- Info
- Staying Safe On Holiday
COVID19 Travel Advice
We understand that a holiday is one of the highlights of any year but that given the current circumstances you may be uncertain about booking one.
At Mercury Holidays the well-being of our customers is our top priority, we also recognize the need to be flexible. We’ve put the following measures in place for your peace of mind so that you can book with total confidence.
Travelling Abroad
Please remember that information is subject to change and that for the most up to date information about UK restrictions imposed on international travel we would recommend that you visit the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office’s (FCDO) travel advice at https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice
Entry requirements for destination countries
The entry conditions imposed by a particular foreign country vary. Some countries require visitors to provide negative COVID 19 test results although many exempt this requirement where a visitor can provide evidence of full vaccination. Completion of a Passenger Locator Form or some other form is also common.
Some countries are now requiring visitors to provide evidence that they have been fully vaccinated with an EU approved COVID-19 vaccine prior to travel. Failure to provide such evidence may result in visitors having to quarantine upon arrival. An NHS COVID Pass provides evidence of such vaccination, more details on the pass can be found at https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/covid-pass/
We are aware that some authorities require a letter showing your vaccination status. Please allow up to 5 working days for receipt of the letter. You can request an NHS COVID Pass letter at https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/covid-pass/get-your-covid-pass-letter/
Since entry conditions vary by destination and are subject to alteration we recommend that you visit the FCDO travel advice page for the most up to date information at https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice
Requirements for return to the UK – for arrivals from 04 October 2021
From 4 October the Government has announced a major simplification. The green and amber classification will be removed and only a red list published. In addition, if a traveller is returning to England from a non-red list country and is fully vaccination, they will no longer need to take a pre-departure test. You will still need to take a COVID test on or before day 2 of your return.
Return requirements for Fully Vaccinated travellers
| Return requirement for England | Non-Red Countries | Red List Countries |
|---|---|---|
| Passenger locator form | Yes | Yes |
| Pre-departure COVID test | No | Yes |
| Managed Hotel Quarantine | No | 10 Days |
| COVID test | On or before day 2 | On or before day 2 |
| Further COVID testing | No | Day 8 |
Return requirements for NOT Fully Vaccinated travellers
| Return requirement for England | Non-Red Countries | Red List Countries |
|---|---|---|
| Passenger locator form | Yes | Yes |
| Pre-departure COVID test | Yes | Yes |
| Managed Hotel Quarantine | No | 10 Days |
| Self isolation | Yes | N/A |
| COVID test | On or before day 2 | On or before day 2 |
| PCR COVID test to release | Yes on day 5 | No |
| Further COVID testing | Day 8 | Day 8 |
If you are fully vaccinated the day 2 test can either be a PCR or a cheaper Lateral Flow (Antigen) test.
Requirements for the rest of the UK differ. The full government advice can be found at https://www.gov.uk/uk-border-control
Will my holiday be going ahead?
For holidays due to depart to any country not categorised as Red and where there are no FCDO travel restrictions in place your holiday can continue as planned and normal terms and conditions apply.
For holidays due to depart to a country categorised as Red if the destination is subject to FCDO travel restrictions it may mean that your holiday is unable to continue as planned. FCDO advice relates to imminent departures, therefore we are making decisions on a rolling 14 day period and if your holiday destination is categorised as red or subject to FCDO restrictions our Customer Experience team will be in contact with you in departure date priority to discuss your options which include cancellation and receiving a full refund.
Passenger Locator Form
Please note that the government has introduce a requirement to complete a passenger locator form prior to returning to the UK. Details and a link to the form can be found here https://www.gov.uk/provide-journey-contact-details-before-travel-uk
We have teamed up with The Travel Visa Company who provide a service whereby you can complete your Passenger Locator Form for return to the UK in advance, they will submit it on your behalf within 48 hours of your return. You can contact the Travel Visa Company by either visiting https://thetravelvisacompany.co.uk/mercury-holidays/?sup=MRC or by telephoning 01270 904907 and quoting Mercury Holidays.
COVID-19 Tests
As part of the entry conditions for some countries and also in order to comply with return requirements to the UK you will be required to undertake COVID-19 tests.
We have teamed up with The Travel Visa Company who will be able to arrange for private COVID-19 tests including packages in order to comply with UK return requirements. PCR tests are available for £43. If arriving back into England a Lateral Flow Tests can be taken as an alternative and are available from £17.99. You can contact the Travel Visa Company by either visiting https://thetravelvisacompany.co.uk/mercury-holidays/?sup=MRC or by telephoning 01270 904907 and quoting Mercury Holidays.
It is important that your COVID test meets the minimum requirements, for more information please visit https://www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-testing-for-people-travelling-to-england
Staying Safe On Holiday
At the airport
New protocols have been introduced at all airports to keep you safe. These include:
- Increased cleaning operations
- Limiting terminal access and the suspension of some facilities to ensure social distancing
- Introduction of hygiene stations
- Possible temperature checks
- Passengers generally should maintain social distancing, wear masks at all times, reduce contact where possible and frequently wash hands
- Airport check-in, security and boarding will all have measures to ensure your safety and to limit contact
On flight restrictions
All airlines have introduced measures to keep you safe these include increased cleaning operations and the wearing of masks. Please refer to the airline website for more information.
