travel london requirements

United Kingdom Travel Restrictions

Traveler's COVID-19 vaccination status

Traveling from the United States to the United Kingdom

Open for vaccinated visitors

COVID-19 testing

Not required

Not required for vaccinated visitors

Restaurants

Not required in enclosed environments and public transportation.

Entry details & exceptions

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Can I travel to the United Kingdom from the United States?

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter the United Kingdom.

Can I travel to the United Kingdom if I am vaccinated?

Fully vaccinated visitors from the United States can enter the United Kingdom without restrictions.

Can I travel to the United Kingdom without being vaccinated?

Unvaccinated visitors from the United States can enter the United Kingdom without restrictions.

Do I need a COVID test to enter the United Kingdom?

Visitors from the United States are not required to present a negative COVID-19 PCR test or antigen result upon entering the United Kingdom.

Can I travel to the United Kingdom without quarantine?

Travelers from the United States are not required to quarantine.

Do I need to wear a mask in the United Kingdom?

Mask usage in the United Kingdom is not required in enclosed environments and public transportation.

Are the restaurants and bars open in the United Kingdom?

Restaurants in the United Kingdom are open. Bars in the United Kingdom are .

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As foreign travel rules ease, what is required to enter the UK?

With a range of proofs needed, the market for fake Covid test and vaccination certificates is booming

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When the UK reopens for foreign travel on Monday, a number of requirements for entry to the UK will be in force, involving a number of different types of tests and certificates.

The black market for pandemic-related products, including fake negative Covid tests and fake vaccination certificates, is booming.

Border officials have warned that an estimated 100 fake negative Covid tests were being caught each day even before the borders are opened further for foreign travel.

What is required to enter the UK?

The details are to be confirmed, but it’s expected that up to three polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests will be required: one before entry showing a negative result, and up to two afterwards, depending on the country from which a traveller has arrived.

PCR tests cost an average of £120 a test for each person.

What about other countries?

Countries have differing requirements, but some, including EU states, have said a requirement involving vaccination will be required to enter them.

What do you need certificates for in the UK?

To enter the UK, certificates are needed to provide evidence of a negative Covid-19 test. The test result must be in either English, French or Spanish.

Depending on the country of origin, up to two more tests could be required, both of which would need a certificate to prove a negative result.

What about vaccination?

The government has suggested it will incorporate a vaccination status into the existing NHS Covid app.

However, there are currently no requirements to prove vaccination status when entering the UK. The level of vaccination progress will be taken into account when determining how countries should be classified.

What checks are there?

Border Force officers at airports and ports are responsible for checking the certificates, although no specific training is provided.

Some Border Force officers said the certificates can be easy to spot as they often have spelling mistakes or punctuation errors. But as there is no single template for a negative test, it can be challenging.

What is the scale of the use of fakes?

Border Force staff have said that by their nature it is challenging to estimate the true scale of the use of fake certificates. However, union officials have said that at least 100 fake certificates are caught each day – equal to thousands a month.

Cybersecurity researchers said there were more than 1,200 vendors on the dark web offering fake certificates, vaccines, treatment drugs and protective equipment. Individual channels on encrypted messaging apps have more than 1,000 subscribers.

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Introduction

Britain and Northern Ireland currently have no official COVID-19 restrictions in place, however there is still guidance on what to do should you catch coronavirus while here on holiday. For more information, please check the official government websites using the links below.

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Travel Guide

• Things to Do
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• Getting Around
• Entry Requirements & Customs
• Visitor Information
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Entry Requirements & Customs in London

To enter the United Kingdom, all U.S. citizens, Canadians, Australians, New Zealanders, and South Africans must have a passport valid through their length of stay. No visa is required. A passport will allow you to stay in the country for up to 6 months. The immigration officer may also want to see proof of your intention to return to your point of origin (usually a round-trip ticket) and of visible means of support while you’re in Britain (credit cards work). If you’re planning to fly from the United States or Canada to the United Kingdom and then on to a country that requires a visa (India, for example), you should secure that visa before you arrive in Britain.

No E.U. nationals require a visa to visit the U.K. Visas are also not required for travelers from Australia, Canada, New Zealand, or the U.S. To be sure that hasn’t changed, see www.ukvisas.gov.uk/en/doineedvisa . The usual permitted stay is 90 days or fewer for tourists, although some nationalities are granted stays of up to 6 months. If you plan to work or study, though, or if you’re traveling on a passport from another country, you’ll need to obtain the correct paperwork.

