The devil, as they say, is in the detail. In May, the Government announced a loosening of pandemic travel restrictions - and that much-longed-for summer holiday finally seemed in reach. But things weren't to be so simple. Travelling abroad was not against the rules, but strict border rules were put in place - namely, the new traffic-light system. Countries have been divided into three categories: green, amber and red, depending on their Covid threat level.
And in each case there is a different set of rules, should we want to visit. Those returning from amber or red-list countries are required to quarantine. Travellers coming back from a green country - a list that is increasingly small - aren't. But in all cases, Covid testing is required. And it's not just one test, or even one type of test. Most countries require holidaymakers to have taken a test - either the ‘gold standard' PCR test, or slot online terpercaya a 15-minute rapid lateral flow test - before they travel, or on arrival.
Many EU countries are considering introducing a Covid-19 passport to ease travel between member states and eligible third countries who have low coronavirus infection rates As the UK is not part of the scheme, holidaymakers hoping to travel to Spain, Italy and Portugal could be obliged to take up to five Covid-19 tests to keep onside the law However, it doesn't end there. The new British system requires a number of tests to be carried out prior to and after returning home. This means that taking a holiday in popular destinations such as Spain, Italy and Portugal - all on the amber list at time of going to press - could mean as many as five tests per person.
Free NHS Covid tests aren't permitted for use by returning travellers, slot online to ensure enough tests are available for Britons with Covid symptoms. This means the only option is to pay for one from a private company, racking up the cost of a family break. And while the Government website provides a list of 414 approved firms, slot online they charge vastly differing amounts for their services, with packages ranging from £27.49 to £575 per person.
RELATED ARTICLES Previous 1 Next Chorus of calls to scrap Covid limits on choirs as singers... sophie bradshaw Share this article Share ‘We are being exploited by these companies,' said aviation analyst Alex Macheras. ‘Many European countries offer pre-flight tests for free. Instead, here we're being forced to pay extortionate prices.' In an effort to compile a definitive guide to navigating this potential minefield, last week The Mail on Sunday contacted every firm on the Government's list, to find out exactly what they were offering for the money.
Shockingly, we discovered many were misleading potential customers about the true cost of their services. A pattern emerged among those claiming to be the cheapest: one price was listed on the gov.uk website, but after clicking through to the checkout, this figure appeared to spiral. This newspaper also obtained correspondence from the Department of Health and Social Care warning of a ‘significant public health risk' as a result of poor practices carried out by some private firms.
And in each case there is a different set of rules, should we want to visit. Those returning from amber or red-list countries are required to quarantine. Travellers coming back from a green country - a list that is increasingly small - aren't. But in all cases, Covid testing is required. And it's not just one test, or even one type of test. Most countries require holidaymakers to have taken a test - either the ‘gold standard' PCR test, or slot online terpercaya a 15-minute rapid lateral flow test - before they travel, or on arrival.
Many EU countries are considering introducing a Covid-19 passport to ease travel between member states and eligible third countries who have low coronavirus infection rates As the UK is not part of the scheme, holidaymakers hoping to travel to Spain, Italy and Portugal could be obliged to take up to five Covid-19 tests to keep onside the law However, it doesn't end there. The new British system requires a number of tests to be carried out prior to and after returning home. This means that taking a holiday in popular destinations such as Spain, Italy and Portugal - all on the amber list at time of going to press - could mean as many as five tests per person.
Free NHS Covid tests aren't permitted for use by returning travellers, slot online to ensure enough tests are available for Britons with Covid symptoms. This means the only option is to pay for one from a private company, racking up the cost of a family break. And while the Government website provides a list of 414 approved firms, slot online they charge vastly differing amounts for their services, with packages ranging from £27.49 to £575 per person.
RELATED ARTICLES Previous 1 Next Chorus of calls to scrap Covid limits on choirs as singers... sophie bradshaw Share this article Share ‘We are being exploited by these companies,' said aviation analyst Alex Macheras. ‘Many European countries offer pre-flight tests for free. Instead, here we're being forced to pay extortionate prices.' In an effort to compile a definitive guide to navigating this potential minefield, last week The Mail on Sunday contacted every firm on the Government's list, to find out exactly what they were offering for the money.
Shockingly, we discovered many were misleading potential customers about the true cost of their services. A pattern emerged among those claiming to be the cheapest: one price was listed on the gov.uk website, but after clicking through to the checkout, this figure appeared to spiral. This newspaper also obtained correspondence from the Department of Health and Social Care warning of a ‘significant public health risk' as a result of poor practices carried out by some private firms.
