Covid-19 frequently asked questions

The vast majority of our destinations are now open for travelers. See our up-to-date list of destinations you can travel to now, and in the near future. Depending on the destination you wish to visit, our specialists can help you navigate health and safety questions and travel requirements. If your destination is currently closed, they can and suggest a realistic departure timeframe to match your situation.

We have a dedicated team who decide when it’s a suitable time to send visitors to each destination. We’ll only declare a country open for travel once we’re satisfied that all entry requirements can be met, and appropriate safety and hygiene measures are in place. We also make certain that travel there will be enjoyable and fulfilling.

Our team bases their decision on a robust set of criteria that we constantly update and revise according to the latest medical advice. That criterion includes data and advice from the US and UK governments as well as the WHO; state and local protocols and restrictions; an analysis of entry requirements; and in-depth conversations with our partners on the ground to ensure that we’re happy with their hygiene and health procedures.

We also continually monitor these same factors to ensure that destinations continue to be safe and will reclose a destination if we deem it unsafe. That might be because of a rise in infections, a change in entry requirements, or onerous restrictions that would make your trip less satisfying.

You can, of course, book your own flights at any point. For maximum flexibility, we strongly suggest that you opt for fully refundable fares.

We’re also happy to book your flights for you. Due to the changeable travel landscape right now, we’ve found it’s best to book flights about 90 days before you’re due to depart. Your specialist will call you to go over all details of your trip, flight options and entry requirements 90 days before your departure.

Your travel credit can be applied to the payment of a future trip to any Audley destination within the departure timeframe indicated.

To reserve a trip using your travel credit, an Audley specialist will help you design a custom itinerary (please note that your trip must include a minimum of five nights’ accommodation). When you’re ready to book the trip, your travel credit will be applied toward your trip deposit and final payment.

You can use your travel credit for departures up until December 31st, 2023.

For 2022 departures, final balance payment deadlines are currently due 90 days prior to departure, if you decide to travel.

The situation continues to be very fluid right now and circumstances might change at the last minute. If you can’t visit your destination because entry is not allowed, quarantine has been introduced, or we believe your experience will be significantly impaired, we’ll contact you to discuss your options, which will vary depending on the situation in the country.

The current climate means that things can change at any point, so we recommend waiting until closer to your travel date before making any firm decisions. Your specialist will be in touch 90 days before your trip to take you through the options. You don’t need to do anything in the meantime, just be assured that we’ll be in touch at this time, and that your safety and well-being are always our priority.

Given the evolving nature of travel right now, we’ll contact you prior to departure to discuss your options. In the current climate, multi-country trips are especially complex, and you and your specialist might decide to alter your trip to visit a single destination.

Once you have made the decision to travel and paid your final balance, your specialist will call you to go over all the details of your trip. The call will include a comprehensive review of the most up-to-date information on your destination’s status as well as entry requirements and any local rules or restrictions, and any other special circumstances that you need to be aware of.

The situation remains fluid and a country’s status can change at any time. Up-to-date information about your destination can be found on the State Department’s website and our entry restrictions page. Your specialist will get in touch with you 90 days before your departure to discuss your trip — that’s when they’ll make you aware of any changes that may affect you.

Based on the consensus of the CDC, State Department, and WHO, we strongly encourage everyone who can get vaccinated to do so before travel. Many countries, as well as local and city governments, require proof of vaccination before you can enter. Additionally, many sights, hotels, and restaurants may require proof of vaccination. Requirements will vary by destination and may change at any time — your specialist will share the most up-to-date information with you.

If you can’t get vaccinated and your destination requires you to be vaccinated, your specialist will discuss the options with regards to rearranging your trip.

Evidence for proof of vaccination varies by country, but your specialist will keep you informed of the most up-to-date entry requirements with regards to vaccination as well as testing. They’ll also discuss the best format for proving your vaccination status.

The testing requirements will vary depending on where you’re traveling to and from. Your specialist can provide you with further guidance specific to the region you’re visiting. Audley have partnered with a company that provides country entry testing services, more information can be found here.

Your specialist will call you 90 days before you’re due to leave to discuss the specific tests that are required for your destination, including any additional requirements that may be in place due to any layovers.

