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Call us on 01707 331133

  • Mon to Fri09:00 - 17:00
  • SaturdayClosed
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SafetyFirst

The safety and wellbeing of our clients, tour leaders and suppliers remain our priority and our return to operations will be done in a safe and responsible way.

Safe Travels in 2021 and beyond…

Firstly, you can book and travel with us in complete confidence, we’ve always had flexible booking conditions and we’re fully committed to continuing to offer you all the flexibility you need and to keep you updated with all the latest developments as we return to travel and group holidays. We will only run holidays when all elements of a trip meet our strict covid-safe criteria and we know in advance that you don’t have to quarantine on arrival in your destination.

In May 2021 the Government launched the traffic light country system reopening international travel and, since then, overseas countries have continued to change status and the guidance in the UK has also been updated, most recently, for changes to take place on 19 July 2021.

We anticipate that by September, when we return to overseas travel, it will be possible to return to the UK without the need for quarantine from both green and amber list countries. However, this situation, particularly for amber list countries, does remain variable with some inconsistencies recently announced such as France. 

Our intention is to operate holidays to both green and amber list countries (unless of course the FCDO advises against all but essential travel) so we would recommend that you consider whether quarantine at home would be possible for you before committing to your overseas holiday.

Some ‘frequently asked questions’ are detailed below and in addition a step by step guide to travel abroad is available here and a summary of the UK Government’s Passenger Covid-19 Charter here. 

Please note that details of the traffic light system shown below refers to England only, for the other devolved nations, please refer to the appropriate government websites. 

Will I need to have a COVID-19 vaccination before overseas travel, and will I need documentation to prove my vaccination status?

Yes, most likely. If you live in England and have taken a full vaccination course (2 doses) you will be able to demonstrate your COVID-19 vaccination status, either using the NHS App or by applying for a written document from the NHS website or by calling 119. We recommend that you check if the destination country accepts this proof of vaccinated status. You can do this by visiting the FCDO travel advice website. If you live in Scotland, Wales, or Northern Ireland, you should check your governments websites for further information.

As well as confirmation of your vaccination status, you will need to complete other relevant documentation (such as Passenger Locator Forms) for your destination and return to England. Passenger Locator forms can be filled out on-line here 

Will I still need to have a PCR test before travel after 19 July?

PCR tests are not a UK requirement but of the destination country itself and the requirements can change at any time. We recommend that that you visit the FCDO travel advice for the latest information.

If you need to show a negative PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) test result, you will need to use a private provider as the NHS Test and Trace will not be able to provide these documents. 

If you prefer to take this Outbound PCR test at home, you can purchase self-tests, and companies such as C-19 which are a government listed testing provider, can supply these test packs to your home (C-19 use DPD tracked next day delivery). 

Before taking the test, you should ensure to verify the travel window specified by your destination country.  Once your sample has been received, C-19 aim to provide the results along with a travel certificate and the necessary QR Code by email within 24hrs. You will need to take this with you to the airport so if you have not printed these documents and intend to use your mobile or tablet, please ensure they are fully charged. 

Other suppliers of home PCR tests are available. Please be sure to check your chosen provider meets the needs for your holiday destination and is a UKAS accredited lab (i.e., accredited by the government's regulatory agency) and approved for use by Public Health England.   In all cases keep in mind that your destination country may alter their entry requirements at short notice and without warning so we would strongly advise you to check the entry requirements before purchasing any tests.

We strongly recommend that you have taken out insurance which covers you in case you or one of your party members tests positive for COVID-19 prior to departure or whilst in resort.

What about returning to the UK?

It will be necessary to take a pre-departure COVID-19 test within 72 hours of your return journey to England and the tests must meet the criteria outlined by the UK Government.   

Travellers may find it more convenient to self-test when overseas as this negates the need to source a local testing facility and many suppliers of self-tests can be found online. When reviewing the available options, please be sure to check your chosen provider meets the necessary criteria for re-entry into the UK.  

C-19 rapid antigen self-tests are certified for entry into the UK and approved for use by the EU. These tests can be purchased in advance of travel (valid for one year) so you can pack them with your holiday luggage and take them overseas with you.  Once the self-test has been carried out and uploaded to C-19, the results are sent to you within a 12-hour window (via email) providing you with a result certificate for return travel to the UK.  If you have not printed these documents, please ensure your mobile or tablet is fully charged before travelling to the airport.  

