International travel post Brexit and post Covid 19

Last week I travelled to Murcia in Spain to visit my family. This was my first trip abroad since Brexit procedures have been in place as well as my first flight for 11 months. I hope the following summary of my experience is helpful.

I flew Manchester to Alicante on easyJet. The experience at Manchester Airport was straightforward. Everyone was wearing a mask, keeping their distance and there were hand sanitisers available throughout the terminal. It was quieter than 'normal' (ie pre-Covid) although this may have been the time I was there (I was on one of the first flights to depart in the morning). Paperwork was checked at check in for the flight (for Spain this was a health control form - to be completed up to 48 hours before arrival into Spain) as well as the usual passport control.

Upon arrival at Alicante it was pretty quick to get through passport control (despite us no longer being in Europe) plus there was an additional check where they scan the QR code on your health control form. Again very straightforward if you have the correct paperwork. Be aware that there are various restrictions on what you can now take into Europe since Brexit (for example no meat or diary products are allowed - check online for up to date information). The airport was quiet and there were hand sanitisers throughout, all passengers have to wear a mask and were encouraged to keep a distance from others.

On my return I had already completed the UK passenger locator form (to be completed up to 48 hours before arrival back into the UK), I had evidence of my vaccination status (via the NHS app and a paper copy as a back up) and I had booked my Day 2 lateral flow test. At check in for the flight it was very comprehensive and they checked my flight ticket, passport, vaccination status and passenger locator form. Again, no problems if you have all the paperwork completed in advance.

Both flights were almost full and it was mandatory to wear a mask. The vast majority of passengers were adhering to this and announcements were made during the flight (and this was very clearly stated in all pre-flight communication from the airline).

While I was away there were various government announcements regarding travel. Luckily for me I was back in the UK before any changes were implemented however this clearly shows if you do travel abroad you need to keep up to date with ever changing rules and regulations. Sometimes changes happen with just a few days notice. Of course this is yet another reason to book your holiday with a trusted travel expert such as me.

Overall the travel experience was different to 'usual' but with planning and preparation of all the required paperwork and ensuring you meet all the entry requirements of each specific country, I feel that travel is still very much possible as well as enjoyable. For me I was able to spend time with my family after almost a year and to help a special little girl celebrate her 4th birthday.