From architecture that spans back thousands of years such as the famous Roman baths to the cultures, landscapes and traditions, the UK is without a doubt is one of the most beautiful places to be on earth.
Traveling to the UK is now possible for tourists from many countries to help cure that wanderlust that is still burning bright is so many of us.
Here are all the most recent UK COVID-19 entry requirements and everything you need to know before you go.
Editors Note: The UK has changed entry requirements constantly. Always triple check your own itinerary, eligibility and current rules before you travel.
Public Health Passenger Locator Form
All visitors are required to fill out the Public Health Passenger Locator Form before they arrive in the United Kingdom.
Failure to do so could result in being denied entry into the UK or fined £100 if you refuse to provide your contact details.
Fill out the Public Health Passenger Locator Form
Country Color Categories and Rules
As of December 17, 2021, all countries have been removed from UK's red list.
Entry Requirements for Vaccinated Travelers
Effective November 22nd, the UK will start accepting Sinovac, Sinopharm, and Covaxin as valid proof of vaccination. The list of accepted vaccines currently includes Pfizer, Moderna, Janssen, Novavax, Covaxin, Sinovac, Sinopharm, and Oxford/AstraZeneca (including Covishield).
If you are fully vaccinated, you need to have a valid proof of vaccination. You would also need to pre-book and pay for a PCR test, which you will take upon arrival.
Update: Starting February 11, 2022, fully-vaccinated visitors no longer need to take a COVID test prior to or after arrival.
Entry Requirements for Unvaccinated Travelers
If you are unvaccinated, you must present proof of a negative PCR test, with results available no more than 48 hours prior to arrival. You must also prebook and pay for a PCR test after arrival.
Testing & Quarantine Entry Requirements
Vaccinated Travelers
Unvaccinated Travelers
Pre-flight 48-hour test, plus an after-arrival test within 2 days after entering. Unvaccinated travelers do not need to quarantine.
Important Note: Quarantine requirements may vary in Wales, Northern Ireland and Scotland.
COVID-19 Travel Insurance Entry Requirements
Travel insurance is not mandatory but all incoming travelers should have travel insurance the covers COVID-19 for the duration of their trip to the UK.
COVID-19 Health Requirements While in the UK
All visitors must abide by the following COVID-19 health requirements while in United Kingdom
England
As of January 26, 2022, England has scrapped most of its COVID-restrictions, including mandatory mask-wearing and social distancing.
Vaccine passports are also no longer required for anything, and there are zero limits on gatherings, events, restaurants, and bars.
Scotland
As of January 24, 2022, Scotland has removed mandates on social distancing and large indoor events.
However, a vaccine-passport is still required for some indoor events. Mandatory mask-wearing in public transportation, churches, bars, and shops will also be enforced.
Wales
The Welsh government has announced easing of several restrictions beginning January 15, 2022. There are now no limits on those attending outdoor events and nightclubs were allowed to reopen.
However, COVID passes are still required for large events, cinemas, nightclubs, and theaters.
Masks are still required for most indoor public areas, including public transportation and shops. However, they are not mandatory in places where food and drink are served.
Northern Ireland
Starting January 26, 2022, COVID passes are only required for nightclubs and indoor unseated and partially-seated events with over 500 people.
Mask-wearing is still mandatory on all indoor spaces that are accessible to the public. This includes public transportation and terminals, in taxis, coaches, private buses, shops, and cinemas.
COVID-19 Vaccine Entry Requirements
Starting February 11, 2022, all vaccinated travelers from all nations are allowed entry.
Visa Entry Requirements For the United Kingdom During COVID-19
All travelers will still need to follow U.K. visa requirements. United Kingdom embassies around the world have reopened for visa applications.
Many countries are able to visit the UK for up to 90 days without a visa.
Check if you need a visa to enter the United Kingdom with this easy government tool.
UK Covid-19 Entry Requirements:
- Fill out the Public Health Passenger Locator Form
- Check if your country requires a visa to visit the United Kingdom
- If you are unvaccinated, take a departure test no longer than 48 hours before arrival. You must also pre-book for the PCR test upon arrival.
- Follow all UK health protocols
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Sources: UK Government/UK Visa and Immigration/
Disclaimer: Current UK travel rules are changing without notice and being updated constantly. We do our best to keep this article up to date with all the latest information, but the decision to travel is ultimately your responsibility. Contact your consulate and/or local authorities to confirm your nationality’s entry and/or any changes to travel requirements before traveling. Travel Off Path does not endorse traveling against government advisories
Article originally published August 16, 2020 with updates
Karl Phillip Armstrong
Monday 15th of November 2021
Hi, I am a UK citizen and an Italian Resident. Not vaccinated, and i need to visit a customer in the UK. Even just a couple of days. What is the way i need to approach this? Thanks.
Phil Jones
Tuesday 22nd of June 2021
Does anyone know what is the requirement for boarding an Air Canada flight to the UK at Pearson (Toronto) Airport. Is an antigen test sufficient, or does one need a PCR(DNA) test? Despite repeats tries, I can't get an answer from Air Canada on this!!
Bobby
Tuesday 17th of August 2021
@Phil Jonesif you take a look at this link: (link) It appears they accept antigen or PCR so no need to waste the extra dough on the pcr. If this is wrong someone please correct me! I was looking for the same and it took a while to find the info.
Mara
Thursday 13th of May 2021
Do you know how often the UK will be re-assessing the traffic light decisions for countries?
Kashlee Kucheran
Thursday 13th of May 2021
Every two weeks
John
Thursday 13th of May 2021
Do red list country can enter UK ?
Kashlee Kucheran
Thursday 13th of May 2021
They can, with the hotel quarantine and other restrictions mentioned
John
Thursday 13th of May 2021
Planning to travel this may 25 going to UK from Philippines,wat are the requirements in entering UK .do i need to quarantine? Thank you