Non-E.U. nationals aged 17 and over can bring in, duty-free, 200 cigarettes, or 100 cigarillos, or 50 cigars, or 250 grams of smoking tobacco. You can also bring in 4 liters of wine and 16 liters of beer plus either 1 liter of alcohol more than 22% ("spirits") or 2 liters of "fortified" wine at less than 22%. Visitors may also bring in other goods, including perfume, gifts, and souvenirs, totaling £390 in value. (Customs officials tend to be lenient about these general merchandise regulations, realizing the limits are unrealistically low.) For arrivals from within the E.U., there are no limits as long as goods are for your own personal use, or are gifts.

For specifics on what you can take back home and the corresponding fees, U.S. citizens should download the invaluable free pamphlet Know Before You Go online at www.cbp.gov . Alternatively contact the U.S. Customs & Border Protection (CBP), 1300 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20229 (tel. 877/CBP-5511 ), and request the pamphlet. For a clear summary of their own rules, Canadians should consult the booklet Travelling Outside Canada, issued by the Canada Border Services Agency (tel. 800/461-9999 in Canada, or 204/983-3500; www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca). Australians need to read Know Before You Go. For more information, call the Australian Customs Service at tel. 1300/363-263, or download the leaflet from www.customs.gov.au/webdata/resources/files/GuideForTravellers.pdf . For New Zealanders, most questions are answered under "Arriving in New Zealand" at www.customs.govt.nz . For more information, contact the New Zealand Customs Service (tel. 0800/428-786, or 09/300-5399).

Medical Requirements

Unless you're arriving from an area known to be suffering from an epidemic (particularly cholera or yellow fever), inoculations or vaccinations are not required for entry into the U.K.

Note : This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.

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London calling!

U.s. travelers, whether fully vaccinated or not against the coronavirus, are currently permitted to travel to the uk., to understand the restrictions and requirements, we've put together a comprehensive outline of everything you need to know to prepare for what might be your first international trip in a while., from a irline and flight information, to arrival testing steps and more  — you can find all the resources below to ensure you're #londonready..

Booking your trip

Ready when you are! If you’re planning to travel to London soon, feel free to reach out to your FCM Team at any time. We're here to support you every step of the way, from booking and pre-trip preparation, through to in-journey assistance.

Your travel checklist

We’ve put together a comprehensive checklist to make sure you have everything you need for a seamless journey.  When traveling to London remember to:

• Check with your employer that you have sufficient travel insurance cover
• Carry a hard copy of your vaccine card

Download checklist

Arrival info

You no longer need to take a COVID-19 test before traveling to the UK or after you arrive. You also do not need to fill out a UK passenger locator form or quarantine when you arrived. These lifted restrictions apply whether you are fully vaccinated or not. 

Airline and flight information

Looking for direct flights to London? We've listed all airlines for you, along with additional information to help you understand what each airline offers.

Download now

Hotel information

Looking for information on your favorite hotel chain and what they will offer? We've put together a quick reference guide   on some of our preferred hotel partners.

Returning to the U.S.

When leaving London, travelers must complete a test within 24 hours of your departure and receive a negative result. This will ensure entry into the U.S. with no quarantine required. It is recommended to take another test three to five days after arriving in the U.S. 

Information on what is required for each state can be found on our Travel News Hub .

Navigate your next trip with ease. Contact us today. 

Update April 12, 2024

Information for u.s. citizens in the middle east.

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United Kingdom Travel Advisory

Travel advisory july 26, 2023, united kingdom - level 2: exercise increased caution.

Reissued with obsolete COVID-19 page links removed.

Exercise increased caution in the United Kingdom due to terrorism.

Country Summary:  Terrorist groups continue plotting possible attacks in the United Kingdom. Terrorists may attack with little or no warning, targeting tourist locations, transportation hubs, markets/shopping malls, local government facilities, hotels, clubs, restaurants, places of worship, parks, major sporting and cultural events, educational institutions, airports, and other public areas.

There is also a risk of isolated violence by dissident groups in Northern Ireland, focused primarily on police and military targets.

Read the  country information page  for additional information on travel to the United Kingdom.

