Dec 19, 2020, 10:20 am
Last edit by: realgaga
Latest guidance
From Heathrow Airport Limited, 22:14 GMT 19 Dec
Following UK Govt. advice, if you are in Tier 4, you should not be travelling unless it is legally permitted. If you’re in Tiers 1-3, you can still fly from Heathrow but should carefully consider whether you need to.
In light of the new tier restrictions, passengers should NOT plan unnecessary time at the airport. Please allow 2 hours ahead of departure for short haul flights and 3 hours for long haul flights.
More information can be found here
List of countries and territories currently restricting travel from the UK, from CWS's post 294, last updated at 18:30 GMT.
- Albania (till January 6th)
- Algeria
- Argentina
- Austria
- Belgium
- Brazil (post 589)
- Bulgaria
- Canada
- Chile
- China (Mainland)
- Colombia
- Croatia
- Czech Republic
- Dominican Republic (406)
- Ecuador
- El Salvador (also South Africa)
- Estonia
- France (48 hours for the moment)
- Finland
- Germany
- Gibraltar
- Hong Kong (also South Africa)
- Hungary
- India
- Iran
- Ireland
- Israel (also restricting Denmark and South Africa)
- Italy
- Jamaica (2 weeks, see post 397)
- Jordan
- Kuwait
- Latvia
- Lithuania
- Malta (339)
- Mauritius
- Morocco
- Netherlands
- North Macedonia
- Norway
- Oman (all countries)
- Pakistan
- Panama (also South Africa, post 409)
- Peru
- Poland
- Portugal
- Romania (from this afternoon, this morning's flight has gone ahead).
- Russia (1 week for now)
- Saudi Arabia
- Seychelles (until end of Jan - ref BA Holidays agent)(461)
- Singapore (from 2359 on Dec 23)
- Slovakia
- Spain (343)
- Sweden (also Denmark) (362)
- Switzerland (also South Africa)
- Tunisia
- Turkey (also Denmark, NL.)
From Heathrow Airport Limited, 22:14 GMT 19 Dec
Following UK Govt. advice, if you are in Tier 4, you should not be travelling unless it is legally permitted. If you’re in Tiers 1-3, you can still fly from Heathrow but should carefully consider whether you need to.
In light of the new tier restrictions, passengers should NOT plan unnecessary time at the airport. Please allow 2 hours ahead of departure for short haul flights and 3 hours for long haul flights.
More information can be found here
List of countries and territories currently restricting travel from the UK, from CWS's post 294, last updated at 18:30 GMT.
- Albania (till January 6th)
- Algeria
- Argentina
- Austria
- Belgium
- Brazil (post 589)
- Bulgaria
- Canada
- Chile
- China (Mainland)
- Colombia
- Croatia
- Czech Republic
- Dominican Republic (406)
- Ecuador
- El Salvador (also South Africa)
- Estonia
- France (48 hours for the moment)
- Finland
- Germany
- Gibraltar
- Hong Kong (also South Africa)
- Hungary
- India
- Iran
- Ireland
- Israel (also restricting Denmark and South Africa)
- Italy
- Jamaica (2 weeks, see post 397)
- Jordan
- Kuwait
- Latvia
- Lithuania
- Malta (339)
- Mauritius
- Morocco
- Netherlands
- North Macedonia
- Norway
- Oman (all countries)
- Pakistan
- Panama (also South Africa, post 409)
- Peru
- Poland
- Portugal
- Romania (from this afternoon, this morning's flight has gone ahead).
- Russia (1 week for now)
- Saudi Arabia
- Seychelles (until end of Jan - ref BA Holidays agent)(461)
- Singapore (from 2359 on Dec 23)
- Slovakia
- Spain (343)
- Sweden (also Denmark) (362)
- Switzerland (also South Africa)
- Tunisia
- Turkey (also Denmark, NL.)
London/SE England in Tier 4 + countries with UK flight ban : impact on BA travel
Dec 19, 2020, 1:20 pm
#61
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: London
Programs: BA Silver
Posts: 81
Also I’d imagine there is potential risk of flight cancellations down the line meaning being stranded in country you fly out to?