Welcome and your transfer
Our representatives in resort will meet you on arrival and will be able to advise on what measures are being taken to keep you safe on the transfer to your hotel which may include the wearing of face masks. Some transfers may be subject to additional stops and extended wait times and therefore be longer than usual as a consequence.
Your hotel
All hotels have implemented measures to maximum cleanliness and safety. These vary from country to country but all have been developed in accordance with local government advice.
The extra measures may include increased frequency of cleaning operations, the provision of hygiene stations, the wearing of face masks and limitations on access to some facilities. It is likely that bars and restaurants will be operating at reduced capacity to ensure appropriate social distancing, this will vary depending upon whether the seating is internal or external.
Relaxing next to the pool or on the beach will also be subject to new protocols with increased cleaning operations or limitations on the number of people in a particular area to maintain social distancing. The great news is that you should all have more space to enjoy yourself in the sun.
In resort
Please look out for local guidance on what restrictions and measures are in place in resort, our representatives as well as the hotel staff will be able to advise further. We would generally recommend that you should maintain social distancing, carry a protective mask and frequently wash your hands.
Frequently Asked Questions
If Mercury Holidays cancel my holiday will I receive a cash refund?
We are sure that you have heard a significant amount about businesses failing to meet their obligations under the Package Travel Regulations to issue refunds to customers.
Our customers are our absolute priority and even though in many cases we are yet to recover all amounts owed to us from suppliers we can confirm that in the event of a cancellation due to COVID-19 restrictions that we will be issuing customers with a full refund within 14 days.
There is no need to contact us in respect of your refund this will happen automatically, our teams will be working through bookings in departure date order and the refund will be processed by the same payment method used to secure your original booking.
What happens if the FCDO advises against all but essential travel to my holiday destination?
FCDO travel advice applies to imminent departures, therefore we make decisions on a rolling 14 day period prior to your departure date. If FCDO travel advice prevents your holiday from taking place within that timeframe you will receive a full cash refund within 14 days. It may still be possible to travel to your destination and if you wish to continue with your holiday arrangements you can discuss this with our Customer Experience team.
Please note that many travel insurance policies may be largely invalidated if travelling against FCDO advice although we have teamed up with Insurefor who provide a policy that includes COVID-19 cover if you do travel against FCDO advice. Please visit https://www.insurefor.com/ or telephone on 01293 855841 and get 5% off using the discount code MERC5.
What happens if my destination moves to Red pre-departure?
The categorisation of countries is currently being reviewed by the government every three weeks. If your destination is classified as red 14 days prior to your planned departure date then your holiday will be cancelled and you will receive a full cash refund within 14 days.
What happens if my destination imposes quarantine restrictions pre-departure on all visitors on arrival irrespective of whether you have provided proof of full vaccination or negative COVID-19 test results?
If you are subject to mandatory quarantine for an extended period your holiday will be cancelled and you will receive a full cash refund within 14 days.
What happens if local restrictions in my destination result in my hotel having to close facilities e.g. bars, restaurants and swimming pools?
This will depend upon the extent of the restrictions. If deemed to be significant then you may be entitled to compensation.
Can I amend my departure date if I am uncomfortable about travelling?
Yes. We are waiving our amendment charges on all holidays, tours and cruises; you will just need to either pay the additional cost (including any supplier amendment fees) or receive a refund in respect of any price difference. If you would like to amend your holiday departure date please email mybooking@mercuryholidays.com, with the word amend and your booking reference in the subject line and details of your preferred departure dates in the email; a member of our customer services team will then contact you directly. Alternatively, you can telephone us, although please be advised we are experiencing longer delays than usual due to the high volume of calls we are currently receiving.
Should I pay my balance?
If your departure date falls outside of the cancellation date stated above your holiday is still expected to continue as planned. We understand that given the current situation you might be reluctant to make additional payments to us for a future holiday. However, it is important that you continue to make payments as they become due since cancellation charges will apply should you not wish to take the holiday, or we cancel the holiday due to non-payment. Please refer to our terms and conditions.
Please rest assured that all of our package holidays and escorted tours are ATOL protected so you can pay your balance with peace of mind. Should your holiday be cancelled by us you will be entitled to a full refund or alternatively you would be able to amend your holiday to a different date, paying any additional cost if your new holiday is more expensive or we’ll refund you the difference if it costs less.
To make a payment please access Manage My Booking > https://mybooking.mercuryholidays.co.uk, alternatively you can contact us on telephone number 01732 775 004, however please note that our lines are extremely busy so you may need to wait longer than usual.
If you have any questions please email mybooking@mercuryholidays.com and put the word Payment in the subject line.
What should I do to prepare for my holiday?
Many countries are conducting health screening at airports and land borders. If you are showing signs of respiratory infection you may be denied entry. Restrictions may also apply if you have recently visited a country deemed to be at high risk of coronavirus. We advise that you check the entry requirements for the country that you are visiting to check whether there are any restrictions in place. The latest travel advice can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice
How can I keep up to date with this situation?
You will find the latest information here on our website. As the Coronavirus situation is evolving, we recommend you check this regularly. You can also keep up to date with the latest travel advice from the FCO here > https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice
The COVID-19 situation is dynamic and fast moving. The health and safety of our customers is our absolute priority and we are continuously monitoring the situation. We would like to thank you for your understanding and patience during this unprecedented time.