Travel uncertainty, one of many challenges faced in 2020, looks set to continue into 2021. Many countries have been struck from the UK travel corridor list and new quarantine procedures are still in place for people coming into the country.
However, with the vaccine rolling out at speed across the UK, many travellers will be eager to escape to sunny shores soon enough. And now that the UK is no longer an EU member state, there will be additional travel considerations to think through before you travel. As always, make sure you have adequate travel insurance to cover you, get up to date on the latest visa legislation for the country you are travelling to and consider paying for your trip with a credit card for additional financial security.
The following destinations are some of the easiest and safest to travel to later this summer:
#1 Spain
Popular with many UK travellers, it is important to note that Spain is an EU member state and therefore subject to new legislation. Therefore, you will no longer be able to use the fast-track queue at border control and will need travel insurance to replace your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). But all of this is certainly worth it for all of the many beaches, unique architecture, delicious sangria, fun nightlife and more!
However, you do not need a tourist visa and can visit for up to 90 days in any 180-day period.
#2 Turkey
As Turkey is not an EU member, there have been no changes to the visa requirements for travelling. You must apply for your tourist visa online ahead of time. Currently, there are no passenger flights between the UK and Turkey, but as they do start again, expect to be tested at the airport when you arrive and prepare to self-isolate until you get your results.
I would highly recommend visiting Istanbul first as it is an incredible capital city, but then perhaps head to Cappadocia to experience the bucket-list worthy hot air balloons and gorgeous landscapes.
#3 Dubai
The United Arab Emirates has only recently been removed from the UK travel corridor list, Dubai requires all visitors to present a negative Covid-19 test on arrival or submit to testing at the airport. You might need to self-isolate as you wait for the results, but afterward the city is wide open for you to enjoy, in a socially distanced way of course.
And Dubai certainly has so much to offer any visitor! The luxury shopping, hotels, and restaurants are endless, and you cannot leave without going up the Burj Khalifa skyscraper to experience epic views from 160 stories up!
#4 The Maldives
Visitors from the UK will need to present a negative Covid-19 test when you arrive in the Maldives, but once there you can enjoy the tropical sun and warm Indian Ocean in relative isolation. Many resorts in the Maldives offer private villa accommodation with luxury levels of service.
In other words, it is beyond easy to stay you can stay safe and locked down in the paradise that is the Maldives!