Anyone testing positive prior to travel will not be permitted to travel back into England and will be required to follow local rules for isolation – you could incur additional costs during this period (check your travel insurance as these costs may be covered).

Passengers returning from green list countries will be required to complete a passenger locator form and to take a day 2 Covid-19 test after arrival in England. You will not need to quarantine unless the test is positive.

From 19 July, it was announced that those who have returned from amber list countries would be required to complete a passenger locator form and to take a day 2 Covid-19 test after arrival in England and it would no longer be necessary to take a day 8 Covid-19 test or quarantine providing you have been fully vaccinated (2 doses and that you have had your final dose of an approved vaccine at least 14 days before the date you arrive in England). You would need to declare you have been fully vaccinated on your passenger locator form and to show proof of your vaccination status to your carrier when you travel. 

However, the government has almost immediately updated this advice and has advised that for some amber list countries (e.g., France), these rules, as above, will not apply and arrivals from what is being commonly referred to as ‘amber plus’ countries must still quarantine at home for 10 days and complete two PCR tests, regardless of vaccination status.  

It is clear that the entry rules for returning to England remain fluid and although we will, of course, keep you updated as quickly as possible as these new announcements are made, we strongly recommend that you also monitor the FCDO travel advice regularly and keep an eye on the UK news.

Those who have returned from red list countries will be required to quarantine in a hotel for 10 days and take tests on or before day 2 and on or after day 8 of their quarantine. 

Day 2 or Day 8 Arrival PCR Tests are widely available online for home testing from companies such as C-19 or there may be a local testing facility which you may find convenient.

The traffic light travel system is due for a comprehensive review on 31 July and again on 1 October when the government will look at the system overall for further strategic policy decisions. This does not mean that countries will not change status in between these dates so please continue to monitor the FCDO advice. 

As above, there are variations depending on the country you travel to, but in summary, the broad testing requirements are as follows:

  

When 

Cost 

Tips 

Link 

Vaccination history 

Entry to destination and UK 

Free – NHS App 

  

  

Pre-departure test 

72 - 48 hours before departure from the UK 

Randox (From £48)
Use code AITO43 

Purchase at least a week before travel, with kit delivered to your home. Test at home, drop of at one of 000s of sites around the UK, test results within 24 hours.


 If you do need a negative COVID-19 test to enter your destination, you must use a private test provider in the UK. NHS tests cannot be used for the purpose of pre-travel testing.

Randox 

Fit to fly to UK 

72 hours before departure to the UK 

Qured (£39)
C19 testing (£29)
Use code AITO10 

Purchase at least a week before travel, with kit delivered to your home. NHS tests cannot be used for the purpose of testing.

Qured arrange a video call to take a lateral flow test whilst on holiday. Our leaders or hotels will have a device available to make this call if you do not have a smartphone.

C19 provide a self-testing kit. Once carried out and uploaded to C-19, the results are sent to you with a certificate within a 12-hour window (via email).

 Schedule your call/test (before you travel) for early evening 3 days before your return flight.  

Qured


C19 Testing 

2 Day test back in the UK 

48 hours after arrival back in the UK 

Randox (From £48)
Use code AITO43 

Purchase at least a week before travel, with kit delivered to your home. Test at home, drop of at one of 000s of sites around the UK, test results within 24 hours. 

Randox 

Passenger locator forms 

Entry to destination and UK 

Free 

Follow links below to government websites. 

Passenger Locator Form

What if the destination country changes its traffic light status whilst I am on holiday?

The rules that are in force when you return to the UK will apply, not the rules when you departed the UK, so if the rules change whilst you are overseas, you will need to comply with the current status on your return.

I’ve heard that some non EMA approved vaccinations will not be acceptable in the EU?

The topic of Covishield, the AstraZeneca vaccine manufactured in India, has been widely discussed in the media recently, and there are reports that some EU countries do not accept this vaccine as valid, though they accept the AstraZeneca vaccine manufactured in Europe. 