Dec 19, 2020, 1:20 pm
#62
Join Date: Mar 2020
Programs: British Airways GGL/CCR, Hilton Diamond & Marriott Gold
Posts: 2,612
Dec 19, 2020, 1:22 pm
#63
Join Date: Mar 2020
Programs: British Airways GGL/CCR, Hilton Diamond & Marriott Gold
Posts: 2,612
Yes, I thought about this too, I know some insurers cover against FCO advice, but this is more strict, meaning you would likely invalidate any insurance terms.
Also I’d imagine there is potential risk of flight cancellations down the line meaning being stranded in country you fly out to?
Also I’d imagine there is potential risk of flight cancellations down the line meaning being stranded in country you fly out to?
Dec 19, 2020, 1:23 pm
#65
Join Date: Apr 2017
Posts: 516
Flew to Moscow on business during November lockdown, my Russian visa was a business visa and I had a letter to confirm business activity but nobody asked for it at check in. At the gate was quizzed by a police officer, but I reckon this was more to do with Moscow being the destination that the lockdown rules.
Dec 19, 2020, 1:24 pm
#66
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: London UK
Programs: Virgin Gold, HHonors Gold, Amex Platinum,
Posts: 40
Dec 19, 2020, 1:28 pm
#67
Join Date: Mar 2020
Programs: British Airways GGL/CCR, Hilton Diamond & Marriott Gold
Posts: 2,612
Dec 19, 2020, 1:29 pm
#68
Join Date: Aug 2015
Posts: 27
I do live in Tier 4, only 15mins away from Heathrow, so being stopped on the way there at 6am will be highly unlikely I think.
So basically as long as they cannot 'prove' I live in Tier 4 when doing check in etc I should be fine? What about asking for purpose of travel etc?
Before anyone says if it's not essential as listed by the government I should not travel, I have not seen the love of my life for over 9 months due to travel restrictions, so we are meeting in a 3rd country just after Xmas to spend 1 month together. I'm not wasting 4 weeks of annual leave and a few Łk, not to mention the mental health effect, as this trip is 100% essential to me.
Dec 19, 2020, 1:29 pm
#69
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: UK
Programs: MUCCI, British Airways Executive Club Gold
Posts: 1,795
Dec 19, 2020, 1:33 pm
#70
Join Date: Mar 2020
Programs: British Airways GGL/CCR, Hilton Diamond & Marriott Gold
Posts: 2,612
Stopped at the airport? Or on the way to the airport?
I do live in Tier 4, only 15mins away from Heathrow, so being stopped on the way there at 6am will be highly unlikely I think.
So basically as long as they cannot 'prove' I live in Tier 4 when doing check in etc I should be fine? What about asking for purpose of travel etc?
Before anyone says if it's not essential as listed by the government I should not travel, I have not seen the love of my life for over 9 months due to travel restrictions, so we are meeting in a 3rd country just after Xmas to spend 1 month together. I'm not wasting 4 weeks of annual leave and a few Łk, not to mention the mental health effect, as this trip is 100% essential to me.
I do live in Tier 4, only 15mins away from Heathrow, so being stopped on the way there at 6am will be highly unlikely I think.
So basically as long as they cannot 'prove' I live in Tier 4 when doing check in etc I should be fine? What about asking for purpose of travel etc?
Before anyone says if it's not essential as listed by the government I should not travel, I have not seen the love of my life for over 9 months due to travel restrictions, so we are meeting in a 3rd country just after Xmas to spend 1 month together. I'm not wasting 4 weeks of annual leave and a few Łk, not to mention the mental health effect, as this trip is 100% essential to me.
2. you don't have to tell the police where you live, unless they are arresting you. However if in the airport, they may ask BA etc. although technically BA cant disclose due to data protection etc.
3. sadly your "situation" as ever as much you think it is, isn't essential. we all have burdens during covid (sadly)
Dec 19, 2020, 1:33 pm
#71
Join Date: Feb 2017
Location: London
Programs: BAEC Gold, Marriott LT Platinum
Posts: 2,333
Stopped at the airport? Or on the way to the airport?
I do live in Tier 4, only 15mins away from Heathrow, so being stopped on the way there at 6am will be highly unlikely I think.
So basically as long as they cannot 'prove' I live in Tier 4 when doing check in etc I should be fine? What about asking for purpose of travel etc?
Before anyone says if it's not essential as listed by the government I should not travel, I have not seen the love of my life for over 9 months due to travel restrictions, so we are meeting in a 3rd country just after Xmas to spend 1 month together. I'm not wasting 4 weeks of annual leave and a few Łk, not to mention the mental health effect, as this trip is 100% essential to me.
