Our Client Account Director, Emma, recently had the amazing opportunity to visit Mykonos for the opening of Kalesma. This super luxe hotel is an absolute must-visit and all the more tempting with the Government’s announcement yesterday that fully vaccinated people no longer need to quarantine on return. However, for those who have not received both vaccinations, Emma explains the process and cost break down of being able to travel again.
Poolside at Kalesma, Mykonos
I travelled to Greece (Mykonos) in June for 3 days and the process turned out to be a lot easier than I expected.
I had not had the vaccine and Greece was on the Amber list.
I flew out of Heathrow Terminal 5 (which was deserted - probably the best airport experience I’ve ever had) and the plane was almost empty (British Airways).
Coming home I flew into Gatwick with EasyJet - again no queues and getting through customs etc was very quick and easy - was through in 20 minutes.
I would not necessarily recommend flying IN to Heathrow if you can avoid it as there are more international arrivals so the risk of more queues than other airports.
I work from home so quarantining for 5 days was not an issue for me and it was certainly worth it for the trip! However even with travel opening up as it is, we would advise not booking international travel unless you know you are in a position to be able to quarantine on return or have received both vaccines as per the latest announcement. Both the Amber and Green Travel Lists are constantly changing - to keep up to date follow our Instagram here.
Process for Greece (as per June 2021)
As per the ‘Amber’ guidelines tests have to be arranged for pre and post trip, plus of course and vitally travel insurance - I did mine through Barclays and was covered for everything.
Pre-departure UK testing
You need a ‘Fit to Fly’ certificate to be allowed to travel - to get this you need a negative PCR result taken within the 72 hours before your landing time in Greece (which has to be checked in the lab and they then email you your certificate).
This does leave a narrow window in which you can take the test - for example if you land on Friday afternoon you need to take the test on the Wednesday really (Thursday is possible but there is the risk that the results take more than 24 hours to come back). You can do these tests via post or at a walk in centre. Heathrow, Gatwick and all major airports have testing centres which are very efficient and a little less pricey than some of the postal ones, plus more reliable as there is always a risk with the post that they won’t return the result in time for your trip.
I drove to Gatwick for the Fit to Fly test and it was very easy and quick with no queues, which cost £59 and the results are emailed by 10pm the next. An alternative to this, would be Boots Fit to Fly kit by post
We are able to arrange testing for travellers on departure and return, additionally in conjuncture with your chosen hotel or property.
Most countries also require a PLF - passenger locator form - which you need to complete in the days before you fly - Greece then approve your entry by midnight the night before you travel. You need to do the same on return to the UK.
Passenger Locator Form
Before you travel
As part of the ‘new normal’ you will need to arrange your testing for your return trip. Tests are available at most airports in Europe, however, you can also order them in the UK before your travel to do before your return - I did this to avoid queues at the airport.
I ordered from ‘Qured’ - they send you a “Return to the UK pre’departure’ kit for £39.
On return - 10 day quarantine (with option to release on the 5th day)
On the day before your travel home you have a video call with Qured who confirm your negative test (they watch you do it) and send you a certificate to travel home. This video slot needs to be pre-booked in advance. This was very easy and efficient.
Day 2 and 8 testing - this is the expensive bit unfortunately. Also discovered some companies to be unreliable in sending the kit for the correct days so went with Qured again who seem very efficient. Pricing: Day 2&8 Bundle from Qured: £198
Note - even if you are doing Day 5 release you still need to send off your Day 8 test.I drove to Gatwick again on Day 5 of quarantine for the Test to Release test - same process as getting a Fit to Fly at the drive though. Again there are many walk-in centres that also do it. This cost £99 at Gatwick (Heathrow is £69) with Express Test.
Other options for Day 2 & 8 postal options (you can also do same day courier)
Day 2 & 8 testing: cheapest £116 for both
Day 5 test & release cheapest £58
Total pricing:
Fit to Fly Certificate Express Test Weds pre- UK departure: £59
‘Qured’ Return to Uk Test and Video Call: £39
Day 2 & & Quarantine Bundle: £198
Day 5 Release Express Test Drive-Through Gatwick: £99
Total: £396
This all looks like a lot of information - but once I was in Greece I couldn’t believe how easy it had been and would 100% do it again.
If you are double jabbed you can use your NHS app now to enter many countries and no quarantine is required on return. However you are required to provide a Negative PCR test on arrival and departure.
We are able to arrange all testing needed to make your holiday hassle free, so you can finally enjoy being abroad again.
Watch this space for Emma’s blog on the Kalesma.