If you decide to travel to the United Kingdom:

• Be aware of your surroundings when traveling to tourist locations and crowded public venues.
• Follow the instructions of local authorities.
• Monitor local media for breaking events and adjust your plans based on new information.
• Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program  ( STEP ) to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Follow the Department of State on  Facebook  and Twitter.com/Travelgov
• Review the  Country Security Report  for the United Kingdom.
• Visit the CDC page for the latest  Travel Health Information  related to your travel and return to the United States.
• Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the  Traveler’s Checklist .

Travel Advisory Levels

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United Kingdom, including England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland Traveler View

Travel health notices, vaccines and medicines, non-vaccine-preventable diseases, stay healthy and safe.

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After Your Trip

There are no notices currently in effect for United Kingdom, including England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.

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Check the vaccines and medicines list and visit your doctor at least a month before your trip to get vaccines or medicines you may need. If you or your doctor need help finding a location that provides certain vaccines or medicines, visit the Find a Clinic page.

Routine vaccines

Recommendations.

Make sure you are up-to-date on all routine vaccines before every trip. Some of these vaccines include

• Chickenpox (Varicella)
• Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis
• Flu (influenza)
• Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR)

Immunization schedules

All eligible travelers should be up to date with their COVID-19 vaccines. Please see  Your COVID-19 Vaccination  for more information. 

COVID-19 vaccine

Hepatitis A

Consider hepatitis A vaccination for most travelers. It is recommended for travelers who will be doing higher risk activities, such as visiting smaller cities, villages, or rural areas where a traveler might get infected through food or water. It is recommended for travelers who plan on eating street food.

Hepatitis A - CDC Yellow Book

Dosing info - Hep A

Hepatitis B

Recommended for unvaccinated travelers younger than 60 years old traveling to the United Kingdom. Unvaccinated travelers 60 years and older may get vaccinated before traveling to the United Kingdom.

Hepatitis B - CDC Yellow Book

Dosing info - Hep B

Cases of measles are on the rise worldwide. Travelers are at risk of measles if they have not been fully vaccinated at least two weeks prior to departure, or have not had measles in the past, and travel internationally to areas where measles is spreading.

All international travelers should be fully vaccinated against measles with the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, including an early dose for infants 6–11 months, according to  CDC’s measles vaccination recommendations for international travel .

Measles (Rubeola) - CDC Yellow Book

the United Kingdom is free of dog rabies. However, rabies may still be present in wildlife species, particularly bats. CDC recommends rabies vaccination before travel only for people working directly with wildlife. These people may include veterinarians, animal handlers, field biologists, or laboratory workers working with specimens from mammalian species.

Rabies - CDC Yellow Book

Tick-borne Encephalitis

Avoid bug bites

Learn more about tick-borne encephalitis at your destination .

Tick-borne Encephalitis - CDC Yellow Book

Avoid contaminated water

Leptospirosis

How most people get sick (most common modes of transmission)

• Touching urine or other body fluids from an animal infected with leptospirosis
• Swimming or wading in urine-contaminated fresh water, or contact with urine-contaminated mud
• Drinking water or eating food contaminated with animal urine
• Avoid contaminated water and soil

Clinical Guidance

Airborne & droplet.

• Breathing in air or accidentally eating food contaminated with the urine, droppings, or saliva of infected rodents
• Bite from an infected rodent
• Less commonly, being around someone sick with hantavirus (only occurs with Andes virus)
• Avoid rodents and areas where they live
• Avoid sick people

Tuberculosis (TB)

• Breathe in TB bacteria that is in the air from an infected and contagious person coughing, speaking, or singing.

Learn actions you can take to stay healthy and safe on your trip. Vaccines cannot protect you from many diseases in the United Kingdom, so your behaviors are important.

Eat and drink safely

Food and water standards around the world vary based on the destination. Standards may also differ within a country and risk may change depending on activity type (e.g., hiking versus business trip). You can learn more about safe food and drink choices when traveling by accessing the resources below.

• Choose Safe Food and Drinks When Traveling
• Water Treatment Options When Hiking, Camping or Traveling
• Global Water, Sanitation and Hygiene | Healthy Water
• Avoid Contaminated Water During Travel

You can also visit the  Department of State Country Information Pages  for additional information about food and water safety.

Prevent bug bites

Although the United Kingdom is an industrialized country, bug bites here can still spread diseases. Just as you would in the United States, try to avoid bug bites while spending time outside or in wooded areas.

