If you are thinking of travelling to the UK during the coronavirus outbreak, there are some recent changes to travel guidance that you should be aware of before making your trip.
Most of the legal requirements for testing and travel in the UK have either been eased significantly or scrapped by the UK Government. Especially in England, the government have announced that it is planning to scrap all restrictions in place and remove free testing come April.
For vaccinated and unvaccinated travellers, there are still some travel guidance and requirements in place that must be met in order to travel.
Travelling To The UK For Vaccinated Passengers
If you are a fully vaccinated passenger (you have received 2 doses of a vaccine), you are no longer required to take a PCR test before travelling to any part of the UK. You are also not required to take any covid tests after your arrival. However, it is crucial to complete a passenger locator form before travel as this is still a requirement in the UK.
Travelling To The UK For Unvaccinated Passengers
If you are an unvaccinated passenger travelling to the UK, for example, Croydon in England, you are required to take a test before you travel to prove that you are not infected with the virus. After your arrival, you will be required to pay for a PCR test in Croydon too, as well as completing a passenger locator form.
What To Expect When Visiting The UK?
What To Expect in England
- Masks no longer legally required
- Venues at full capacity
- Venues and nightclubs no longer require proof of vaccination or negative test
- No household mixing rules in place
- Shops, museums, bars, cinemas, restaurants open with no restrictions
What To Expect In Wales
- No mixing restrictions in households, indoors or outdoors, public spaces
- Nightclubs open
- Venues no longer require COVID pass
- Face masks still required in some indoor settings and on public transport
What To Expect In Scotland
- Restaurants, pubs and nightclubs open
- Face masks continue to be required in indoor places and transport (to be removed on 21st March)
- Proof of vaccination required to enter events
- Need a ‘booster’ jab to be considered fully vaccinated
What To Expect In Northern Ireland
- No limit on mixing in hospitality
- Nightclubs, bars and restaurants open
- Nightclubs and venues no longer require proof of vaccination
- Face coverings still required on transport and indoor places such as museums and cinemas
Conclusion
It is important to know the rules and coronavirus guidance in place in the location you are travelling to. This ensures you are prepared to adhere to the country’s rules and restrictions, as well as prepared for any unexpected changes that may occur whilst you are visiting. Whether you are vaccinated or unvaccinated, travel restrictions often change and may possibly change with very little notice. It is important that you keep up to date with the current covid state to prepare for these changes.
