The International Travel Risk assessment team engaged in cross-disciplinary science, working with Public Health England (PHE) to develop innovative models to inform the UK government on the risk of entry of SARS-CoV-2 to the UK via international travel. Delivering at pace, the team provided robust results that fed into policy discussions, identifying countries from which the risks are highest and alternative health measures to 14-day self-isolation. The team stepped outside their scientific comfort zone and displayed fantastic teamwork in order to aid PHE at this demanding time.