What can I do to prevent bug bites?

• Cover exposed skin by wearing long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and hats.
• Use an appropriate insect repellent (see below).
• Consider using permethrin-treated clothing and gear if spending a lot of time outside. Do not use permethrin directly on skin.

What type of insect repellent should I use?

• FOR PROTECTION AGAINST TICKS AND MOSQUITOES: Use a repellent that contains 20% or more DEET for protection that lasts up to several hours.
• Picaridin (also known as KBR 3023, Bayrepel, and icaridin)
• Oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE) or para-menthane-diol (PMD)
• 2-undecanone
• Always use insect repellent as directed.

What should I do if I am bitten by bugs?

• Avoid scratching bug bites, and apply hydrocortisone cream or calamine lotion to reduce the itching.
• Check your entire body for ticks after outdoor activity. Be sure to remove ticks properly.

What can I do to avoid bed bugs?

Although bed bugs do not carry disease, they are an annoyance. See our information page about avoiding bug bites for some easy tips to avoid them. For more information on bed bugs, see Bed Bugs .

For more detailed information on avoiding bug bites, see Avoid Bug Bites .

Stay safe outdoors

If your travel plans in the United Kingdom include outdoor activities, take these steps to stay safe and healthy during your trip:

• Stay alert to changing weather conditions and adjust your plans if conditions become unsafe.
• Prepare for activities by wearing the right clothes and packing protective items, such as bug spray, sunscreen, and a basic first aid kit.
• Consider learning basic first aid and CPR before travel. Bring a travel health kit with items appropriate for your activities.
• If you are outside for many hours in the heat, eat salty snacks and drink water to stay hydrated and replace salt lost through sweating.
• Protect yourself from UV radiation : use sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15, wear protective clothing, and seek shade during the hottest time of day (10 a.m.–4 p.m.).
• Be especially careful during summer months and at high elevation. Because sunlight reflects off snow, sand, and water, sun exposure may be increased during activities like skiing, swimming, and sailing.
• Very cold temperatures can be dangerous. Dress in layers and cover heads, hands, and feet properly if you are visiting a cold location.

Stay safe around water

• Swim only in designated swimming areas. Obey lifeguards and warning flags on beaches.
• Do not dive into shallow water.
• Avoid swallowing water when swimming. Untreated water can carry germs that make you sick.
• Practice safe boating—follow all boating safety laws, do not drink alcohol if you are driving a boat, and always wear a life jacket.

Keep away from animals

Most animals avoid people, but they may attack if they feel threatened, are protecting their young or territory, or if they are injured or ill. Animal bites and scratches can lead to serious diseases such as rabies.

Follow these tips to protect yourself:

• Do not touch or feed any animals you do not know.
• Do not allow animals to lick open wounds, and do not get animal saliva in your eyes or mouth.
• Avoid rodents and their urine and feces.
• Traveling pets should be supervised closely and not allowed to come in contact with local animals.
• If you wake in a room with a bat, seek medical care immediately.  Bat bites may be hard to see.

All animals can pose a threat, but be extra careful around dogs, bats, monkeys, sea animals such as jellyfish, and snakes. If you are bitten or scratched by an animal, immediately:

• Wash the wound with soap and clean water.
• Go to a doctor right away.
• Tell your doctor about your injury when you get back to the United States.

Reduce your exposure to germs

Follow these tips to avoid getting sick or spreading illness to others while traveling:

• Wash your hands often, especially before eating.
• If soap and water aren’t available, clean hands with hand sanitizer (containing at least 60% alcohol).
• Don’t touch your eyes, nose, or mouth. If you need to touch your face, make sure your hands are clean.
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when coughing or sneezing.
• Try to avoid contact with people who are sick.
• If you are sick, stay home or in your hotel room, unless you need medical care.

Avoid sharing body fluids

Diseases can be spread through body fluids, such as saliva, blood, vomit, and semen.

Protect yourself:

• Use latex condoms correctly.
• Do not inject drugs.
• Limit alcohol consumption. People take more risks when intoxicated.
• Do not share needles or any devices that can break the skin. That includes needles for tattoos, piercings, and acupuncture.
• If you receive medical or dental care, make sure the equipment is disinfected or sanitized.

