Travelling abroad definitely feels different due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Having just returned from Malta, I can confidently say that the trip was safe and seamless, from the airport experience in London to being on the plane; and from roaming around the beautiful streets of Malta to eating out at restaurants. I received quite a lot of questions and DMs during my trip on what international travel is like during this ‘new normal’, and so this blog is dedicated to answering those questions…

Before travelling

Before departing on your travels, you need to check the rules for the country you are going to. For instance, many countries require a PCR test before flying and some require quarantining on arrival, whereas other countries do not, if you are fully vaccinated. For Malta, I didn’t need to take any tests before departure as I am fully vaccinated, but I did need to provide proof of vaccination (including the third dose) and complete the EU Digital Passenger Locator Form (dPLF) before entry.

The airport experience

It is evident as soon as you arrive at Heathrow Airport that their utmost priority is the safety and wellbeing of everyone. Hand sanitiser stations are located pretty much everywhere and mask-wearing is mandatory in all terminals. Social distancing is also encouraged and there are clear markers on the floor so you are aware of where to stand in queues.

I carried a bottle of hand sanitiser and I would definitely recommend you do this – to be able to get through security, this should be no larger than 100ml and needs to be placed in the transparent bags provided before going through security.

Should you require them, there are a number of COVID-19 testing facilities available at Heathrow.

You should also check whether online check-in is available for your flight. My outbound flight was with Air Malta and due to the pandemic, although they offered the option to check-in online, everyone was still required to check-in at the airport, mainly so passenger vaccine certificates and dPLFs could be validated.

If you are flying out of Heathrow and have more questions, it’s worth checking out the ‘Fly Safe‘ page on their website, which includes an FAQ section.

On the plane

As you can imagine, it is practically impossible to socially distance on a flight, especially when it is packed. During the first months of the pandemic, some airlines enabled social distancing by blocking out the middle seats, but that is no longer the case. My flight was full but the compulsory mask-wearing rule whilst flying did make it feel a lot safer. Air Malta did not provide any wipes or sanitiser, whereas on the return flight to London with British Airways, Dettol wipes were available to all passengers.

Whilst abroad

Rules will differ depending on where you are travelling to, but it is always worth having a PDF copy of your vaccine certificate on your phone. In Malta, all restaurants including fast food chains, bars and other indoor settings such as cinemas and gyms require proof of full vaccination and ID before entering. They also check everyone’s temperature and ask for contact details, and masks are also required.

On return

Again, be sure to check the specific rules for the country you are departing from, to see whether a pre-departure test is required. Testing requirements will also differ depending on your vaccination status. Tests are no longer required to enter the UK if you are fully vaccinated, although I had to do a Day 2 lateral flow test, which is required for all vaccinated passengers until 11th February.

To enter the UK, you also need to fill out a Passenger Locator Form, which you can complete online any time in the 48 hours before arrival. Be sure to save a PDF copy on your phone or print out a copy, as you will be required to show this at the airport before you depart for the UK.

Overall, as long as you do your research beforehand, and follow local rules and regulations, you should feel confident about travelling abroad again.