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COVID19 Travel Advice

Our Worry-Free COVID19 Guarantee

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.

Totally Free Amendments

All new bookings from 01 October 2020 can be amended anytime up to 14 days prior to departure date without incurring any amendment fees levied by us or incurring supplier amendment fees thereby giving you complete flexibility.

Fully Refundable Holidays

If the FCDO advice prevents your holiday from taking place you will receive a full cash refund within 14 days.

COVID-19 Testing Service and Guarantee

Some destinations require that you provide a recent negative COVID-19 test before arrival. We have teamed up with The Travel Visa Company who will be able to arrange for a private COVID-19 test at various places in the UK. They will arrange for you to be booked into a test centre convenient for you and also in respect of Cyprus to complete and upload the test result onto the Cyprus Flight Pass in advance of travel.

We are offering the arrangement service free of charge.

As additional peace of mind we guarantee that you will get your COVID test back within the stated time period. If you don’t, not only will you be refunded the price of the test but in addition we will refund you the cost of your holiday in full should you be unable to travel.

You can contact the Travel Visa Company by either visiting https://thetravelvisacompany.co.uk/mercury-holidays/ or by telephoning 01270 904907 and quoting Mercury Holidays.

ABTA and ATOL Protected

Book with confidence knowing that your money is protected. Our ABTA and ATOL membership ensures that your holiday is fully protected. Click here to read more: https://www.mercuryholidays.co.uk/info/abta-and-atol

Insurance Cover

We’ve teamed up with Rock Insurance who are able to provide COVID enhanced travel insurance giving you peace of mind. If you need travel insurance and would like a quote for a policy that includes COVID-19 cover, please visit https://www.insurefor.com/ or telephone on 01293 855841 and get 5% off using the discount code MERC5.

Health & Safety

We are working to ensure all local health and safety protocols are adhered to in all our destinations. Please see the Staying Safe On Holiday section below for more information.

COVID19 Travel Advice

Please read the information below so that you are aware of likely measures implemented to ensure your safety and enjoyment.

Please remember that this information is subject to change and that for the most up to date information about a particular country we would recommend that you visit the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office’s travel advice at https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice

The government has published a list of COVID19 travel corridors for visitors from England meaning you do not have to self-isolate when returning from these countries (links to similar information for visitors from other parts of the UK can also be found on this web page) > https://www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-travel-corridors#travel-corridors-countries-and-territories-exemption-list

National Lockdown

The UK will be entering a period of lockdown commencing 5th November and ending 2nd December.

For all customers currently in resort, you can continue to enjoy your holiday and should return to the UK as planned. Please check with your airline to ensure that your return flight is operating as normal. You should observe FCDO guidance upon your return to the UK.

If your holiday is due to depart before 5th November your holiday should be going ahead as planned. Please review latest FCDO travel advice for your chosen destination.

For all holidays departing between 5th November and 1st December unfortunately your holiday is now cancelled. Our Customer Experience team will be in contact with you to discuss your options which include receiving a full refund. We will be working in departure date priority order.

Holidays subject to FCDO travel restrictions

FCDO travel advice relates to imminent departures, We are making decision as to whether holidays can continue on a rolling basis 5 days prior to departure.

If the FCDO advise against all but essential travel to your destination and your departure date is in 5 days or less then our customer experience team will contact you to discuss your options. Your options include cancellation with a full refund or an amendment to either a later date or an alternative destination, if you choose to amend the price of your holiday may be greater than or less than your existing holiday and you will need to pay or be refunded the difference.

If you decide that you wish to cancel your holiday then you will be entitled to a full refund within 14 days in accordance with the requirements under the Package Travel Regulations.

If your holiday is impacted by a current FCDO restriction but is due to depart outside of the 5 day rolling cancellation period your arrangements are still in place. If you still wish to cancel your holiday then normal cancellation terms will apply so we would recommend that you either wait to see the status of your holiday 5 days prior to departure or contact us if you wish to enquire about amendment.

Holidays not subject to FCDO travel restrictions including where you need to self-isolate upon your return to the UK or need to take a COVID-19 test prior to arrival at your chosen destination.

If your holiday destination is not subject to FCDO advice against non-essential travel your holiday arrangements remain in place. A requirement to self-isolate upon your return to the UK or to take a COVID-19 test prior to arrival does not mean your holiday cannot continue as originally planned. Should you wish to cancel your holiday then normal cancellation terms will apply and you should contact us to discuss your options.

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/ or by telephoning 01270 904907 and quoting Mercury Holidays.

COVID-19 Tests

As part of the entry conditions for some countries you will be required to provide a negative COVID-19 test result upon your arrival. The test must be carried out less than 72 hours prior to arrival. To see whether this is required for the country you are visitng please refer to our A to Z list of information by Country below.