Know how to get medical care while traveling

Plan for how you will get health care during your trip, should the need arise:

• Carry a list of local doctors and hospitals at your destination.
• Review your health insurance plan to determine what medical services it would cover during your trip. Consider purchasing travel health and medical evacuation insurance for things your regular insurance will not cover.
• Carry a card that identifies, in the local language, your blood type, chronic conditions or serious allergies, and the generic names of any medicines you take.
• Bring copies of your prescriptions for medicine and for eye glasses and contact lenses.
• Some prescription drugs may be illegal in other countries. Call the United Kingdom’s embassy to verify that all of your prescription(s) are legal to bring with you.
• Bring all the medicines (including over-the-counter medicines) you think you might need during your trip, including extra in case of travel delays. Ask your doctor to help you get prescriptions filled early if you need to.

Many foreign hospitals and clinics are accredited by the Joint Commission International. A list of accredited facilities is available at their website ( www.jointcommissioninternational.org ).

Select safe transportation

Motor vehicle crashes are the #1 killer of healthy US citizens in foreign countries.

Be smart when you are traveling on foot.

• Use sidewalks and marked crosswalks.
• Pay attention to the traffic around you, especially in crowded areas.
• Remember, people on foot do not always have the right of way in other countries.

Riding/Driving

Choose a safe vehicle.

• Choose official taxis or public transportation, such as trains and buses.
• Make sure there are seatbelts.
• Avoid overcrowded, overloaded, top-heavy buses and minivans.
• Avoid riding on motorcycles or motorbikes, especially motorbike taxis. (Many crashes are caused by inexperienced motorbike drivers.)
• Choose newer vehicles—they may have more safety features, such as airbags, and be more reliable.
• Choose larger vehicles, which may provide more protection in crashes.

Think about the driver.

• Do not drive after drinking alcohol or ride with someone who has been drinking.
• Consider hiring a licensed, trained driver familiar with the area.
• Arrange payment before departing.

Follow basic safety tips.

• Wear a seatbelt at all times.
• Sit in the back seat of cars and taxis.
• When on motorbikes or bicycles, always wear a helmet. (Bring a helmet from home, if needed.)
• Do not use a cell phone or text while driving (illegal in many countries).
• Travel during daylight hours only, especially in rural areas.
• If you choose to drive a vehicle in the United Kingdom, learn the local traffic laws and have the proper paperwork.
• Get any driving permits and insurance you may need. Get an International Driving Permit (IDP). Carry the IDP and a US-issued driver's license at all times.
• Check with your auto insurance policy's international coverage, and get more coverage if needed. Make sure you have liability insurance.
• Avoid using local, unscheduled aircraft.
• If possible, fly on larger planes (more than 30 seats); larger airplanes are more likely to have regular safety inspections.
• Try to schedule flights during daylight hours and in good weather.

Helpful Resources

Road Safety Overseas (Information from the US Department of State): Includes tips on driving in other countries, International Driving Permits, auto insurance, and other resources.

The Association for International Road Travel has country-specific Road Travel Reports available for most countries for a minimal fee.

Traffic flows on the left side of the road in the United Kingdom.

• Always pay close attention to the flow of traffic, especially when crossing the street.
• LOOK RIGHT for approaching traffic.

Maintain personal security

Use the same common sense traveling overseas that you would at home, and always stay alert and aware of your surroundings.

Before you leave

• Research your destination(s), including local laws, customs, and culture.
• Monitor travel advisories and alerts and read travel tips from the US Department of State.
• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) .
• Leave a copy of your itinerary, contact information, credit cards, and passport with someone at home.
• Pack as light as possible, and leave at home any item you could not replace.

While at your destination(s)

• Carry contact information for the nearest US embassy or consulate .
• Carry a photocopy of your passport and entry stamp; leave the actual passport securely in your hotel.
• Follow all local laws and social customs.
• Do not wear expensive clothing or jewelry.
• Always keep hotel doors locked, and store valuables in secure areas.
• If possible, choose hotel rooms between the 2nd and 6th floors.

Healthy Travel Packing List

Use the Healthy Travel Packing List for United Kingdom for a list of health-related items to consider packing for your trip. Talk to your doctor about which items are most important for you.

Why does CDC recommend packing these health-related items?

It’s best to be prepared to prevent and treat common illnesses and injuries. Some supplies and medicines may be difficult to find at your destination, may have different names, or may have different ingredients than what you normally use.