We always recommend having adequate travel protection and it’s more important now than ever before. Please examine your policy to make sure you have coverage in case you test positive for Covid-19 in the days leading up to your trip, because a positive test would prevent you from traveling and, in these circumstances, you would be liable for any costs associated with cancelling or postponing your trip.

A number of travel insurance companies now provide coverage for this eventuality, as well as in the event that you contract Covid-19 when you’re abroad. You can read our travel insurance advice and which company we recommend during the pandemic here. These are only suggestions, however, and you should speak to insurance providers directly about your personal requirements.

In addition to the usual considerations, you’ll have to know the precise requirements for your children in your specific destination. For example, in many places, everyone aged five years or older must have proof of vaccination to enter restaurants and other indoor public spaces. Your specialist will help you understand the restrictions in place in the destination you wish to visit.

In addition to your usual travel items, we recommend packing:

• Hand sanitizer gel and wipes: many places you visit will have some available, but it’s a good idea to carry your own. Be aware that airlines have strict limits on what size of container you can take on a plane. And, any liquid over the limit must be packed in your checked luggage.
• High-quality masks: you’ll be expected to wear masks in most crowded or indoor settings. The names of mask standards vary internationally, but the best options are called N95, KN95, KF94, or FFP2.
• A vaccination card and/or proof of a recent negative test (for every member of your party): your specialist will help explain the exact vaccination and testing requirements for your destination.
• Reusable water bottle and snacks: some smaller airports still have reduced services.
• A thermometer
• Blanket and travel pillow: some airlines are no longer providing these items for overnight flights, so you may wish to bring your own.

Staff members and clients have consistently told us that traveling right now is different, obviously, but deeply enjoyable — in some cases, even better than before the pandemic. Even popular destinations still have fewer crowds and local people are thrilled to have visitors.

To get a better idea of what travel is like right now, you can read our blog article, which details some of our staff and clients’ recent trips. That said, experiences vary based on where you’re going, so we suggest talking to a specialist to learn more about conditions in a specific country.

The safety measures in place at airports will vary between countries. In the US, sanitization stations will be available throughout the airport, and many airlines will recommend you check in for your flight online or via their app.

If you’re checking in at the airport, allow more time than usual. It’s also essential to follow the current Covid-19-testing requirements in your destination to ensure you’re able to board your flight. Your specialist will provide you with the latest details prior to your departure.

Layovers or stops in other countries may affect your ability to enter the country you’re visiting, even if you don’t leave the airport. Your specialist will help ensure you meet all the necessary entry requirements, or you can use this useful third-party tool Sherpa.

We work with our on-the-ground partners, including hotels, guides, and drivers, to ensure you’re met with the highest safety standards. We’ve asked our local partners to confirm they comply with all their government’s requirements for dealing with Covid-19, and where there’s no or limited national guidance, we’re helping our partners to undertake their own risk assessments and set best practices.

The health and safety precautions you may be required to take while traveling will vary depending on your particular destination. Most, if not all, destinations will observe social distancing and require you to wear a face mask in certain settings. Our specialists can advise you on the specific requirements for the destination you’re considering.

As always, your health and safety are our primary concern while you’re traveling. If you fall ill while you’re away, our partners and your dedicated specialist will be on hand to assist with the appropriate support, whether that’s directing you to medical care or helping you return home.

Before traveling, please ensure your travel insurance will cover you for any incurred medical costs should you contract Covid-19 while you’re away. Many insurance providers have updated their policies to cover this eventuality, but each policy will be different.

We maintain a close relationship with our local partners in each of our destinations and have ensured they have contingency plans in place to deal with any unforeseen changes. They’re there to help you explore, but also to offer any assistance you need during your trip.

If you’re encountering significant restrictions while you’re away, our partners and your specialist will make any required adjustments to your trip so it can continue as smoothly as possible. We have a dedicated team monitoring the situation in all our destinations to ensure we’re prepared for events that could affect your trip.

We can also assist in your return home should your trip need to be cut short. When the world first tumbled into lockdown, we helped more than 1,600 clients return home from around 50 countries as flights stopped and borders closed, staying in daily contact until we knew people were back home safely.