We have teamed up with The Travel Visa Company who will be able to arrange for a private COVID-19 test at various places in the UK. You can contact the Travel Visa Company by either visting https://thetravelvisacompany.co.uk/mercury-holidays/ or by telephoning 01270 904907 and quoting Mercury Holidays. Please read our COVID-19 Guarantee above for further details.

Country entry requirements

Some countries are imposing additional procedures prior to entering the country. We have composed an A to Z list of information by country (please scroll further down the page to view).

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. We have compiled an A to Z list of information by airline (please scroll down the page to view). If your airline is not listed please refer to the airline website for more information.

On holiday

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.

Country Information (A to Z)

Visit and tourist visas are not currently being issued by the Abu Dhabi authorities at Abu Dhabi airport.

All arrivals in Abu Dhabi must isolate for 14 days on arrival and will be required to wear a medically approved wristband for the duration of their quarantine.

Please check the Foreign and Commonwealth Office travel advice for the latest information. This information can be found here - https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/united-arab-emirates/entry-requirements

FCDO currently advises against all but essential travel to the Balearic Islands and Mainland Spain. Visitors are required to self-isolate upon their return to the UK.

Visitors entering the Balearic Islands and Mainland Spain are required to complete an online form 48 hours prior to entry which can be found here - https://www.spth.gob.es/

In addition, temperature and visual health checks will be conducted.

Visitors from the UK are required to provide a negative COVID-19 test obtained within 72 hours earlier when checking into your accommodation.

Upon return to the UK, visitors will be required to self-isolate for a period of 2 weeks.

Please check the Foreign and Commonwealth Office travel advice for the latest information. This information can be found here - https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/spain/entry-requirements

Visitors entering the Canary Islands are required to complete an online form 48 hours prior to entry which can be found here - https://www.spth.gob.es/

In addition, temperature and visual health checks will be conducted.

Visitors from the UK are required to provide a negative COVID-19 test obtained within 72 hours earlier when checking into your accommodation.

Please check the Foreign and Commonwealth Office travel advice for the latest information. This information can be found here - https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/spain/entry-requirements

FCDO currently advises against all but essential travel and visitors are required to self-isolate upon their return to the UK.

Visitors from the UK are required to provide a negative COVID-19 test obtained within 72 hours of arrival. Please check the Foreign and Commonwealth Office travel advice for the latest information - https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/cyprus/entry-requirements

Any visitors allowed to enter are required to complete an online form which can be found here - https://cyprusflightpass.gov.cy/

Visitors entering Madeira are required to complete an online form prior to entry which can be found here - https://madeirasafe.com/#/login

In addition, you will be required to show proof of a negative COVID-19 test carried out 72 hours before you arrive or take a test on arrival and await the results within 12 hours at your accommodation.

Please check the Foreign and Commonwealth Office travel advice for the latest information. This information can be found here - https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/portugal/entry-requirements

Temperature checks and screening procedures will be in place upon arrival. Visa on arrival has been reinstated.

Visitors are required to show proof of a negative COVID-19 test carried out 96 hours before arrival.

Visitors entering the country are required to complete an online form prior to entry which can be found here - https://imuga.immigration.gov.mv/ethd/create

Please check the Foreign and Commonwealth Office travel advice for the latest information. This information can be found here - https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/maldives/entry-requirements

FCDO currently advises against all but essential travel and visitors are required to self-isolate upon their return to the UK.

Visitors arriving from Belfast, Birmingham, Cardiff, East Midlands, Edinburgh, Leeds, Liverpool, Manchester and Newcastle airports are required to provide a negative COVID-19 test obtained within 72 hours of arrival.

Temperature checks will take place at the airport. Please check the Foreign and Commonwealth Office travel advice for the latest information - https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/malta/entry-requirements

All passengers arriving in Malta must complete a Travel Declaration Form and a Passenger Locator Form, these can be found here - https://www.maltairport.com/covid19/

Currently visitors from the UK must show proof of a negative COVID-19 test before departure and undergo a period of ‘in room’ quarantine in a hotel for 14 days.

Please check the Foreign and Commonwealth Office travel advice for the latest information. This information can be found here - https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/mauritius/entry-requirements

FCDO currently advises against all but essential travel and visitors are required to self-isolate upon their return to the UK.

Currently Morocco is not allowing tourists to enter the country. Please check the Foreign and Commonwealth Office travel advice for the latest information - https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/morocco/entry-requirements

FCDO currently advises against all but essential travel and visitors are required to self-isolate upon their return to the UK.

Visitors entering Portugal are required to complete an online form prior to entry which can be found here: https://portugalcleanandsafe.pt/en/passenger-locator-card

For visitors entering the country temperature and visual health checks will be conducted.

