘pre-departure’ or ‘pre-arrival/landing’.

You must also check if you need to take a test to return home a er your trip. If this is the case, plan ahead, nd and book an appointment with Covid-19 testing providers at your destination. If you are only required to take a lateral ow test, then you can buy a rapid antigen test and carry it in your hand luggage.

WILL I NEED TO QUARANTINE?

e requirement for quarantine tends to be dependent on the numbers of Covid-19 cases in the country of departure. Some countries will demand that you self-isolate, while others exempt those who are fully vaccinated, have recently recovered from the virus, or show proof of a negative PCR test.

DO I NEED TO DOWNLOAD A VACCINE PASSPORT?

In short, yes. Fully vaccinated travellers, or those who have had a positive PCR test within the past six months, should download a digital PDF of their vaccine certi cate and print o a copy in case (God forbid) your phone runs out of battery during your travels. You will be required to show proof of vaccination at border control (via the QR code) or a paper version, and you may also be asked to upload this into your booking with an airline or rail provider before arriving at the terminus.

IS MY MASK PERMITTED?

While we’re all accustomed to wearing masks, some countries and transport services have strict rules on the type of face covering allowed. Check whether the likes of cloth masks, face shields or masks with an exhaust valve are allowed in your destination, onboard your chosen airline or rail provider.

Many of these services instead require a surgical mask, or a FFP2 ( ltering face piece), KN95 or N95 mask, as they provide extra protection.

CAN I CHANGE OR CANCEL MY BOOKING?

Check whether you can amend or cancel your booking free of charge if you need to postpone travel plans. Most companies have extended their exible booking policies because of the ongoing travel uncertainty, waiving the change fee and o ering refunds or travel vouchers in the event of cancellation.

WHAT ARE THE LOCAL RULES?

Regulations di er around the world – from caps on group numbers to curfews and proof of vaccination or a negative test to enter establishments – so check ahead of departure to ensure your trip is as smooth as possible. BTI