Last Updated
The United Kingdom is an excellent destination for all travelers in 2022, no matter what country they are visiting from. Not only has the United Kingdom scrapped ALL entry requirements and internal COVID-19 restrictions—such as mask mandates—but it’s also warming up as summer approaches.
While most tourists visit London, one of the world’s leading megacities and an incredible tourist destination, the UK is home to various superb destinations that shouldn't be missed, including:
- Manchester
- Liverpool
- York
- Scotland
- Wales
- Oxford
- Cambridge
- The Peak District
- The Lake District
You’re not guaranteed sunshine when you visit the United Kingdom—although the constant rain is an incorrect stereotype—but you are guaranteed to experience history, culture, beautiful scenery, and diversity.
Here’s what to expect from visiting the United Kingdom as a tourist right now:
Current Entry Requirements
We’re pleased to say that the United Kingdom has no entry requirements. The country became the 14th nation worldwide to end all COVID-19 entry requirements in March 2022.
As a result, travelers won’t face:
- Any testing
- Passenger locator forms
- Quarantine
- Proof of vaccination
- Vaccine passports
The United Kingdom is back to travel normality.
The Current Internal COVID-19 Restrictions
Again, we’re delighted to say that the United Kingdom has zero internal COVID-19 requirements. The British government scrapped all remaining COVID-19 internal restrictions in February, including:
- Mandatory masks on public transport
- Vaccine passports for large scale events
- The requirement to self-isolate if people test positive for COVID-19
The United Kingdom, in particular England, removed all COVID-19 entry requirements in July 2021. However, the Omicron variant made the British government reintroduce masks on public transport; they’ve now ended this requirement.
With that said, restrictions may differ depending on which UK nation you visit. England has removed all COVID-19 restrictions. So if you’re visiting London, you don’t have to think about COVID-19 restrictions.
Scotland, however, still has minor COVID-19 restrictions; this is due to devolved power and Scotland’s ability to enforce its own laws. According to current Scottish law, everyone aged 12 and over must wear face coverings in most indoor public places, such as shops and public transport spaces. Wales has ended all COVID-19 restrictions, including mask mandates.
All in all, other than Scotland, the United Kingdom is back to complete normality.
Traveling By Air Within The U.K.
Foreign tourists, especially coming from countries where mask mandates still exist on airplanes, might be surprised to know that many airlines in the U.K. don't require masks. For most domestic flights, and also on some international flights, airlines like British Airways leave it up to the passenger to decide if they want to wear a mask or not.
The Best Things to do in The United Kingdom in April
Visit London
Let’s start with the obvious: visiting the United Kingdom’s diverse, cosmopolitan, and historic capital city. Temperatures are warming up in London throughout April; although they rarely drop under 0 Celsius/32 Fahrenheit in winter. The average London temperature in April is 15 Celsius/59 Fahrenheit. So yes, you’ll need a jacket—but keep your other thermals at home.
Go Hiking in the Lake District
The Lake District is stunning as the summer approaches and the greenery returns to England’s landscapes. The Lake District is England’s largest national park and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You’ll witness stunning hikes, dramatic peaks, and various gorgeous villages and towns.
Visit the Scottish Highlands
Although it’s still cold in the Scottish highlands in April, it’s still an incredible place to visit. When many people think of the United Kingdom, they think of boring rolling hills. The Scottish Highlands are utterly breathtaking; they’re the main reason why Rough Guide regularly votes Scotland as the world’s most beautiful nation.
Explore Wales
Wales is one of the most underrated tourist destinations worldwide. Somehow, it’s a nation many people ignore when they think of the United Kingdom. However, the nature and scenery within Wales are outstanding. Snowdonia National Park and Brecon Beacons National Park are world-class destinations for hiking and scenery.
Go On a City Tour
Although you can spend 4-5 days in London with relative ease, the United Kingdom has many excellent cities.
- Manchester: Manchester was the world’s first industrialized city. Although it’s home to two world-famous football clubs, it’s also home to incredible history and it’s Europe’s fastest developing city
- Liverpool: Liverpool is a must-see destination for any Beatles fans. The city was the home to the incredibly influential rock band, and it’s fair to say the city hasn’t forgotten about them. There are countless bars, museums, and tributes to the band in the city.
- Oxford: If you’ve watched Harry Potter, you’ll love visiting Oxford. It’s merely a short trip from London and home to outstanding history and architecture.
- Edinburgh: Edinburgh is the historic capital city of Scotland. It’s home to utterly stunning architecture, castles, and superb nightlife.
Final Thoughts
Unfortunately, most nations are yet to end all COVID-19 restrictions. But the United Kingdom is the perfect place, especially for Americans, looking for a vacation without pandemic-related headaches.
Read More:
Travel Insurance That Covers Covid-19 For 2022
New Airline Connecting Canada To The United States And Mexico
U.S. State Department Lowers Travel Advisory Risk For Canada
↓ Elevate Your Travel↓
Sign Up Now For Travel Off Path Premium! No ads, VIP Content, Personal Travel Concierge, Huge Savings, Daily Deals, Members Forum & More!
✈️Join Our Travel Off Path Community Forum: Where travelers unite, ask questions, share experiences and even find like-minded travel buddies!
SUBSCRIBE TO OUR LATEST POSTS
Enter your email address to subscribe to Travel Off Path's latest breaking travel news, straight to your inbox.
This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.