Individual EU countries are free to apply their own rules for travellers and WHO have urged all countries to recognize the vaccines it has authorised (including Covishield).   The situation is constantly evolving as vaccination coverage rises across Europe, and countries are moving towards relaxing coronavirus border restrictions in order to receive summer tourists.  The FCDO travel advice includes information on vaccination approval for individual countries.

 

What sort of restrictions could there be overseas? 

Our current plan is to return to overseas travel from September 2021 and between now and then we are constantly reviewing our itineraries and making any necessary tweaks in order to comply with any local requirements as well as ensuring we can deliver the best possible holiday experience. 

If any major changes become necessary, then of course we’ll do our best to inform you before departure and our experienced tour leaders will make judgement calls during your holiday to modify the itinerary if appropriate.  

Before we resume trips in any destination, we review all accommodation, transport, and other aspects of your holiday against our Covid-19 Safety Guidelines and we’ll continue to update our policies and protocols as appropriate, ensuring that all our suppliers are kept updated.  

As a general policy we would always recommend when travelling that you carry your own supply of reusable face masks and alcohol-based hand sanitiser (you’ll need them for air travel), and our tour leaders will be able to advise you regarding the usage of these based on local guidelines.

Our aim is to provide you with an enjoyable holiday with as few restrictions as reasonably possible. We know that as we head out of the pandemic, getting back out there and exploring on foot has never been more important and we are working towards making this happen as soon as we can!

What would happen if I became unwell whilst on holiday?

All our holidays are accompanied by trained and experienced tour leaders who have ‘around the clock’ support from our head office so there will always be someone to assist you in the event of any illness within the group.  Our local suppliers and agents would also work with our tour leader to ensure that the best medical facilities and practical assistance was available. Our head office operational team have a huge wealth of experience in supporting our tour leaders and customers overseas together with a team of external experts who can be called upon for additional guidance.

What does the future of travel and overseas holidays look like?

It is no secret that the tour industry has been a major casualty of this pandemic, with overseas travel severely curtailed, and it is likely that the industry as a whole, will take time to recover fully. However, whilst we have all had time at home, so many have discovered the joy and benefit of walking and being outdoors. Exploring on foot really is the best medicine and we are as committed as ever to not only providing great walking holidays but supporting local communities overseas who benefit from our ‘small group’ tourism. 

Although our post pandemic portfolio may be smaller than before, we fervently believe that sustainable tourism will be more important than ever, we know what a huge privilege it is to be able to travel freely and by leading small groups, supporting local and global charitable causes and approaching all that we do ethically, we're able to minimise any adverse effects of our activities. We strive to work with local guides, transport, porters and food in order to benefit the local economy without exploitation.  See here for more of our initiatives. 

That’s great! Where can we go?

We have a great selection of holidays planned, we are committed to providing carefully researched destinations, particularly in Europe where shorter flights, good hotels and hygiene standards are available and healthcare is similar to what you may expect at home. Add in some wide-open spaces, panoramic views, sunshine, local food and the company of your fellow travellers and you’re set to go.

And meanwhile, don’t forget about our UK selection exploring the countryside, hills, mountains, and coastal paths. There has been a huge demand for UK walking holidays, and we are adding new centres and departure dates all the time. 

More Information

Our protocols are guided by the WTTC (World Travel & Tourism Council), UNWTO (World Tourism Organisation), the European Commission and local government regulations and include personal protection, extensive disinfecting, and physical distancing measures. We have reviewed and enhanced our health and safety policies and procedures to consider the new challenges posed by coronavirus. We endeavour to ensure that all our suppliers and partners are implementing new minimum standards that emphasise increased hygiene and sanitation.


Safe Travels

Safe Travels

We have reviewed and enhanced our health and safety policies and procedures to take into account the new challenges posed by coronavirus. We endeavour to ensure that all our suppliers and partners are implementing new minimum standards that emphasise increased hygiene and sanitation.

Ramblers Walking Holidays has received the World Travel and Tourism Council’s Safe Travels stamp, which provides travellers with assurance that we have adopted health and hygiene global standardised protocols – so you can experience ‘Safe Travels’.


Good to Go

We're Good to Go

We're Good to Go! In partnership with the National Tourist Organisations of Great Britain and Northern Ireland this certification recognises that we have confirmed that we have followed government and industry COVID-19 guidelines, ensuring processes are in place to maintain cleanliness and aid social/physical distancing.


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