If you are not feeling well after your trip, you may need to see a doctor. If you need help finding a travel medicine specialist, see Find a Clinic . Be sure to tell your doctor about your travel, including where you went and what you did on your trip. Also tell your doctor if you were bitten or scratched by an animal while traveling.

For more information on what to do if you are sick after your trip, see Getting Sick after Travel .

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UK Travel Requirements: Everything You Should Know

• Updated on June 2, 2022

There are various UK travel requirements. When you arrive at a port or airport in the United Kingdom, a check will be done to validate the identification document you provide (such as your passport or identity card) to ensure that you are permitted to enter the nation.

Along with a UK visa. It has to be valid during the whole of your stay. Depending on your country, you may also be required to get a visa in order to enter the United Kingdom or transit through it. 

Make sure you have all of the necessary documentation before you go to the UK. Additionally, you are exempt from taking any COVID-19 exams and do not have to fill out a passenger locator form. This is true regardless of whether or not you have received all of your vaccinations.

What It Is You Are Able to Carry Along With You

What you’re allowed to carry with you depends on where you’re coming from and where you’re going. You are required to provide the following information to customs:

• Anything that exceeds the duty-free allowance you have
• Regulated or prohibited items in the United Kingdom
• Products you have with the intention of selling

If you are travelling from outside the EU, you must have more than 10,000 Euros (or its equivalent) in cash. It is possible that both you and your luggage will be inspected for anything that you are required to declare.

UK Travel Rules

As of the 6th of December, all flying passengers, regardless of whether they have been vaccinated or if they are citizens, are required to present proof of a negative COVID-19 test that was taken no more than one day before entering the United States. If you have received a positive viral test and you have satisfied the requirements to cease isolation.

Prior to boarding an airline bound for the United States, all passengers who are not citizens of the United States and do not qualify for an exemption from the requirement that they are fully vaccinated will be asked to present evidence that they have had all necessary vaccinations.

Exemptions will be accepted only in the most exceptional of circumstances. In order to request an exemption, you will need to get in touch with the embassy or consulate that is located closest to you. Please check the CDC websites for additional information regarding exemptions and the necessity for documentation of a negative COVID-19 test or recovery from COVID-19 for all air passengers arriving in the United States. This rule applies to travellers travelling to the United States from other countries.

UK Travel Restrictions 

In addition to that, the order requires an attestation from each passenger declaring that they have been given a negative result on the Qualifying Test (this is not in place of a test). On the CDC website, under the heading “Passenger Attestation Form,” you may locate the Attestation (PDF).

You or your kid may be permitted to travel to the United States using an expired United States passport if the passport was issued by the United States and expired on or after January 1, 2020. Before making any trip arrangements, you are kindly requested to visit our website to see whether or not you and/or your kid are eligible.

Information That Is Particular to a Country

A Level 2 Travel Health Notice has been issued by the United States Department of State for the United Kingdom, which advises travellers to exercise heightened care due to the threat of terrorism.

As a result of the presence of Covid-19, the CDC has issued a Travel Health Notice of Level 3 for the United Kingdom.

UK Covid Travel Requirement 

Uk travel restrictions for covid.

When travelling to the United Kingdom from a foreign country after 4 am on Friday, March 18, passengers arriving in the UK will no longer be required to complete any COVID-19 tests or fill out a passenger locator form. Whether or whether you have had all of your vaccinations, the new rules will apply to you.

As the government continues to monitor the situation, the reaction being prepared for COVID-19 in the United Kingdom is regularly updated. There may be some variation between the regulations of each country within the UK. 

Coverings for the Face

The legislation no longer requires anyone to hide their faces. The government recommends that you continue to wear a facial covering in crowded and confined areas where you may come into touch with other individuals you do not ordinarily encounter. These settings include airports, concert halls, and movie theatres.

Testing with COVID-19

Are PCR and/or antigen testing made accessible to those from the United States who are now residing in the United Kingdom? Yes

Are the results of the tests consistently accessible within one day of the calendar? Yes. The results of the test might be obtained within a day’s time for an extra charge.

Waivers for the COVID-19 Vaccination

If you are not a U.S. citizen, a U.S. national, a lawful permanent resident, or travelling to the United States on an immigrant visa, you will be required to show proof that you have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19 before you are allowed to travel by air to the United States from a foreign country. 

