Advice for travelling abroad during the Coronavirus pandemic

If you are able to travel under current UK COVID-19 restrictions, there are a few things you should know. 

Countries are in three categories:

• green,
• amber
• or red 

Green countries have the fewest restrictions. The green list is in affect from 4am 17th May, anyone arriving to the UK prior to that will need to follow the rules for the amber list. You should not be travelling to amber or red countries for leisure.

Plan for your travel

The COVID-19 pandemic continues to affect international travel. No travel is risk-free, and many countries have closed their borders or restricted entry to UK travellers. Any country may further restrict travel or bring in new rules at short notice, for example due to a new COVID-19 variant.

Travelling abroad

You should read the guidance for your personal circumstances before deciding whether you are legally permitted to travel abroad. If you travel abroad, even if you are returning to a place you have visited before, follow this checklist:

1. Before you travel

• follow current COVID-19 rules for where you live, in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland
• subscribe to travel advice email alerts for your destination, and countries you will transit through, so you’ll know if we update our advice with new and important information
• check for entry restrictions, testing, or quarantine requirements in our travel advice or contact the UK-based embassy for your destination country
  • if you need a negative COVID-19 test to enter a country, you should use a private test provider. The NHS Test and Trace service cannot provide the documents you need
  • if you live in England and have had a full vaccine course (2 doses), you will be able to demonstrate your COVID-19 vaccination status using an app or letter to enter some countries and territories. Read travel advice entry requirements to check if the country you plan to travel to accepts this proof of vaccinated status
• if you’re flying, read the safer air travel guidance
  • you must wear a face covering on flights in England and Scotland
  • read National Travel Health Network and Centre (NaTHNaC) guidance
• ask your accommodation provider about their COVID-19 safety measures
• read the advice of local authorities and follow local health requirements during your journey and at your destination. Local and international travel restrictions may change before or during your stay
• get travel insurance with the appropriate level of cover
• check your cancellation rights. Contact your tour operator, transport and accommodation providers if you have questions 
• use the travel abroad step-by-step guidance to make sure you’re fully prepared

2. When you're abroad

• continue to follow updates to travel advice, as there may be changes for your destination
• be prepared to comply with changing restrictions to manage local COVID-19 outbreaks, such as border closures, movement restrictions, testing and quarantine requirements
• if you test positive for COVID-19, you may need to seek treatment where you are, and stay until you have recovered. If local authorities tell you to quarantine, you should expect to do that where you are
• travel restrictions may unexpectedly delay your return home. Plan for possible delays. Make sure you have access to money and have made practical arrangements to be away for longer than planned
• if delays occur, you should keep in contact with your travel company or airline for any changes to transport schedules
• read our guidance if you are unable to return to the UK due to COVID-19

4. Prepare to return to the UK

Before you enter the UK you must:

• take a COVID-19 test up to 3 days before departure. You will need to show a negative test result when you arrive in the UK, including if you are returning home. Read further information on testing for travel to England, Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland from abroad
• fill in your passenger locator form up to 48 hours before you enter the UK
• if you are returning to England from:
  • a country on the red list, or you have transited through one in the past 10 days, you must book to stay in a managed quarantine hotel
  • a country on the amber list, or you have transited through one in the past 10 days, you must book COVID tests under the quarantine rules for arriving into England
  • a country on the green list, you must book a day 2 COVID test
• if you are returning to Scotland, check the Red, amber and green list countries for Scotland
• if you are returning to Wales, check the rules for foreign travel to Wales which include red, amber and green list countries

Check the list of people who are exempt from the UK border restrictions.

These rules do not apply for travel within the Common Travel Area, including Ireland.

Different requirements apply for arriving into Northern Ireland.

4. When you arrive in the UK

Follow the rules that apply for the country or countries that you have visited, when you enter the UK from abroad, unless you are exempt.

If you’re arriving in England from a country on the amber list, you may be able to pay for a COVID-19 test under Test to Release, to find out if you can reduce your self-isolation period.

Make sure you check the latest guidance on the Government website.

Red, amber and green list rules for entering England

Travelling within England

• All self-contained accommodation (holiday homes, caravans and boats)
• It must only be used by a single household or bubble

From 17 th May, hotels, hostels and B&Bs can reopen. Six people from multiple households, or any number from two households, can stay together.

Read the holiday advice for travelling within England

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