Travelling abroad during lockdown – everything you need to know

What are the new rules for travelling abroad? 

From 29th March 2021, homebuyers and second home owners will be able to leave the country to “carry out activities related to buying, selling, letting or renting a residential property,” subject to the country you are travelling to’s travel rules. This includes: 

• (a)  visiting estate or letting agents, developer sales offices or show homes;
• (b)  viewing residential properties to look for a property to buy or to rent;
• (c)  preparing a residential property to move in;
• (d)  moving house;
• (e)  to visit a residential property to undertake any activities required for the rental or sale of that property.

Taken from Public Health England: The Health Protection Regulations 2021, p71. 

What do I need to travel abroad this summer? 

While travel restrictions are still in place, you will need a completed Travel Declaration Form that states the destination you intend to travel to and the reason why. You will also need proof that you are travelling for the purposes of buying, selling, letting or renting a property (see below for more detail).

Most countries also require a negative Covid PCR test that must have been taken less than 72 hours before departure. 

More information about the travel form can be found at Public Health England: The Health Protection Regulations 2021, p.13. 

How do I prove that I’m travelling for the purposes of buying, selling, letting or renting a property?

The government has provided the following list of evidence : 

• proof of contract
• court decision and proof of place of residence
• order to present oneself to a judicial or administrative authority
• expiring residence permit
• dismissal notice
• letter or appointment details from estate agent
• relevant contract or letters detailing sales, or other appropriate documentation.

Taken from Department for Transport’s Coronavirus (COVID-19): declaration form for international travel. 

How do I get a Coronavirus PCR test? 

You can book a PCR test online via the gov.uk website. 

Will I have to quarantine upon returning to the UK? 

If you are returning from a country on the UK Government’s ‘red list’ – countries from which entry to the UK is banned – you will be required to isolate in a government approved hotel for 10 days. If you’re returning from a country that is not on the red list, you are required to self isolate at home for 10 days. For more information, visit gov.uk. You will also be required to take 2 Covid tests 72 hours before you return to the UK (these should be booked in advance), whether you’re returning from a red list country or a non-red list country. 

I’m looking to buy abroad but haven’t found the right home yet, can I travel abroad to view properties at the moment?

Yes, the latest government advice now states that you can travel to view properties. You will need a letter from the Estate Agent you book the viewing with, to prove that this is your reason for travelling. You must check the rules in the country you are travelling to though, as they may differ from that of the UK. 

What about the travel rules in the country I want to visit? 

Before booking anything, it’s important to check the latest travel advice in the country that you wish to visit, because while the UK government is allowing travel, it doesn’t mean that every country will allow  You can find the Spanish, French, Portuguese and Italian government websites here: 

Spain Department of Foreign Affairs

France Consulate 

Portugal Department of Foreign Affairs

Italy Consulate