Travelling abroad with kids can be stressful at the best of times, but during a pandemic it can be frankly anxiety-inducing. The coronavirus restrictions, both in the UK and overseas, vary depending on age, and many are different for under 18s, under 12s or under 5s. Read on for our definitive guide of safe travel, testing and terms of entry for different destinations.
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Returning to the UK
The requirements for those returning to the UK depend on the countries they have travelled through and from. Countries and territories are ranked into green, amber and red categories by the UK government. All travellers must take a privately purchased PCR test on day 2 of their arrival. These tests can be bought from a range of government-mandated suppliers such as Medicspot.
Those on the green list do not need to isolate unless the day 2 test returns a positive result. Those returning from amber and red lists must also carry out a further PCR test on day 8, but those on the amber list have the option to take a day 5 test that can release quarantine early if negative.
The PCR tests required upon arrival to the UK do not apply to any child aged 10 or under, but there are some exemptions. If an adult in a household with a child wishes to take a ‘test to release’ day 5 PCR test, all children in the household must be tested at the same time. If a child of under 10 is travelling to the UK for urgent medical treatment and it is not reasonably practical for their accompanying adult to have taken one in the three days before travel, they will be exempt from the usual timing restrictions and can instead take one when they’re able to.
Entry requirements to other countries
The UK Common Travel Area, which includes the UK, Ireland, the Channels Islands and the Isle of Man, does not require any testing, quarantine or forms to be filled out when travelling within it – no matter the age of the traveller. However, if the individual or household has travelled outside of the area within the 10 day period prior, the standard procedure must be followed depending on that destination’s position on the traffic light list.
Every country and territory has its own entry requirements, and these vary for adults and children. To best ensure that no-one is denied entry to a destination, Foreign Office advice should be heeded and constant contact should be made with a travel partner in that area to keep up-to-date with the latest guidance and restrictions.
Face mask requirements in other countries
In the UK, face mask requirements do not apply to anyone aged 11 or under, and are actively discouraged for anyone aged 3 or under, for health and safety reasons. However, this is not the case elsewhere in the world – and in many countries, mask requirements are much more rigorous than in Britain. In some countries, face masks must be worn in all public areas — both indoors and outdoors. It is not uncommon abroad for masks to be a requirement from children aged 2 upward, so specific guidelines and rules should be checked well ahead of departure as smaller sized masks may not be easily purchased upon arrival.
Should a child have a specific medical exemption from wearing a face mask, it is recommended that certified health records travel with them and are readily available whenever may be required.
Face masks requirements on air travel
The rules around wearing face masks on aeroplanes vary between airlines and are complex due to their nature – which usually includes a combination of the airline’s own safety policies and protocol, the destination’s rules, and the rules of the departure point. Again, although many UK rules stipulate that children don’t need to wear masks, they are a common requirement elsewhere. Some airlines demand that children aged 2 and upward wear an adequately-fitting, child-sized face mask, so be sure that you’re clear on the rules before you depart.
If your child isn’t used to wearing a face mask, try shopping together for one and practising wearing it in and out of the house to build up familiarity. It’s unlikely that your child will be the only one on the plane, so remind them that others will be wearing them too.
It’s worth remembering that although the ‘end date’ for restrictions appears to be in sight for the UK, this isn’t the case for many other countries, and in some areas, rules are tightening rather than easing. It’s critical that travellers keep up-to-date with the latest advice for both the UK and their destination, and this can be done online and through a travel agent.