This requirement applies to nonimmigrants who are not U.S. citizens. This criterion does not apply to some classes of noncitizens who are not authorized to work in the country. In the event that you fall into one of these categories, you will be subject to further restrictions before being permitted to board an aeroplane bound for the United States. Visit the website of the CDC and scroll down until you reach the section labelled “Exceptions” for further information on the exemptions.

Justification of a humanitarian or emergency exemption to the need to provide evidence of having received all recommended vaccinations (e.g., vaccine availability, passenger ineligible for the vaccine at a location, insufficient time to become fully vaccinated).

COVID-19 Vaccine Information

Has a vaccination against COVID-19 been given the green light for usage by the government of the United Kingdom? Yes

Are there any vaccinations that can be administered to U.S. residents that can be found in the United Kingdom? If a person resides in the United Kingdom and belongs to one of the qualifying groups, they have the opportunity to get the vaccination regardless of their status.

Which immunizations are readily accessible to patients in the United Kingdom? Pfizer/BioNTech, Oxford/AstraZeneca, Moderna

Conditions for Admission and Departure

When travelling to the United Kingdom from a foreign country after 4 am on Friday, March 18, it will no longer be necessary for passengers arriving in the UK from overseas to complete any COVID-19 tests or fill out a passenger location form. Whether or whether you have had all of your vaccinations, the new rules will apply to you.

You are exempt from having to take any COVID-19 exams either before you leave or after you get there. 

It covers travellers who are just stopping over in England temporarily. It is imperative that you adhere to all of the guidelines that have been laid down for you by your travel provider.

For information on visa extensions for residents and visitors of the United Kingdom, please consult the webpage for UK Visa and Immigration.

Movement Restrictions

• Is there a time limit on staying out? No
• Are there any limitations placed on travel between cities or across states? No

Quarantine Information

Are U.S. citizens compelled to quarantine? No

After Returning After an Overseas Trip, Continuing Travel Inside the CTA

Following an international journey, if you will be travelling from England to Ireland, Northern Ireland, Scotland, Wales, the Channel Islands, or the Isle of Man, you are required to follow the rules for testing and quarantine for your final destination, which are specific to that country’s or territory.

Different UK Visas 

If they want to remain in the UK for longer than 90 days, all foreign nationals must apply for a visa. Non-EEA people must additionally apply for a visiting visa if their stay is shorter than 90 days, but EEA citizens may enter the country without a visa for up to 90 days.

Types of UK Visa

There are several UK visas available, ranging from short-term to long-term; the best one for you will depend on why you desire to visit and how long you expect to remain in the UK.

Work visas, student visas, family visas, tourist visas, business visas, and transit visas are all available. Many UK visas may also be used to get Indefinite Leave to Remain, which is an important step on the path to British citizenship.

You may apply for a UK visa online by filling out the required application form, which is accessible on the UK government website. You will also need to provide a number of supporting papers as part of your application to demonstrate that you fulfil the eligibility conditions for the visa that you are asking for.

To be eligible for a visa under the UK’s new points-based system, you must achieve a particular amount of points, and you must demonstrate that you can do so.

Citizens should proceed with care when planning overseas travel, taking into consideration their general health, vaccination status, and the potential of testing positive for COVID-19 while abroad. Anyone thinking about travelling overseas should be aware that limitations might change at any time, and that further restrictions may be implemented by the government of your destination, even during your stay.

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Automatic Refunds and No More Hidden Fees: D.O.T. Sets New Rules for Airlines

The Transportation Department issued new requirements on refunds when flights are canceled or delayed and on revealing “junk” fees before booking. Here’s what passengers can expect.

By Christine Chung

The Transportation Department on Wednesday announced new rules taking aim at two of the most difficult and annoying issues in air travel: obtaining refunds and encountering surprise fees late in the booking process.

“Passengers deserve to know upfront what costs they are facing and should get their money back when an airline owes them — without having to ask,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg in a statement, adding that the changes would not only save passengers “time and money,” but also prevent headaches.

The department’s new rules, Mr. Buttigieg said, will hold airlines to clear and consistent standards when they cancel, delay or substantially change flights, and require automatic refunds to be issued within weeks. They will also require them to reveal all fees before a ticket is purchased.

