All countries have now been removed from the UK’s travel red list, reports BBC.
What are the UK’s rules now?
Before departure all travelers to the UK aged 12 and over have to show proof of a negative test, even if they are fully vaccinated.
This can be a PCR or a lateral flow test, and must be taken in the two days before departure for the UK.
You’ll need to find a private test provider for this – free NHS lateral flow kits are not allowed.
The test can be taken either in the country where you start your journey, or in another country en route to the UK (for instance if you’re travelling overland).
If you test positive, you should follow local rules in place in the country you’re in, and must not travel to the UK.
After arriving in the UK, you have two days to take another test – which must be a PCR.
This must be booked before you travel, and bought privately from a government-approved list of providers.
While you are waiting for a result, you must self-isolate – whether or not you have been vaccinated. You can stop self-isolating if your test is negative.
Everyone aged five and over (11 and over in Scotland) must take these tests.
In addition, all travelers coming to the UK must fill in and submit an online passenger locator form no more than 48 hours before arriving – even if they are just passing through the UK.
The testing rules do not apply to travelers from Ireland, the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man (unless they have been in another country in the 10 days before departure for the UK).
Will I need to quarantine in a hotel on arrival in the UK?
No – you would only have to do this if you were travelling from a country on the UK’s travel red list.
The government has now removed all countries from this list.
Anyone who has been in a quarantine hotel can now leave, but must follow the same rules as anyone who arrived from a non-red list country.
A decision on whether they will be reimbursed for their costs is due later.
How do I prove vaccinations and test results?
Digital Covid passes showing your vaccination status can be downloaded to your phone, whether you’re in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
Test results can be in the form of a printed document, or an email or text on your phone. They must be in English, French or Spanish.
European Union residents can use the EU Digital Covid Certificate to show their vaccination status or test results.
What if I’m unvaccinated?
The current UK rules say that if you aren’t fully vaccinated – and you’re over 18 – you need to:
- take a PCR or lateral flow/antigen test (not a free NHS test) in the two days before you travel to the UK
- take a test on or before day two and on or after day eight after your return.
- self-isolate at home for 10 days after arrival in the UK
Test to Release will remain an option for unvaccinated passengers to England who want to shorten their quarantine.
What about other countries’ rules?
These are the rules for getting into the UK – you’ll also need to check the UK Foreign Office website for entry requirements of any other countries you visit. These can change quickly.
Covid passes issued in the UK can be used throughout the EU to show proof of vaccination – either digitally, or as a printed download (as long as it is dated later than 1 November 2021).
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Source: BBC
