Coronavirus: where can I go on holiday? 

UK travel restrictions lifted from 18 March 2022

Effective 4am on Friday 18 March 2022, all international travel restrictions have been lifted for all passengers entering the UK, regardless of whether they have been vaccinated against Covid-19 or not. 

It removes the previous need for unvaccinated travellers to take a pre-departure test and a day 2 test after their arrival in the UK, as well as the need for all passengers to complete a passenger locator form. And it means UK citizens heading abroad for work, holidays or other reasons can return to the UK free of travel restrictions. 

The government continues to monitor Covid-19 variants of concern, so it’s always possible the rules on travel could change. With that in mind you should always check the latest Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office foreign travel advice before booking or heading off on an overseas trip.
 

Can I travel to a country on the government's red list?

As part of its removal of all travel restrictions, the government and the FCDO specifically no longer maintain a 'red list' of countries considered to pose a high Covid-19 risk. Any special restrictions or requirements that applied to them previously, such as the need to stay in a quarantine hotel and take two Covid-19 tests on your return to the UK from such destinations, no longer apply.
 

Are travel restrictions different for my part of the UK?

While there's generally been a level of consistency in the restrictions and advice put in place by each of the devolved nations in recent times, some differences have applied so it's always important to check the rules that apply to yours. 

England

Northern Ireland

Scotland

Wales

Coronavirus rules in your destination

While travel restrictions such as testing and quarantine rules have lifted for your return to the UK, that's not necessarily the case in your chosen destination.

You also need to check and follow any local laws, entry requirements, restrictions and guidelines that apply when you get there – including any regional differences.

Some countries require a certificate from an officially recognised testing centre that confirms you have tested negative for coronavirus. Others may not if you've been double vaccinated for more than two weeks.

It’s your responsibility to know and follow these requirements, so check the latest for your destination early. The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development (FCDO) provides up-to-date, country-specific guidance for all international destinations on its travel advice page.

Tips on Covid-19 testing

If you do need to get a Covid-19 test to enter your destination country, remember that the time limits that apply to tests vary by country. The type of test you need for entry also affects the time needed to process and receive the results.

Make sure you research and plan for the test or tests you’ll need well in advance of travel. You don’t want getting tested or waiting for results to delay or prevent your plans.

As well as checking the latest FCDO advice, it’s also worth checking with your airline, tour operator and accommodation to be sure which type of tests you’ll need and any of their own other travel requirements before you go.

Know before you go

Coronavirus isn't the only cause of travel restrictions and disruption. From regional unrest such as the war in Ukraine to natural disasters, it's important to check regularly for any factors that could limit your ability to travel or invalidate your travel insurance.

Always check the latest FCDO advice for your destination, as travelling against this advice may invalidate your travel insurance.  

What will travel insurance cover?

It’s more important than ever to get travel insurance that will sufficiently cover your trip if the FCDO says it’s safe to visit your destination.

Cover for different destinations

It’s important to remember your travel insurance is unlikely to be valid if you travel to a destination the FCDO advises against all or all but essential travel to. This advice may be in place for Covid-19 reasons but it might equally be due to other factors, such as local unrest or a natural catastrophe.

If you do plan to travel against this advice, check your travel insurance policy closely. It may be possible to buy add-on cover for an additional premium if the FCDO’s advice against travel relates to something other than Covid-19. If you’re in any doubt, don’t travel.

Cover for coronavirus

Make sure you’re getting the Covid-19 cover you need from your policy too, as not all insurers provide it.

You may need to safeguard against cancellation, delayed or missed departure due to the virus before you travel, or cutting short (curtailment) of your holiday because of it when you’re there. It’s also important to ensure emergency medical treatment, repatriation (getting you home) and other expenses will be covered if you fall ill while you’re away.

Check what coronavirus cover is included in travel insurance. Compare providers and read the policy documents and terms and conditions before you buy.