INSIGHT
COVID: UK's international travel rules
Last updated: 15th March 2022
In the UK, there’s a two-list system for international travel. A red list and a ‘rest of the world’ list. Countries sit in either list, which dictates what travellers need to do when returning to the UK.
In 2022, the traffic light system has become redundant, since all countries are in the 'rest of the world' list. Instead, it is your vaccination status that determines what tests and quarantine rules are required.
The system is in place to outline what you need to do to return to the UK; it does not reflect on rules in the country you’re visiting. Before booking, it’s best you check what’s required from the country you’re heading to as each has their own rules decided by their own government. Check requirements on the FCDO’s website or our COVID Travel Hub.
Some people are exempt from requirements based on their job – see the full list here.
What countries are on each list?
In March 2022, currently all countries are on the 'Rest of the World' list and none are on the red list.
View the government list here.
These statuses do not have any reference to the FCDO status for that country – this should be looked at separately if required.
The UK, Ireland, the Isle of Man and the Channel Islands make up the Common Travel Area and require no form, tests or quarantine.
Who is considered fully vaccinated?
Travellers are considered fully vaccinated if they have had two vaccines, including if you’ve had two different jabs:
- Under an approved vaccination programme in the UK, Europe and USA.
- Under an approved UK vaccine programme overseas.
- Of the Oxford/AstraZeneca (including Covishield, Vaxzevria), Pfizer BioNTech, Moderna (including Takeda) and Janssen vaccines from public health bodies in more than 118 countries. View list.
Where can I get tests?
We advise using our testing partners – read more here.
UK vaccine passports
Don't leave it until the day of travel to arrange your vaccine passport/certificate. Look at what you need to do days or weeks in advance.
England: The NHS COVID Pass shows your COVID-19 vaccination details or test results. It can be accessed on the NHS app - this is different to the Test and Trace app. Download for Apple and Android. Travellers can also use the online NHS COVID Pass service or request a NHS COVID Pass letter. More info on the NHS COVID Pass can be found here.
Scotland: You can request an online or paper version of your vaccination status here.
Wales: Get your NHS COVID Pass online, or by paper. Find out more information here.
Northern Ireland: Residents must apply for proof of vaccination. Find out more information here.
What’s required for each category
REST OF THE WORLD - currently all countries are on this list
Vaccinated and arriving into the UK
Before arriving into the UK
1. Fill in the passenger locator form. Make sure you have your passport/document details, travel dates/times and vaccination status. Fill in the form here.
Not vaccinated and arriving into the UK
Before arriving
- Book your COVID-19 test for day 2 of when you come back to the UK.
- Fill in the passenger locator form. Make sure you have your passport/document details, travel dates/times and COVID-19 test booking reference. Fill in the form here.
- A test must be taken in the 2 days before your flight back to the UK. For example if you’re flying directly to England on Friday, you must take the test on the Wednesday, Thursday or Friday. For more information visit these pages: England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
When you arrive
- Take your pre-booked COVID test on day 2 after arriving. For detail of what to do when the test is negative, positive or unclear, visit the government website.
RED LIST
All travellers arriving into the UK
Before arriving into the UK
- Book your hotel quarantine package which includes two PCR tests. You can only book your managed quarantine hotel within a 14-day window before arrival. Book here. For more information on quarantining visit these pages: England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
- Fill in the passenger locator form. Make sure you have your passport/document details, travel dates/times, COVID-19 test booking reference and hotel quarantine booking reference. Fill in the form here.
- A test must be taken in the 3 days before your flight back to the UK. For example if you’re flying directly to the UK on Friday, you must take the test on the Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday. For more information visit these pages: England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
When you're in quarantine
- Travel directly to your quarantine hotel.
- Take your pre-booked COVID test on day 2 and day 8 of your hotel quarantine period. Test to Release option is not available for red list countries.