Airlines for America , a trade group representing the country’s largest air carriers, said in a statement that its airlines “abide by and frequently exceed” D.O.T. consumer protection regulations.

Passenger advocates welcomed the new steps.

Tomasz Pawliszyn, the chief executive of AirHelp, a Berlin-based company that assists passengers with airline claims, called it a “massive step forward and huge improvement in consumer rights and protection” that brings the United States closer to global standards in passenger rights.

Here’s what we know about the D.O.T.’s new rules, which will begin to go into effect in October.

There’s now one definition for a “significant” delay.

Until now, airlines have been allowed to set their own definition for a “significant” delay and compensation has varied by carrier . Now, according to the D.O.T., there will be one standard: when departure or arrival is delayed by three hours for domestic flights and six hours for international flights.

Passengers will get prompt refunds for cancellations or significant changes for flights and delayed bags, for any reason.

When things go wrong, getting compensation from an airline has often required establishing a cumbersome paper trail or spending untold hours on the phone. Under the new rules, refunds will be automatic, without passengers having to request them. Refunds will be made in full, excepting the value of any transportation already used. Airlines and ticket agents must provide refunds in the original form of payment, whether by cash, credit card or airline miles. Refunds are due within seven days for credit card purchases and within 20 days for other payments.

Passengers with other flight disruptions, such as being downgraded to a lower service class, are also entitled to refunds.

The list of significant changes for which passengers can get their money back also includes: departure or arrival from an airport different from the one booked; connections at different airports or flights on planes that are less accessible to a person with a disability; an increase in the number of scheduled connections. Also, passengers who pay for services like Wi-Fi or seat selection that are then unavailable will be refunded any fees.

Airlines must give travel vouchers or credits to ticketed passengers unable to fly because of government restrictions or a doctor’s orders.

The vouchers or credits will be transferable and can be used for at least five years after the date they were issued.

Fees for checked baggage and modifying a reservation must be disclosed upfront.

Airlines and ticket agents are now required to display any extra fees for things like checking bags or seat selection clearly and individually before a ticket purchase. They will also need to outline the airline’s policies on baggage, cancellations and changing flights before a customer purchases a ticket.

The rules, which apply to all flights on domestic airlines and flights to and from the United States operated by foreign airlines, have varying start dates.

For example, automatic refunds must be instituted by the airlines within six months. But carriers have a year before they’re required to issue travel vouchers and credits for passengers advised by a medical professional not to fly.

Follow New York Times Travel on Instagram and sign up for our weekly Travel Dispatch newsletter to get expert tips on traveling smarter and inspiration for your next vacation. Dreaming up a future getaway or just armchair traveling? Check out our 52 Places to Go in 2024 .

Christine Chung is a Times reporter covering airlines and consumer travel. More about Christine Chung

Open Up Your World

Considering a trip, or just some armchair traveling here are some ideas..

52 Places:  Why do we travel? For food, culture, adventure, natural beauty? Our 2024 list has all those elements, and more .

Mumbai:  Spend 36 hours in this fast-changing Indian city  by exploring ancient caves, catching a concert in a former textile mill and feasting on mangoes.

Kyoto:  The Japanese city’s dry gardens offer spots for quiet contemplation  in an increasingly overtouristed destination.

Iceland:  The country markets itself as a destination to see the northern lights. But they can be elusive, as one writer recently found .

Texas:  Canoeing the Rio Grande near Big Bend National Park can be magical. But as the river dries, it’s getting harder to find where a boat will actually float .

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Field Notes: London Globe

Last summer, 18 students from Washington University in St. Louis traveled to London for an intensive summer program at Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre .

In this video, Claire Sommers, a lecturer in the Performing Arts Department in Arts & Sciences, describes the group’s aims and what it means to explore the places that shaped the Bard.

“I think you gain a better understanding of history, of Shakespeare, of his world, just by inhabiting the spaces where he lived, where he worked, where he thought,” Sommers said.

“We hope to allow students to understand the world that he lived in.”

Applications for the 2024 session at Shakespeare’s Globe are closed. For more information about WashU study-abroad opportunities, visit overseas.wustl.edu .

Comments and respectful dialogue are encouraged, but content will be moderated. Please, no personal attacks, obscenity or profanity, selling of commercial products, or endorsements of political candidates or positions. We reserve the right to remove any inappropriate comments. We also cannot address individual medical concerns or provide medical advice in this forum.

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