Coronavirus travel forms: What to know before you head to the airport

Travellers exit Heathrow Airport Terminal 2 on August 22, 2020 in London
Getty Images
Charlie Duffield9 September 2020

Since the easing of lockdown in July and the government's announcement of air bridges, many Brits have been eager to spend time overseas.

However, travelling during a pandemic means there are now different requirements and protocols to adhere to.

Many countries are requiring specific forms such as health declarations or locator forms to be completed in advance, and presented either during boarding, or on arrival.

If you want to head abroad, here's what you need to know about completing travel forms in relation to coronavirus.

What documents do I need to travel abroad?

Make sure to complete the required travel documents before heading abroad
Getty Images

Spain

Brits travelling to Spain must now provide a form giving details about their stay before flying abroad.

The new document became compulsory for all holidaymakers entering from other countries as of July 1 2020, but many people are unaware they need to complete the form.

It relates to your health and travel history, and must be filled out less than 48 hours before travelling

The document is made up of five sections and requires your passport identity number, information about your flight, where you will stay in Spain, an email address and where you will be sitting on the plane.

To complete the form, you must upload your details to this website.

When you fill it out, you will receive an email with a security code and a link to your form.

Once it is completed, travellers will be sent a personal QR code, which you must carry on your phone or a printed copy to pass the airport health checks.

At the airport, holidaymakers will have face temperature checks and a visual inspection; if they fail any of these checks, they'll be required to see a doctor.

The measures are intended to enable authorities to track and trace coronavirus outbreaks quickly.

However, currently the Foreign Office advises against all non-essential travel to Spain, including the Balearic and Canary Islands, based on the current assessment of Covid-19 risks in the country.

Greece

A passenger wears a face mask at the airport
PA

As of 17 August, all travellers entering Greece are required to produce a COVID-negative PCR test conducted in the country of departure within 72 hours of arrival in Greece.

This applies equally to Greek nationals and Greece residence permit holders.

You must also complete an online Passenger Locator Form (PLF) at least 24 hours before arriving in Greece.

All travelers must complete their PLF until the day before entering the country, providing detailed information on their point of departure, the duration of previous stays in other countries, and the address of their stay while in Greece.

In case of multiple stays, they are required to provide the address for the first 24 hours at least. One PLF should be submitted per family.

Upon submitting their PLF, travellers will receive a confirmation email and will receive the PLF with their unique QR code on the day of their scheduled arrival in Greece at midnight.

Those travellers boarding or embarking on the previous day of arrival will be allowed to do so upon showing the confirmation email, since they will receive their QR code during their flight or voyage.

Other destinations

Similarly, travel forms are required to enter many other countries due to coronavirus.

The EasyJet website states: "You may be required to complete a health declaration/locator form online prior to travel or bring confirmation/forms with you to the airport.

"Failure to do so could result in you being refused travel or denied entry to your destination."

"We ask that you check Government and Public Health websites for the relevant information, follow their advice and bring any completed forms with you as required"

Here is a list of travel information and forms needed for other destinations.

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