Covid-19 FAQs
We understand that planning a school trip during COVID-19 requires more sign off, meaning you have to ask a few more questions. Understandably the requirements and restrictions are constantly evolving, but we have answered the most frequently asked questions as best as possible.
Have a question that is not answered here? Speak to your dedicated Travel Specialist, who will be happy to help.
If you booked before October 1st 2020
Your reason for cancelling determines your options. Please discuss with your dedicated Travel Specialist.
If the FCDO advises against all but essential travel to your destination, and your departure is imminent, then we would look to postpone your booking or offer a refund.
Our standard booking conditions apply in all other cases.
If you booked after October 1st 2020.
All groups that booked after this date are covered by our comprehensive COVID Assurance. If Covid restrictions force you to cancel, you will receive a refund. You may have to forfeit your flights deposit (see Covid Assurance for full details).
First, we will discuss other options including alternative destinations or we will attempt to reschedule your trip for your convenience. If the only alternative is to cancel your trip, we will give you and your students a full refund.
Your dedicated travel specialist will stay in communication with you in the lead up to your trip. We continue to monitor the World Health Organisation, Public Health England, Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, Department of Education and ABTA guidance on a daily basis for all of the destinations that we visit.
Our COVID Assurance applies to your whole group rather than individual passengers; therefore in this event we would direct you to your travel insurance for any claims.
Check out our guide to choosing the right insurer.
If one of your group members tests positive for Covid whilst you are on the trip you will have to follow the destination’s rules on isolation. For example, in Iceland the Icelandic authorities and Red Cross take over the arrangements for isolation and quarantine. These additional costs would need to go through your insurer.
We understand that with this in mind, the student to teacher ratio is important to consider, therefore your travel specialist will be able to talk to you about adding an extra member of staff for as little as possible. In some cases, adding an extra member of staff can be as low as £10pp extra. We also recommend having a list of contingency staff that are available to fly to the destination if required.
This depends on which insurance provider you have chosen, when you booked and when you decide to cancel. Speak to your insurer for more details.
Check out our guide to choosing the right insurer.
Understandably, the entry requirements are constantly changing for each destination, so it does depend on when you are travelling. Unless your travel date is imminent, it is hard to confirm whether vaccination rules will affect your trip.
Our Covid Assurance details the current entry requirements for schools and how you are protected if these change.
We understand that the UK government plans to double vaccinate all children aged 12 -18. If that has not been facilitated by 6 weeks before your departure date, and the entry requirements for your destination require children to be vaccinated, you will receive a full refund (in some cases you may lose your flight deposit)
Currently, some of our destinations are not permitting the entry of school groups, if that remains the case 6 weeks before your departure date, you will be able to receive a full refund.
Check out our Covid Assurance for full details.
Most destinations will require double vaccination or a test upon entry, or in some cases both. From the 11th February, there will be no need for groups to take a day 2 test landing back in the UK.
We are pleased to announce that for new bookings we will include the cost of testing as part of your school trip, as long as schools meet the following requirements;
- All passengers have been vaccinated in line with destination entry requirements. Additional test costs incurred due to missed vaccinations will need to be covered by the traveller.
- Schools have paid their deposit after 11th May 2021, for a school trip in 2022.
Due to the constantly evolving situation, all operational details on the actual process of getting tested will be discussed between you and your dedicated Travel Specialist and will be dependent on the process in place at the time of travel. All other aspects of the Covid Assurance still apply.
Costs of testing are included for school group bookings only, not for Teacher Inspection Visits.
The health and safety of our students has always been a top priority to us. We understand that in the aftermath of the pandemic, teachers, students and parents will need more reassurance that we are able to provide a trip that is safe for everyone.
We are assured member of the School Travel Forum (STF) and holders of the Learning Outside the Classroom Quality Badge. The STF is constantly reviewing and releasing increased health and safety measures, specifically focused on Covid-19. The STF code of practice puts in place a robust framework for school travel safety, with all accommodation, activities and transport providers assessed against best-in-class standards.
During summer 2020, updates to our requirements put a stronger emphasis on prevention of the spread of infection, including specific measures in regard to surveillance, prevention and response to covid-19. Our suppliers are audited to ensure they meet local requirements, have appropriate and reviewed policies, processes and training.
Before you confirm a booking, we will provide detailed health and safety guidance regarding your destination and your tour, and once booked will keep you appropriately updated of any key changes.
We would like to reassure you that we are working hard to collate relevant guidance for your trips to help with your Risk Assessments and logistical considerations.
Yes, in most cases a certificate of previous infection is sufficient to attend a school trip.
If a passenger receives a positive PCR test and will be travelling between 14 and 180 days after the date of that test, they are eligible to present a certificate of previous infection.. This link provides information on what is required for Antibody tests, https://www.landlaeknir.is/um-embaettid/greinar/grein/item43709/Certificates-regarding-previous-COVID-19-infection-that-are-accepted-at-the-border-in-Iceland-from-10-December-2020
You can through to this page and it will take you to the government department of health, which provides information on what the certificate requires https://www.covid.is/sub-categories/vaccination-and-antibodies