I do live in Tier 4, only 15mins away from Heathrow, so being stopped on the way there at 6am will be highly unlikely I think.
So basically as long as they cannot 'prove' I live in Tier 4 when doing check in etc I should be fine? What about asking for purpose of travel etc?
Before anyone says if it's not essential as listed by the government I should not travel, I have not seen the love of my life for over 9 months due to travel restrictions, so we are meeting in a 3rd country just after Xmas to spend 1 month together. I'm not wasting 4 weeks of annual leave and a few Łk, not to mention the mental health effect, as this trip is 100% essential to me.
Dec 19, 2020, 1:34 pm
#72
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Global Again
Programs: OWS IHG Diamond + Accor Plat, Scandic Top Level
Posts: 762
Stopped at the airport? Or on the way to the airport?
I do live in Tier 4, only 15mins away from Heathrow, so being stopped on the way there at 6am will be highly unlikely I think.
So basically as long as they cannot 'prove' I live in Tier 4 when doing check in etc I should be fine? What about asking for purpose of travel etc?
Before anyone says if it's not essential as listed by the government I should not travel, I have not seen the love of my life for over 9 months due to travel restrictions, so we are meeting in a 3rd country just after Xmas to spend 1 month together. I'm not wasting 4 weeks of annual leave and a few Łk, not to mention the mental health effect, as this trip is 100% essential to me.
I do live in Tier 4, only 15mins away from Heathrow, so being stopped on the way there at 6am will be highly unlikely I think.
So basically as long as they cannot 'prove' I live in Tier 4 when doing check in etc I should be fine? What about asking for purpose of travel etc?
Before anyone says if it's not essential as listed by the government I should not travel, I have not seen the love of my life for over 9 months due to travel restrictions, so we are meeting in a 3rd country just after Xmas to spend 1 month together. I'm not wasting 4 weeks of annual leave and a few Łk, not to mention the mental health effect, as this trip is 100% essential to me.
Dec 19, 2020, 1:35 pm
#73
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: London UK
Programs: Virgin Gold, HHonors Gold, Amex Platinum,
Posts: 40
Tom I did look into them but Amex warned me that this isnt an advisory by the FCO , this is a Government Legal statutory Law. Hence it doesn't matter where you buy the policy from , if you live in tier 4 you wont be covered, trust me im looking for a workaround as im due to travel on tuesday but so far hitting brick walls
Dec 19, 2020, 1:37 pm
#74
Join Date: Mar 2020
Programs: British Airways GGL/CCR, Hilton Diamond & Marriott Gold
Posts: 2,612
Tom I did look into them but Amex warned me that this isnt an advisory by the FCO , this is a Government Legal statutory Law. Hence it doesn't matter where you buy the policy from , if you live in tier 4 you wont be covered, trust me im looking for a workaround as im due to travel on tuesday but so far hitting brick walls
the world's a global market, many firms outside of the UK can provide you a policy.
Dec 19, 2020, 1:37 pm
#75
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: London UK
Programs: Virgin Gold, HHonors Gold, Amex Platinum,
Posts: 40
Stopped at the airport? Or on the way to the airport?
I do live in Tier 4, only 15mins away from Heathrow, so being stopped on the way there at 6am will be highly unlikely I think.
So basically as long as they cannot 'prove' I live in Tier 4 when doing check in etc I should be fine? What about asking for purpose of travel etc?
Before anyone says if it's not essential as listed by the government I should not travel, I have not seen the love of my life for over 9 months due to travel restrictions, so we are meeting in a 3rd country just after Xmas to spend 1 month together. I'm not wasting 4 weeks of annual leave and a few Łk, not to mention the mental health effect, as this trip is 100% essential to me.
I do live in Tier 4, only 15mins away from Heathrow, so being stopped on the way there at 6am will be highly unlikely I think.
So basically as long as they cannot 'prove' I live in Tier 4 when doing check in etc I should be fine? What about asking for purpose of travel etc?
Before anyone says if it's not essential as listed by the government I should not travel, I have not seen the love of my life for over 9 months due to travel restrictions, so we are meeting in a 3rd country just after Xmas to spend 1 month together. I'm not wasting 4 weeks of annual leave and a few Łk, not to mention the mental health effect, as this trip is 100% essential to me.