FAQs on Covid-19

Refunds and amendments

When there's a travel ban
Learn more

Covid-19 tests

How, when and where to get tested

And the types of tests you'll need
Read more

Entry Requirements

What you need to know before you go

Including the tests you need
Read more

Before your holiday

There are no restrictions in the UK, but you will need to make sure you’re following the rules for the countries you are travelling to or passing through.
  • Check your destination's entry requirements including visas, passport validity and COVID restrictions.
  • Check UK government guidance on your destination and the COVID rules of the destination you’re travelling to.
  • If you’re travelling to a country which requires a double vaccination remember to download the NHS COVID Pass (or the NHS Scotland COVID Status App or COVIDCert NI Mobile App) to prove your vaccination status. It's a good idea to have a PDF or printout too, just in case the app crashes!
  • If you’re travelling to a country which accepts proof of recovery from a prior COVID-19 infection (180 days), you will also need to download the app.
  • If you’re not vaccinated and don’t have a recovery certificate, but the country you’re travelling to accepts a negative antigen test, this will need to be taken before you depart - usually no later than 72 hours but this will vary from country to country.
  • If a test is required, you’ll need to arrange it before your holiday.
  • If you’re holidaying with children, make sure you check the latest rules for the country you’re travelling to.
  • Check if the destination you're travelling to requires you to complete a form.
  • Make sure there are no self-isolation rules still in place for the country you’re travelling to.
  • You may need to renew your British passport before you travel if there’s not enough time left on it. 
  • Make sure you’re up-to-date with the new passport rules for UK travellers to Europe. Your passport is only valid for 10 full years from the date of issue, or 5 for a child. 
  • Make sure you have your proof of payment, ATOL certificate, and travel insurance policy. We advise taking out travel insurance as soon as you purchase your holiday. 
  • Check whether your insurance policy includes COVID cover, medical and other emergencies including hospital stays, repatriation and delayed departures.
  • Make sure you have a face covering for the flight, and in resort depending on the restrictions in your chosen destination. You can find this information on the airlines’ website.

 

*Please be aware that foreign governments decide the testing and quarantine rules for you going abroad. UK rules only apply for returning back home. 

Also note that by selecting ‘[various links]’ above/below, you'll be redirected from the Thomas Cook website to our third party’s website. Once you leave our website, we are no longer responsible for any services, products or information provided by our third-party partners. 

 

Find out more

When you get back

The UK's COVID travel restrictions have been removed.

  • You no longer need to take any tests before you travel 
  • You do not need to fill in a Passenger Locator form on your return to the UK.
  • Face coverings are no longer mandatory.
  • You do not need to quarantine when you arrive

 

The same rules apply regardless of your vaccination status.

*Please be aware that foreign governments decide the testing and quarantine rules for you going abroad. UK rules only apply for returning back home. 

Also note that by selecting ‘[various links]’ below, you'll be redirected from the Thomas Cook website to our third party’s website. Once you leave our website, we are no longer responsible for any services, products or information provided by our third-party partners. 

 

Find out more
General COVID-19 FAQs
How do I know if I can travel to a destination or not?

All our travel advisors are clued up on all the latest rules and regulations around travel and can help answer any questions you might have on testing or entry requirements. You can contact us via Live Chat from 10am-10pm or by phone on 020 8016 3295 from 10am-7pm.

Will you update me if travel restrictions change?

We’re constantly monitoring guidance from the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office and will contact you if travel restrictions affect your holiday.

What if I or someone I'm travelling with catches Covid before my holiday?

We’d always recommend you take adequate travel insurance that covers you if you fall ill and are unable to travel. We can also help you change your holiday to a different date or destination with no additional amendment fees from us. 

What if I or someone I’m travelling with catches Covid whilst I’m away?

We’d always recommend you check your travel insurance will cover you if you fall ill with Covid on holiday. If you need some help, you can contact us 24/7 and we will be on hand to offer some advice or support. 

COVID-19 FAQs on amendments
What if my destination is added to the red list two weeks before I’m due to depart?

If you’re unable to quarantine after your holiday, please give us a call or chat to us online and we’ll be happy to help you amend to a different date or destination so you can still get away. 

However, if your flight is cancelled by your airline, we can help you amend to a new holiday or you can cancel and receive a full refund.

What happens if a destination or country changes their restrictions or goes into lockdown?

If the country you’re travelling to introduces a travel ban on UK visitors, we will help you amend your holiday with no additional fees from us. Please check your airline’s terms and conditions as they may charge amendment fees. Alternatively, chat to us online or give us a call and we’ll be happy to help you understand their current policies.

When can I make a fee-free amendment?

You can amend the date or destination of your holiday any time it is impacted by Covid-19. While there are a number of ways your holiday may be disrupted, here are some examples of the sort of situations where we’d offer to make a fee-free amendment: 

 •  If you are told to self isolate by NHS Test and Trace

 •  If you catch Covid before you are due to depart and can no longer travel on the dates you have booked 

 •  If someone you live with or are travelling with falls ill with Covid and this means you can no longer travel on the dates you have booked

Can I change or cancel my booking if UK government rules mean I need to quarantine in a hotel on return?

If there is a requirement for you to quarantine in a hotel on your return to the UK and this is in place 2 weeks before you travel, then we will allow you to amend your holiday (with no charges with us) or cancel with a full refund.

If there is a requirement for you to quarantine at home on your return to the UK and you are unable to do this, then we will allow you to amend your holiday with no admin fees from us.

While we will do our best to get you a refund for your flights, it will depend on the policy of the airline. Here's a summary of the amendments process in this scenario: 

 •  You will receive a refund on your hotel and transfer as long as it’s requested before the cut-off date, which will vary depending on the hotel you’ve booked. The cancellation policy for the hotel will be clear before booking

 •  If your holiday includes a flight with EasyJet and you are due to travel in over 14 days you can make a free amendment. This means you can move your flight to another destination or time, and we can help you find and book a new hotel

 •  If your holiday includes a flight with EasyJet and you are due to travel within 14 days, you can make one free amendment up to seven days after a government announcement of a travel ban

 •  If your new airfare costs more than your original EasyJet flight, you will have to pay the difference

What if I'm told to self-isolate by NHS Test and Trace and that overlaps with my holiday?

Just give us a call or chat to us online and we’ll be happy to help you amend your holiday to a later date. And because it’s Covid related we won’t charge you an admin or change fee. Please note that this will be subject to your supplier’s terms and conditions which may mean a price increase payable by you.

COVID-19 FAQs on our money-back guarantee
When can I get a refund? 

If your holiday is cancelled by us or your airline, we'll try to find you somewhere else to go. And if we can't, you'll get all of your money back, including your deposit, within 14 days of cancellation.

If you've booked a flight with Ryanair, we can process the refund for the rest of your holiday once you’ve first contacted them to claim the cost of your flights

What counts as a travel ban?

While the term is subject to change, a travel ban currently means situations in which it is illegal for tourists to travel. You'll get a full refund in the following scenarios:

 •  If your destination is added to the red list

 •  If your holiday is cancelled by us or the airline

 •  If there's a national lockdown

 •  If there’s a lockdown in the area of your departure airport or the area in which you live

 •  If it’s illegal to travel from your departure airport or the area in which you live

 •  If the country you're travelling to has announced a travel ban for UK visitors

What happens if my flight is cancelled?

You will receive a refund within 14 days of cancellation. In the case of Ryanair flights, we can process the refund for your holiday after you've first contacted Ryanair to claim the cost of your flights