COVID-19 Travel Rules: Updated 2023

Updated: July 2023

Let’s take a look at the current COVID-19 testing rules for travel.

Do I Need To Quarantine ?

You do not need to quarantine when you arrive in England.  This applies whether you are vaccinated or not. It includes people who are transiting through England.

Di I Need To Do COVID Travel Tests if I’m Fully Vaccinated?

You do not need to take any COVID-19 tests before you travel or after you arrive. This applies whether you are vaccinated or not. It includes people who are transiting through England.

What are the Travel Rules if I’m Unvaccinated/Partially Vaccinated?

For those travellers who are unvaccinated or only partially vaccinated, there are no additional pre-travel or arrival testing or isolation requirements.

What is the Red / Amber / Green List?

In May 2021 the UK government introduced a traffic light system in order to help the public to understand COVID requirements when travelling to England. Health measures at the border varied depending on whether travelling from a green, amber or red country.

In October 2021, an overhaul of the COVID-19 travel rules was introduced. The previous ‘Traffic Light System’ with Green, Amber and Red Lists of destinations was scrapped. From 4 October 2021, the traffic light system was replaced with one red list only. This has now been scrapped totally. There are no current COVID-19 restrictions to travel to England.

Travelling Abroad from the UK

Although there are no restrictions for travelling into the UK, other countries may still have COVID-19 rules that you must follow to travel there from the UK.

In addition, while you are in transit, your travel provider, such as your airline, train or passenger ferry, may have COVID-19 rules in place. This may also be the case for any transport hubs you travel through,  For example, they may require or advise you to wear a face covering.

Check the ‘Entry requirements’ section of foreign travel advice for all countries you will visit or travel through.