As life begins to slowly return to some form of normality, I hope this newsletter finds you and your families well.
 

I think it is fair to say that many of us have been waiting eagerly for the government's announcements regarding international travel.

Although the situation may at present appear complex, I can assure you that I am constantly being updated on any official government changes. Please feel free to contact me regarding your holiday questions and concerns.

It is hoped that travel will resume on 17 May and this newsletter contains some of the current points.

On Friday 9 April, the transport secretary Grant Shapps told BBC breakfast that he is no longer advising against booking your summer holiday and that the outlook for summer is just weeks away!

As per the government announcement on 6 April, following their liaison with the Global Taskforce, the traffic light system will be re-implemented with the addition of a green watch list. This will give some reassurances in the lead up to and whilst you are away on your holiday, in that there will be longer than 24/ 48 hours’ notice of needing to return home or that your holiday will be affected.

Red countries: High-risk countries (currently known as “red list”)
Amber countries: Moderate-risk countries
Green countries: Low-risk countries

Here's a quick summary of the current guidelines:

• We will have to take a Covid test prior to departure and on return to the UK. Depending on the list the country is on that you are returning from, you may need to quarantine at home or in a government approved hotel.
   
• Please be aware that the tests are to be paid tests and not the free NHS tests.
   
• The reduction in costs for the PCR tests, the possible use of lateral flow tests or indeed the government providing pre-departure tests, could come into effect on 17 May. It is thought that the government are considering a complete VAT exemption for all forms of Covid testing, a move that would likely cut test prices to below £50pp.
   
• Whilst we are opening our borders and will have a traffic light system in place, we will still need to keep abreast of individual destinations entry requirements. Some countries may require proof of vaccine and or PCR tests or indeed quarantine on arrival!
   
• It is also recommended that by autumn 2021, passenger locator forms are electronic which will be checked at e-gates across all entry ports/ airports.
   
• We will have additional checkpoints from the government on 28 June, 31 July and 1 October. This again is reassuring in that we will be able to update you on any changes to travel procedures rather than being kept in the dark.
   
• In order to keep us safe, it is still too early to advise which list each country will be on as it is approx. four weeks until our borders re-open. We should know more in early May as to which countries we can travel freely to from 17 May.
   
• The traffic light system will come into force on 17 May 2021 and will be applied to all passengers entering the UK. The government is also set to announce which countries would not require quarantine upon return to the UK - this list of countries is known as the green list.
   
• It is thought that there will be an initial green list of eight countries. The Sunday Telegraph reported that these are expected to be: the USA, Gibraltar, Israel, Iceland, Ireland, Malta, Australia and New Zealand. NB Oz and NZ are both currently closed to travellers from overseas. This week, Travel Weekly quoted the analysis of former British Airways strategy chief Robert Boyle who suggests that almost all of Europe is likely to be either on the amber list, requiring home quarantine of 10 days, or even the red list, where arrivals have to hotel quarantine at a cost of £1,750 per person. The research places mainstream holiday destinations of Spain, Greece, Italy and Cyprus on amber due to their high Covid rates but it says they could still turn green by the government’s next review date of 28 June – in time for the summer peak.
   
• According to modelling, which analyses countries against the government's four risk criteria, most European countries would be classified as amber. This means travellers would have to quarantine at home when they returned to England.

With so much uncertainty still, it's now even more evident that the government, as well as TV travel guru Simon Calder and other well-known media personalities, recognise the importance of booking your holiday and business trips with a real person and someone you can trust rather than booking on a computer!

A real agent will be able to guide you and keep you informed at all times. The human contact will give you confidence that you are being cared for.

I am delighted to inform you that I have been involved with one of the working parties working in collaboration with government and the Global Taskforce and found the process very insightful working alongside other travel professionals.

So here’s to developing consumer confidence in travelling again -  whenever you are ready - whether it's this year, next year or indeed 2023!

Nikki

Live Safaris

Following a great response from the live safaris, we're heading back to the bush!

If you missed it last time, or want to experience another virtual game drive and spot some more of the incredible wildlife, this is your chance.

Simply click on the links below to register for these amazing live webinars.

23 April - 2pm - Kapama Southern Camp and Kapama Buffalo Camp: bit.ly/321jlrc

29 April - 2pm - Kapama River Lodge & River Lodge Wellness Centre: bit.ly/3s3qNMW