Please check the Foreign and Commonwealth Office travel advice for the latest information. This information can be found here - https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/portugal/entry-requirements

FCDO currently advises against all but essential travel and visitors are required to self-isolate upon their return to the UK.

Visitors entering the country are required to complete an online form prior to entry which can be found here - https://docs.mercuryholidays.co.uk/contents/brochures/covid19-turkey.pdf

Please check the Foreign and Commonwealth Office travel advice for the latest information. This information can be found here - https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/turkey

Visitors entering United Arab Emirates are required to complete a health declaration form and a quarantine form prior to entry which can be found here: https://c.ekstatic.net/ecl/documents/health-declaration-e-form.pdf and https://c.ekstatic.net/ecl/documents/dubai-arrivals-quarantine-procedure-declaration-form.pdf. Both forms need to be printed, completed and handed over to Dubai Health Authority staff on arrival.

Visitors must have international health insurance before travelling.

Individuals travelling from the UK to Dubai now have the option to undertake a PCR test on arrival at Dubai airport. For the rest of the UAE, a COVID-19 PCR test and proof of a negative result is required before travelling to the UAE. The test must have been carried out within 96 hours of departure.

Please check the Foreign and Commonwealth Office travel advice for the latest information. This information can be found here - https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/united-arab-emirates/entry-requirements

Airline Information (A to Z)

  • BEFORE TRAVEL All travelling customers must fill the health declaration form (https://www.airmalta.com/blog/travel/health-form) prior to checking-in for any Air Malta flight. This form must be presented at the boarding gate either electronically or as a printed copy, prior to boarding the aircraft. Passengers not in possession, may be refused boarding.

  • TEMPERATURE CHECKS you may be required to have your temperature check at the airport before you go through security. If you fail this, you will not be allowed to travel. You may also be asked for a further check on arrival into Spain.

  • FACE MASKS are to be worn at all times in the airport and onboard. As a guide they last up to 4 hours so please bring enough for your trip. You will be refused boarding if you do not have one. Children under the age of 6 are NOT required to wear a face mask.

  • HAND LUGGAGE must now be checked in Free of charge. Only Laptops, baby changing bag and handbags are allowed onboard.

  • ONBOARD MENU Pre-packed food and selected drinks will be available for sale on board. Items on sale can be found in our inflight magazine, Il-Bizzilla. Only credit card payments will be accepted.

For more information go to https://www.airmalta.com/information/about/special-news-overview/specialnews-detail/health-and-safety-update

  • TEMPERATURE CHECKS you may be required to have your temperature checked at the airport before you go through security. If you fail this, you will not be allowed to travel. You may also be asked for a further check on arrival into Spain.

  • FACE MASKS are to be worn at all times in the airport and onboard. As a guide they last up to 4 hours so please bring enough for your trip. You will be refused boarding if you do not have one. Children under the age of 6 are NOT required to wear a face mask.

  • PERSONAL PROTECTION PACK will be offered to you onboard. This will include hand gel and an antibacterial wipe.

  • STAY IN YOUR SEAT IF POSSIBLE to minimise movement around the cabin.

  • ONBOARD MENU is temporarily suspended, but a temporary complimentary (Vegetarian or non) meal will be offered. Special meals cannot be pre ordered. If you have any dietary requirements it is suggested you bring your own food. Please use card payment.

For more information go to https://www.britishairways.com/en-gb/information/the-ba-experience/welcome-on-board

  • TEMPERATURE CHECKS you may be required to have your temperature check at the airport before you go through security. If you fail this, you will not be allowed to travel. You may also be asked for a further check on arrival into Spain.

  • FACE MASKS are to be worn at all times in the airport and onboard. As a guide they last up to 4 hours so please bring enough for your trip. You will be refused boarding if you do not have one. Children under the age of 6 are NOT required to wear a face mask.

  • CABIN BAGS you will be asked to stow away, and close the over head lockers yourself.

  • ONBOARD MENU has temporarily been suspended. However, a limited menu is expected to return in the near future. Drinking water will be available on request. If you have any dietary requirements it is suggested you bring your own food. Please use card payment.

  • TOILETS will be monitored by the cabin crew during the flight.

For more information go to https://www.easyjet.com/en/policy/biosecurity-faqs

  • TEMPERATURE CHECKS you may be required to have your temperature check at the airport before you go through security. If you fail this, you will not be allowed to travel. You may also be asked for a further check on arrival.

  • FACE MASKS are to be worn at all times in the airport and onboard. As a guide they last up to 4 hours so please bring enough for your trip. You will be refused boarding if you do not have one. Children under the age of 6 are NOT required to wear a face mask.

  • PERSONAL PROTECTION PACK will be offered to you. This will include gloves, hand gel and a face mask.

  • COVID-19 PCR TEST You will only be permitted to fly if you have a negative COVID-19 PCR test issued by an approved clinic a maximum of 96 hours before your flight departure time.

