Friday 07 May 2021
As we move towards a further easing of border restrictions to include Category 2 countries and regions, Islanders are being asked to check that they are prepared for what their journey may require before they travel.
Travel outside the Bailiwick will have changed significantly due to the COVID-19 pandemic and it is important that Islanders are prepared so that the experience is as safe and straightforward as possible.
Travel insurance
Anyone making travel plans should check their travel insurance before they travel to see whether it covers changes to flights and accommodation and covers medical bills as a result of COVID-19. It is possible that you could test positive for COVID-19 (or could be considered to be a close contact of a positive case) while off-island, meaning you would then need to self-isolate before being able to return to the Bailiwick.
COVID-19 requirements can change very quickly
We all know from our experiences in the Bailiwick that restrictions regarding COVID-19 can change extremely quickly - here and elsewhere. You need to take full responsibility for your own travel arrangements and be aware of the requirements of the regions/countries that you are travelling to and through. You also need to be ready for any COVID-related requirements of your travel carrier or accommodation provider.
It is suggested that you keep an eye on the following webpages to keep up to date with information:
Travelling to and from the Bailiwick | States of Guernsey - COVID-19 (gov.gg)
Coronavirus (COVID-19): guidance and support - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
Transit through the UK
The information below covers transit through England based on current travel links.
If you have to transit through England before arrival in the Bailiwick you will be required to provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test before your flight departs. This means that you will need to make the arrangements to take a COVID-19 test in your country of departure. If you get a positive COVID-19 result, then you will not be able to travel back to England on the date planned and will need to make arrangements to book new accommodation and flights.
If you are arriving from a country on the UK Government's 'red list' of countries from which entry is banned, then you will need to quarantine for at least 10 days in England and undertake testing before you can be released to return to the Bailiwick. You will need to book your stay in a 'quarantine hotel' before you arrive in England which will include accommodation and COVID-19 testing.
For arrivals from a country not on the UK's 'red list', you will be required to book a 'testing package' before you travel, but you do not need to stay in England for the full period of self-isolation and can transit straight through a port to return to the Bailiwick. If you need to stay overnight before travelling to the Bailiwick you must comply with the self-isolation and testing requirements in place whilst in England. Full details of the day 2 and day 8 tests can be found here: Providers of day 2 and day 8 coronavirus testing for international arrivals - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
Information about transit requirements for travellers who pass through regions of the UK with different classifications can be found here: Country and Regional Classifications | States of Guernsey - COVID-19 (gov.gg)
Pre-travel COVID-19 tests
If you are required to provide proof of a negative PCR COVID-19 result for your travel destination or carrier, you can request this online using this form: https://gov.gg/outboundtraveller-pcr and the team will be in touch to book your test.
Pre-travel PCR tests will cost £83 per test. Our Primary Care colleagues have been providing this service in their own practices and travellers are able to continue using Primary Care for pre-travel testing but this new online system is an additional service which ensures testing can be undertaken 7 days a week.
Outbound travellers should complete the online form 48 hours before the test is required. Results will be sent via email within 24 to 48 hours (the processing time may be quicker). The email will include a letter confirming the negative result which can be shared with your travel destination or carrier.
Day of arrival tests in the Bailiwick of Guernsey
The Bailiwick of Guernsey has in place various testing and isolation requirements dependent upon your travel history. If you choose not to undertake any COVID-19 testing, you will be required to self-isolate for 21 days from the day of your arrival. More information can be found here: General Travel Information | States of Guernsey - COVID-19 (gov.gg)
With effect from 14 May 2021 travellers arriving in the Bailiwick will be charged for COVID-19 tests (with some exemptions for children under 12, medical or compassionate travel). Full details are here: Current Travel Requirements | States of Guernsey - COVID-19 (gov.gg)
Day 7 or day 13 tests after arriving in the Bailiwick of Guernsey
Your Travel Tracker account will advise you what date and time your day 7 or day 13 tests will take place following arrival in the Bailiwick.
These will be self-swab tests (exactly the same process as the tests taken on arrival).
