TUI has issued a holidays update for Brits as the UK is set to introduce new travel rules this week, including new Covid test requirements as part of wider attempts to curb the spread of the Omicron variant.
From Tuesday (December 7) all arrivals aged 12 or over arriving in the UK, no matter what their vaccination status, will need take a pre-departure test PCR or lateral flow test within 48 hours before departing to the UK.
A statement on TUI's website read: "We’re aware all passengers entering the UK will now need to have a negative lateral flow or PCR test before departure, which must be taken within 48 hours before travel. This will come into effect from 04:00 on Tuesday 7th December.
"We would like to reassure customers that their holiday is still due to operate as planned, and our destination teams are confirming testing availability for customers in resort. Customers in resort should contact their TUI representative for their nearest testing clinic.
"For customers due to travel after 8th December, we recommend you order your tests today or on Monday so they can be delivered to your home before you depart on your flight."
The Omicron variant has already caused a number of countries changing entry rules for travellers, including popular destinations such as France and Spain.
Throughout the pandemic, TUI has been one of the travel firms offering flexible bookings during the pandemic, which includes being able to amend your booking free of charge.
As part of its statement regarding the new Covid test rules, the travel firm included further information for holidaymakers: "For customers who are unable to travel as planned, please contact us on 0203 451 2688 to discuss your options, which includes changing your holiday fee-free. Our normal opening hours are Monday-Friday 9am – 7pm, Saturday 9am – 6pm or Saturday 10am – 5pm.
"Alternatively, if customers are in destination, please contact our 24/7 TUI Experience Centre on +44 3333 365 147. We would like to thank our customers for their understanding at this time."
It's worth noting that you're only entitled to a full refund from a travel firm when they cancel your holiday. This tends to be when there are rules in place that don't allow for non-essential travel, such as a change in Foreign Office advice, or new restrictions that come into play which mean you're no longer able to travel to a destination.
This usually applies when a country is moved to the red list, which does affect Brits who booked holidays especially when the Foreign Office advises against travel to a destination.
At the time of writing, there are 11 countries currently on the red list; Angola, Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Nigeria, South Africa, Zambia and Zimbabwe.
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