Pre-Trip
What you need to know before you travel
Before Leaving Home
- Check if you have any coronavirus symptoms (a continuous cough, temperature over 37.8ºC, a loss or change in your sense of taste and smell).
- Ensure your company has adequate and active travel insurance; given the current situation, some insurers are changing the terms of their cover depending on your travel destination and the COVID-19 measures in place there. Check with our Destination tool for the most up-to-date status.
- Check your company’s travel policy, which may well have been revised since you last travelled. And ensure you’re adhering to all risk assessment. Take a look at our Managing Traveller Risk article for more help.
- If you’re flying, check with the airport websites (both departure and arrival) whether a health certificate is required, confirming a negative COVID-19 test result. Tests are issued no more than 72 hours prior to departure.
- Also check the local airport and government websites for other requirements, such as mandated wearing of face masks. Use our Destination Status tool to help you.
PPE and Packing
- Hand sanitiser – 150ml is a safe volume, though some airports are allowing more.
- Face masks – as a guide, these can effectively last for up to 4 hours, so make sure you have enough for the duration of your trip.
- Gloves – two pairs.
- Hygiene wipes.
- Thermometer – to check your temperature prior to your return trip.
- Keep luggage to a minimum, so it’s easier to move around while observing social distancing regulations.
At the Airport
- Aim to spend as little time in the airport as possible, so arrive no earlier than 3 hours before a long haul flight, or 2 hours before a short haul flight.
- Airport arrival times vary across the world, so check the destination airport website for the latest information.
- Check terminal information as some terminals may be closed.
- We advise you to eat before travelling as airport and on-board food facilities are likely to be closed or very limited.
- Avoid connecting flights where possible. Any connections which require an overnight stay are likely to be subject to quarantine laws of that country.
For When You Arrive
- Pre-book all hotel and ground transportation.
- Avoid public transport if at all possible.
- Use our Destination Status checker for border information and entry requirements of international visitors.
- Check with your travel insurer to make sure you’re covered for your journey.
