Travel Daily News – ECC: can I travel to my timeshare during Covid under UK rules?

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Holidays and UK COVID travel rules

The UK government is clear: travelling abroad for the purpose of a holiday is illegal. Doing so — or even attempting to leave the country — without an officially recognised “reasonable excuse” can result in a £5,000 fine.

A Travel Declaration form must be completed before travelling abroad. The government provides a list of what it considers reasonable excuses, but notes that the list is not exhaustive.

Loopholes and “reasonable excuses”

Some Brits have been scrutinising the “reasonable excuse” guidance to find legitimate grounds for travel — and if that travel happens to involve sand, sun and sangria, then so be it….

Many people view that approach as irresponsible. Even so, there has been a noticeable increase in people citing reasons such as work, education, medical needs, weddings, funerals or — crucially for timeshare owners — “reasons related to property abroad”.

Does a timeshare count as “property abroad” on a Travel Declaration form?

A key question for many timeshare owners is: “Can I say I’m visiting my foreign property when I fill in the Travel Declaration form?” Unfortunately, the answer is a firm “no”.

Andrew Cooper, CEO of European Consumer Claims, explains why: “Despite many timeshare owners being sold their membership as an investment or form of property, with associated implications of increasing value, this is not the case.”

“Timeshare membership has nothing to do with property ownership. It is generally the ‘right to rotational occupancy’. The member owns nothing physical at all.”

“Unlike property ownership in general, timeshares drastically decline in value. Membership usually can’t even be given away because of the burden of associated annual maintenance fees. Most owners need professional help to escape the unwanted commitment of those fees.”

Bottom line for timeshare travel during COVID restrictions

“Don’t book a holiday relying on visiting your timeshare resort as a valid reason,” warns Cooper. “At best you’ll be refused permission to travel and will have wasted money on costs such as the flight. At worst there will also be a £5000 fine to ponder on your way home in the taxi.”

“People who are trying to escape their timeshare membership should be aware that it can be done.

“Contact one of the consumer associations for advice, or you can get in touch with a reputable timeshare claims firm for a free, confidential chat.”

ECC provides timeshare claims services, expert advice and help.