In this article, we break down the latest guidance from the UK government regarding travel to the UK from abroad.
If you have booked your trip abroad and want to ensure your travel insurance covers coronavirus related claims, read our article for the best travel insurance that covers covid.
How to check if you are fully vaccinated
Before you book a holiday abroad, it is essential to know whether you qualify as fully vaccinated or not, as the rules for where you can travel to can vary depending on the destination. However, your vaccination status no longer affects your return travel to the UK.
There are different specifications as to what counts as full vaccination in each of the devolved nations, so first you need to check the rules for the country you will be returning to so that you do not break the law.
Follow the links below to find out what you need to qualify as fully vaccinated in:
Travel to England from abroad
As of 18th March fully vaccinated and non-vaccinated travellers no longer need to do the following before arriving in England:
- Take a covid-19 test before you travel to or after you arrive in England
- Complete a passenger locator form
- Quarantine upon arrival
This also applies to those who are transiting through England. Other countries may have separate rules that you need to follow when leaving the country to travel to England so you will need to ensure that you check the relevant travel guidance in the country you are travelling from.
Are the rules different in the devolved UK nations?
The above system applies to England, but the rules differ slightly in each of the devolved nations, so make sure to check each country's official travel advice carefully before you organise a trip abroad. For more information on international travel rules in each of the devolved nations, visit:
What are the rules if I am travelling within the UK?
Those holidaying in the UK do not need to take a COVID-19 PCR test or self-isolate on arrival in England, so long as they are travelling from within the UK, Ireland, the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man (together known as the Common Travel Area). These rules apply so long as you have not been outside of the Common Travel Area in the previous 10 days.
What are the rules if I am travelling from the UK?
If you are travelling abroad you will need to check the entry requirements of the country you are travelling to as this varies per country. Official guidance for travelling outside of the UK can be found on the government website.
Who is exempt from coronavirus travel restrictions?
Some people are exempt from some or all of the government's requirements, but the eligibility criteria is complex, so make sure to check the details on the GOV.UK website before assuming that you qualify:
