With spring and summer just around the corner, UK travellers are eager to get back on holiday. Travel restrictions have significantly eased for brits, with multiple countries following suit. As advice and guidance is constantly changing within the UK, it is important to keep updated with these changes. As COVID-19 continues to infect, it is vital to keep yourself and others safe when travelling abroad. Here are some factors to consider before you travel.
Rules For Fully Vaccinated Passengers
The UK government has advised that those who are fully vaccinated (received 2 doses of a 2-dose vaccine), no longer have to take any covid tests before travelling. Fully vaccinated travellers are also no longer required to take a further PCR test in Croydon after arrival.
However, it is important to fill out a passenger locator form as this is still required in the UK travel guidance.
Rules For Unvaccinated Passengers
If you are unvaccinated, you can still fly in and out of the UK, however you will be required to take a covid travel test beforehand. You will also be required to take a day 2 PCR test after your arrival.
Unvaccinated passengers also have to complete a passenger locator form. It is vital to note that you must check the rules of the country you are travelling to beforehand, as some countries still do not allow unvaccinated travellers to enter unless it is for one of the reasons on their exemption list (which you can check online via Foreign Travel Advice).
Be Prepared
It is important to be extra prepared when travelling in a pandemic. Changes can be made at any time in any country and are often announced with very little warning. You should be prepared for tighter restrictions being implemented whilst you are travelling and should always ensure you have emergency cash with you in case you need a last-minute flight back to the UK.
Ensure you have all of the correct documentation when travelling such as passport, boarding passes, passenger locator, vaccine passport proof and proof of PCR testing if required.
How To Get Proof Of Vaccination Status
In order to obtain proof of your vaccine status in the UK, it is important to download the ‘NHS Covid Pass’ app which will show how many vaccines you have had, when you got them and if you are eligible to be labelled a ‘fully vaccinated’ traveller. The app will come with a QR code which can be scanned at any point when needed.
Bring The Essentials
Before, during and after flying to and from the UK, remember to bring the essentials that will keep you safe from coronavirus. This may include:
- Face coverings
- Hand Sanitiser
- Anti-bacterial wipes
- COVID-19 documentation
It is impossible to avoid contact with others when travelling, especially via a busy plane. To help stop the spread and keep yourself safe, wipe down surfaces before touching them, wash your hands often, use hand sanitiser where washing is not possible and wear a face covering when asked or legally required. Using all of these steps can significantly decrease your risk of becoming infected with the virus, which overall slows down the spread and keeps others safe too.
Henry Lawson is an experienced arts journalist specializing in music, film, and text-based art forms. His work centers on providing thoughtful analysis, artist interviews, and in-depth features that celebrate innovation and creativity across diverse mediums.