Pre-travel considerations


    A full risk assessment should be performed prior to the employee travelling. This should be based on:

    • Medical history of the traveller.
    • Medical history of traveller’s family members / household.
    • Vaccination status of traveller.
    • Infection status of the destination.
    • Lockdown / quarantine requirements should be fully known for destination and departing location.
    • Documentation needed to enter the destination (e.g. proof of immunisation, extra evidence of medical history).
    • Location of local hospitals / doctors. Confirmation on how to access healthcare services if needed.
    • Any other issues why traveller would not wish to travel – mental welfare check.

    Booking travel
    • Review social distancing and / or infection control measures that have been put in place by the airline.
    • Book seats away from other travellers.
    • Book flexible tickets - changes to entry/lockdown regulations may impact available flight options.
    • Ensure the traveller has adequate insurance cover and, where possible, that COVID-19 cases are included in the policy.
    • Carry proof of international travel health insurance.
    • Pack required medication to cover at least an extra 14 days.

      • Accommodation
      • Before departure, clarify which specific hygiene and disinfection measures have been implemented at the hotel/accommodation (e.g. no contact room service, additional cleaning measures and revised check-in procedures).
      • International hotel chains (4-5 stars) will usually set the appropriate standards for their own hotels within the framework of quality management.
      • Establish how meetings are held at the destination (e.g. social distancing rules) and under which general conditions.
      • Have an alternative option for accommodation prepared should there be a case of COVID-19 detected in the hotel/accommodation.
      • Prepare action points and continuity plan to follow with your POC/line manager in the event of accommodation be placed under immediate lockdown.

      Travel and PPE

      The following PPE is recommended for travelling:
      • Enough hand sanitiser that can be carried by the employee for the duration of travel plus one week extra should the return date be delayed
      • Face masks either certified reusable or enough single use masks for the duration of travel plus one week extra should the return date be delayed.
      • Ensure the employee knows the limits and appropriate use of PPE to further minimise risk.

      In flight / transit
      • Maintain social distancing from airport staff and other travellers when checking in and during transit.
      • Use hand sanitiser and wipe down any documents required for check in with anti-bacterial wipes – do the same when documents are handed back.
      • Expect longer boarding times due to social distancing regulations and possible temperature checks.
      • Ensure meet and greet procedures factor in delays caused by longer boarding times.
      • Use hand sanitiser and hand washing facilities where available during transit.

      Transport/taxis
      • Use reputable pre-booked taxi services; submit your enquiries about their safety protocols before departure.
      • If it is safe to do so, and if in line with safety measures, slightly open the car window to allow airflow (put windows fully up in traffic/urban areas - use AC).
      • If possible, pre-pay for the service or use the card to pay to limit contact.
      • If travelling in groups, check prior to departure how many people are allowed in the car.
      • Regularly use hand sanitiser whilst in transit.

      Arrival at destination
      • Maintain social distancing when moving through the airport and comply with regulations that may be required at your destination.
      • Expect to see checkpoints at some airports with thermal imaging cameras, fever measurements or rapid tests on entry .
      • While in your travel destination, it is recommended to regularly check your temperature and stay alert for any symptoms.
      • Stay in touch with your employer or arrange a daily check-in call.

      Return home
      • Comply to any regulations or restrictions that may be required on the return to country / area of residence (e.g. self isolation periods, quarantine periods, mandatory testing etc.)
      • It is highly recommended that COVID tests be performed on return – on day one and day seven of return to home country / area.
      • If the employee shares a household with at risk individuals, it is recommended that a period of isolation should be instituted, and accommodation arranged outside of their home for a period of seven to 14 days.
      • Line manager should conduct employee welfare checks for a period following return.