Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic update

The coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic continues to affect almost all countries around the world. Most European countries had imposed strict lockdown measures early in 2020 to contain and control the outbreak, however the initial peak of COVID-19 cases has passed and many countries, including the UK, are now either planning to ease their lockdown measures or have already begun to do so.

The pandemic led to unprecedented international border closures, with some travel restrictions being imposed without notice. Over the coming months, these restrictions may be lifted, although they will remain subject to change. Full details of travel restrictions by country can be found on the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) information pages.

As lockdown restrictions ease in the UK, many will be considering travel over the summer months, or reviewing pre-existing travel bookings. The fitfortravel website has published information on COVID-19 health considerations for travel, highlighting issues travellers should consider when deciding whether or not to travel this summer. The Exceptional Travel Advisory Notice, issued by the FCO advising British nationals against all but essential travel worldwide, remains in place.

On 22 May 2020, the UK Home Office announced self-isolation (quarantine) plans for all arrivals into the UK, including returning British nationals, would commence on 8 June 2020. These measures will be under review and should be checked both prior to travel, and before returning home, on the UK Government website.

Information relating to travel and COVID-19 is available on the TRAVAX (for healthcare practitioners) and fitfortravel (for the general public) websites.

Information on COVID-19 for the general public is available on the NHS Inform (Scotland) and the NHS.UK (rest of the UK) websites.

Information and resources on COVID-19 for health professionals is available on the Health Protection Scotland (HPS) (Scotland) and Public Health England (PHE) (rest of the UK) websites.

Source: TRAVAX, 26 May 2020