Marcus Richards
With the covid travel rules constantly changing, it has been difficult to keep up with the latest restrictions. Currently, all travel restrictions have been removed for those entering the UK from abroad, meaning that the demand for UK Covid tests when travelling abroad has reduced in recent months.
However, businesses and some individuals are still utilising Covid testing services to monitor their own health and that of employees.
What are the current covid travel rules when entering the UK?
In order to enter the UK, you no longer need to complete a UK passenger locator form before travelling, take any tests for Covid-19 or complete any quarantine periods upon arrival.
What do you need to do before travelling to England?
When you travel to England, it is not necessary to:
- Complete a UK passenger locator form before travelling
- Take any pre- or post-arrival covid-19 tests
- Quarantine upon arrival
These rules apply both for those who are vaccinated and those who are not and also applies to those who are just transiting through England.
What do you need to do before international travel to Wales?
Any rules regarding international arrivals in Wales have now been removed meaning that there is no need to take any covid-19 tests before or after travelling, complete any quarantines or fill out any passenger locator forms.
Are there covid travel rules for those arriving into Scotland?
If you are travelling to Scotland from another country, there is no need to complete a Passenger Locator Form, self-isolate or take any covid-19 tests, regardless of whether or not you are vaccinated or how you are travelling.
What are the covid travel rules when travelling to Northern Ireland?
It is not necessary to complete a passenger locator form, take any pre-departure or post-arrival tests or show any proof of vaccination status. This is true regardless of whether or not you are vaccinated. It also does not matter whether you have arrived into Northern Ireland by air or by sea.
How can you stay safe when travelling to the UK?
Despite there not being any legal requirements currently in place when travelling to the UK, it is still advisable to take extra precautions when arriving to the UK in order to stay safe.
For example, if you are visiting vulnerable family members or friends, it still could be sensible to take a lateral flow test beforehand. It may also be a good idea to space out any visits and social events.
If you are experiencing coronavirus symptoms during your time in the UK, it is still recommended that you take a covid-19 test and isolate yourself.
Which countries are on the red list?
The ‘red list’ refers to countries or territories which are classified as high risk. If a country is on the red list, it means that it is not recommended to travel from those destinations to the UK and that, upon arriving in the UK, you will likely have to quarantine for a fixed period of time. However, all red list restrictions have now been removed.
This means that you can currently travel from any destination and enter the UK without the need for covid-19 tests, quarantine or completion of a passenger locator form.
What are the covid travel rules when travelling from the UK?
If you are travelling out of the UK, you will need to check the rules of your destination country before travelling. Depending on the country, there may be specific restrictions or requirements. For example, you may need to demonstrate that you have been vaccinated. Furthermore, for some, making up their own minds about getting an additional Covid test, for example to look after family and friends who may be vulnerable is becoming increasingly common.
