(4min read)

The recent UK government announcement has seen the introduction of a ‘travel window’ for both UK and international students over spring break – 26th March to 26th April. The ‘travel window’ will allow students to travel away from their university and back to their term-time accommodation once during this timeframe; including travel for international students to travel overseas to return home. This ‘travel window’ is in place to help minimise the spread of Covid-19 and the UK government still strongly advising against students to remain in their term-time accommodation wherever possible. 

However, those choosing to travel home (overseas) for spring break should consider a series of factors before and after their journey.  

Get tested for COVID-19 before you travel  

To enter some countries, you will need proof of a negative COVID-19 test within a set time before entering the country. It is advised that you check the requirements for the country you are travelling to before booking a test to make sure there is sufficient time between taking your test and your travel plans. 

Complete a Government Declaration form  

Before leaving the UK for international travel you will need to complete a Government Declaration form. Under the current national lockdown, you can only travel internationally for certain legally permitted reasons which you can read about on the UK Government website. This includes returning to your home country if you are a foreign national, and you need to complete this form to declare you have a legally permitted reason to travel. You may be fined if you do not have evidence of this. 

Read the Government’s safer travel guidance for passengers. 

Before travelling, you should read the government’s safer travel guidance for passengers to provide you with extra advice.

Find out when in-person teaching starts  

Check your timetable to find out when ‘in-person’ teaching resumes. Once you have confirmation of this, you can plan your return to your term-time accommodation or start planning your commute to and from campus. 

Consider UK regulations  

Consider the regulations for returning to the UK from your home country. It is advised that you regularly keep up to date with the latest UK government travel advice. You may also need to complete pre-departure COVID-19 tests and follow-up tests after your arrival to the UK, these can be purchased through a government-approved portal.  

Everyone travelling to the UK must complete a passenger locator form. Travellers who do not complete the form can face fines of up to £10,000. 

The Horus-I app allows users to stay up to date with the latest travel safety alerts and news including Covid-19 data to mitigate the risks associated with international travel. 

Unique to the Horus-I, the ‘Watch Me Closely’ feature was developed to be activated by staff and students in the event where they may feel unsafe. Upon activating ‘Watch Me Closely’ the Watch Keeper team from the Control Room will be notified of this and begin tracking the user, subsequently contacting them to offer further assistance. 

Horus takes the time to listen to the requirements of each of our clients and then create a bespoke security package designed around their needs to identify, advice and mitigate potential risks. If you think your institution would benefit from receiving the Horus alerts and the other bespoke benefits offered by the Horus-I app, get in touch with our team at info@horus-global.co.uk.