For more information go to https://www.etihad.com/en-gb/fly-etihad/health-and-wellness

  • TEMPERATURE CHECKS you may be required to have your temperature check at the airport before you go through security. If you fail this, you will not be allowed to travel. You may also be asked for a further check on arrival.

  • FACE MASKS are to be worn at all times in the airport and onboard. As a guide they last up to 4 hours so please bring enough for your trip. You will be refused boarding if you do not have one. Children under the age of 6 are NOT required to wear a face mask. If for medical reasons you are unable to wear a mask throughout your entire journey, you need to complete a Medical Information Form (MEDIF) before your flight. https://www.emirates.com/uk/english/before-you-fly/health/medical-information-form/

  • PERSONAL PROTECTION PACK will be offered to you. This will include gloves, hand gel, a face mask and an antibacterial wipe.

For more information go to https://www.emirates.com/uk/english/help/covid-19/safety/

  • TEMPERATURE CHECKS you may be required to have your temperature check at the airport before you go through security. If you fail this, you will not be allowed to travel. You may also be asked for a further check on arrival.

  • FACE MASKS are to be worn at all times in the airport and onboard. As a guide they last up to 4 hours so please bring enough for your trip. You will be refused boarding if you do not have one. Children under the age of 6 are NOT required to wear a face mask.

For more information go to https://www.gulfair.com/covid19

  • TEMPERATURE CHECKS you may be required to have your temperature check at the airport before you go through security. If you fail this, you will not be allowed to travel. You may also be asked for a further check on arrival into Spain.

  • FACE MASKS are to be worn at all times in the airport and onboard. As a guide they last up to 4 hours so please bring enough for your trip. You will be refused boarding if you do not have one. Children under the age of 6 are NOT required to wear a face mask.

For more information go to https://www.jet2.com/en/flights/safe-travel/in-the-air

  • TEMPERATURE CHECKS you may be required to have your temperature check at the airport before you go through security. If you fail this, you will not be allowed to travel. You may also be asked for a further check on arrival.

  • FACE MASKS are to be worn at all times in the airport and onboard. As a guide they last up to 4 hours so please bring enough for your trip. You will be refused boarding if you do not have one.

  • PERSONAL PROTECTION PACK will be offered to you. This will include gloves, hand gel, a face mask and an antibacterial wipe.

For more information go to https://www.qatarairways.com/en/safety-measures.html

  • TEMPERATURE CHECKS you may be required to have your temperature check at the airport before you go through security. If you fail this, you will not be allowed to travel. You may also be asked for a further check on arrival into Spain.

  • FACE MASKS are to be worn at all times in the airport and onboard. As a guide they last up to 4 hours so please bring enough for your trip. You will be refused boarding if you do not have one. Children under the age of 6 are NOT required to wear a face mask.

  • ONBOARD MENU a limited onboard service will be offered with pre packaged snacks and drinks. If you have any dietary requirements it is suggested you bring your own food. Please use card payment.

  • TOILETS will made available to individuals on request to a member of the Cabin Crew.

For more information go to https://www.ryanair.com/ie/en/useful-info/Coronavirus-covid-19

  • HEALTH DECLARATION You will be asked to complete one, 24 hours before you travel.

  • TEMPERATURE CHECKS you may be required to have your temperature check at the airport before you go through security. If you fail this, you will not be allowed to travel. You may also be asked for a further check on arrival into Spain.

  • FACE MASKS are to be worn at all times in the airport and onboard. As a guide they last up to 4 hours so please bring enough for your trip. You will be refused boarding if you do not have one. Children under the age of 6 are NOT required to wear a face mask.

  • CABIN BAGS you will be asked to stow away, and close the over head lockers yourself.

For more information go to https://www.tui.co.uk/destinations/info/our-holiday-promise

Frequently Asked Questions

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.

As a thank you for your patience we would like to offer customers whose bookings have unfortunately been cancelled due to covid-19 an incentive to book a new holiday. If you make a booking before 31 December 2020 for a holiday departing up to 31 December 2021 and the cost of the new holiday is more than the cost of the booking we have had to cancel then you will receive a discount of up to £50 per person of any extra costs for package holidays or river cruises and up to £100 per person of any extra costs for escorted tours.

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.

Whilst we appreciate your concern regarding your forthcoming holiday, please note that our phone lines are extremely busy. You can rest assured that if your booking has been affected and you are travelling in the next 5 days, we will contact you in due course. We thank you for your patience during this time. If you would like to amend your holiday please see the advice above.

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.

Some destinations and countries have recently imposed visa and immigration restrictions on incoming visitors. If this prevents you from undertaking your holiday, then we will recommend that you contact your travel insurance company directly. In this eventuality you will need to cancel your booking with us so that you can make a claim on your travel insurance policy.

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.

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.