07 Oct
2021

ABTA's response to today's Government international travel update

Mark Tanzer, Chief Executive of ABTA – The Travel Association said:

“The reduction of the red list to seven countries is a sensible step forward in further opening up international travel. These changes along with the simpler system for travel means now is the best time in a long time to book and travel on a foreign holiday.

“If you are fully vaccinated the process of going abroad is a lot easier, and cheaper, and today’s changes mean there is plenty more choice in terms of escaping the winter weather over the coming months. Anyone looking to book a trip abroad should speak to an ABTA Member for the latest advice and information.

“Although we have a much-improved system, we now want to see the government put their plans into place to replace day 2 PCR tests with lateral flow in time for the October half term in England, which begins later this month, and we would urge the Devolved Administrations to also prioritise swift implementation. We also urge the Government to remove all testing for primary school age children, which would bring it in line with the approach it has for testing in schools.”

When planning their well-deserved winter break, ABTA is reminding holidaymakers to visit the travel advice pages for their intended destination at www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice to check that they can meet the country’s entry requirements and that the Foreign Office isn’t advising against travel.

ABTA has a hub of essential information and guidance at abta.com/readysteadytravel, to help holidaymakers book and travel with confidence this year.