I provided an update to the House yesterday on the introduction of a more targeted approach to travel corridors through a new Islands’ policy.
I am now writing to inform you that the Government has today made the Health Protection (Coronavirus, International Travel) (England) (Amendment) (No.12) Regulations (“the amending Regulations”) to remove the Greek islands of Lesvos, Tinos, Serifos, Mykonos, Crete, Santorini and Zakynthos from the list of exempt countries.
Data from the Joint Biosecurity Centre and Public Health England has indicated a significant risk to UK public health from travellers returning to the UK from the Greek islands listed above. They have therefore been removed from the list of exempt countries and territories.
The removals of these Greek islands, which will come into effect from 04:00 on Wednesday 09 September, will apply only to England.
Passengers arriving in England from Lesvos, Tinos, Serifos, Mykonos, Crete, Santorini and Zakynthos from 04:00 on 9 September will be required to self-isolate for 14 days.
Further information on the exempt countries and territories can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-travel-corridors
Covid-19 has profoundly changed the nature of international travel. As ever, travellers should carefully check the latest Foreign and Commonwealth Office travel advice before making plans and commencing their journeys, and should purchase travel insurance. https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice
I will announce any further necessary additions or removals on Thursday, as per the usual weekly process.
Rt Hon Grant Shapps MP
SECRETARY OF STATE FOR TRANSPORT
Annex A: Additional questions and answers
What should I do if I am in Greek Islands of Lesvos, Tinos, Serifos, Mykonos, Crete, Santorini and Zakynthos now?
People currently in those above-mentioned countries or territories may continue with their trip and should continue to adhere to social distancing and good hygiene. They should follow any local rules and check the Foreign and Commonwealth Office’s travel advice pages on GOV.UK for further information. They will need to fill in the passenger locator form before arriving back in the UK and must then self-isolate for 14 days.
What about UK travellers who are due to, or wish to, travel to Greek Islands of Lesvos, Tinos, Serifos, Mykonos, Crete, Santorini and Zakynthos?
The Foreign and Commonwealth Office is advising against all but essential travel to the above-mentioned countries and territories.
Does this mean I can cancel my holiday and get a full refund?
Rights will depend on individual airlines and travel operators and the circumstances of the flight or holiday being cancelled. You should contact your airline or travel operator to understand your terms and conditions of travel.
If your flight is cancelled, you will be entitled to a refund or rebooking. However, if the flight operates and you choose to cancel, your right to a refund will depend on the terms and conditions of your booking.
Will I get compensation from the Government?
Throughout this crisis we have been clear that we will act swiftly and decisively to protect public health. We will update travel advice when it is necessary. During this global pandemic it is more important than ever that people check travel advice regularly and have appropriate travel insurance.
The Government has announced that refund credit notes issued by ATOL protected travel operators will be backed by the Government were the company to become insolvent.
My employer has told me I need to come back to the office, but now I’m coming back from a country that requires me to self-isolate, what should I do?
The Government is encouraging employers to be understanding to UK nationals returning from Greek Islands of Lesvos, Tinos, Serifos,
Mykonos, Crete, Santorini and Zakynthos having to self-isolate.
What does this mean for my travel insurance? Will it cover me?
You should contact your travel insurance provider to understand your terms and conditions of travel.
If you were already in the country when the advice changed then your insurance is likely to continue to cover you until you return home.
Travelling to countries against Foreign and Commonwealth Office advice is likely to invalidate your travel insurance and this would apply to those yet to travel to countries not on the travel corridor.
Customers looking to change or cancel their travel plans should speak with the airline provider, tour operator or travel agent in the first instance and check your policy wording as you may not be covered for travel disruption or cancellation if you booked or took out your travel insurance after the pandemic started. In either circumstance, we advise checking with your travel insurance provider.
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-travel-corridors