Do I Still Need to Check FCDO Advice Post-Pandemic?

During the height of the Covid-19 pandemic, more and more travel businesses and travellers became aware of the importance of remaining up-to-date. At Protected Trust Services (PTS) and for many others, making consumers aware of the resources on the FCDO Advice page ensured everyone could stay quickly informed without too much hassle.  

In 2020 and 2021 specifically, many destinations were changing their entry rules and restrictions systems and reviewing them month-by-month. Restrictions were changing around the world on a regular basis and for this, the live updates released by the FCDO were an important tool for many travellers who were worried about their holiday.  

These concerns could be anything from whether the traveller had the right kind of Covid tests prepared to if the destination was at risk of closing its borders to UK visitors before they were due for their holiday. The industry adapted to best manage these concerns, however, it was recognised that all parties staying updated was one of the most important steps.  

Even in 2022, travel consumers are much more aware of their methods of protection and what to look for when they’re booking their holiday than they were previously. Whether it’s an ATOL logo or a PTS logo you’re looking for, or consumers spending a little more for quality travel insurance, the travel industry has grown from the lessons learned during the Covid pandemic.  

In 2022 many destinations around the world have begun to, or fully, returned to normality in terms of their restrictions and rules for visitors. This is a big contrast from the peak of the pandemic and may cause you to wonder if checking sources such as the FCDO travel advice page before you book is still as necessary. With most Covid entry rules relaxed, do you still need to stay updated?  

The simple answer is, yes. Whether you stay updated by checking resources on your own or you turn to your trusted travel agent to let you know of any entry restrictions before you travel, it’s important to stay informed, both for your peace of mind and so you can stay prepared. 

Though Covid rules are less and less often in effect for many destinations, there are many aspects of the travel industry around the world that are still changing or being reconsidered in the light of the Covid pandemic. These changes could come from a goal of greater efficiency, sustainability, the aim to increase the number of visitors, political discussions, and more.  

For example, across October and November of 2022, India has been applying changes to how it runs the visa scheme within countries such as the UK. Information on if you need a visa, what kind of visa you need, where to get one, and more are kept up to date on the FCDO website for exactly this purpose. If you’re booking with a good travel agent and trusted member of PTS, your travel agent will also keep up to date on any information like this that could affect a booking made with them.  

Whether it’s the EU-relevant changes to passport rules for UK travellers, or a destination simply altering cruise ship rules, staying up to date on the destination you’ve booked a fantastic holiday for is still important post-pandemic 

So, if you’re looking forward to your next holiday, don’t wait, book now with a travel business registered with PTS for 100% financial protection through trust. Or, if you’d like assistance choosing one of the lovely PTS members to book with, you can contact PTS directly at 0207 190 9988. 

And if you’d like to learn more about your financial protection with PTS or how the Package Travel Regulations protect your holiday booking, check out our pages and Travel Advice.