UK travel rules: what you need to know

With various travel restrictions being lifted and red-listed countries being removed, many citizens of the UK are eager to start travelling again. However, despite travelling being permitted, there are still various precautions and steps you must take to ensure collective safety when travelling from, and returning to, the UK. The UK government have removed restrictions of travel across all countries, meaning travel is permitted to, and from, any country as long as you abide by the measurements in place. To ensure you follow these steps correctly, here is a guide on what is required for travel.

Foreign travel advice

Firstly, you must ensure that you check the foreign travel requirements for the specific country you wish to travel to. This will inform you of all the steps this country needs you to take in order to successfully and safely enter the country. This may include information on whether you need proof of vaccination, if quarantine is required, or what type of COVID-19 testing you must present.

To view the latest foreign travel advice for your specific destination, visit the government website .

Vaccination status

The rules for travel may be different depending on your vaccination status. For instance, many countries, including the UK itself, has simpler entry processes for fully vaccinated travellers. This means that you may only have to provide a recent negative COVID-19 test result in order to enter the country. The UK, for instance, requires fully vaccinated individuals to complete a passenger locator form during the 48 hours prior to their arrival in the country, and complete a lateral flow or PCR COVID-19 test within the first 2 days. If one of your tests proves positive, you must quarantine for 10 days starting from the day after your test (test day is day 0).

The NHS COVID Pass is a secure way for you to show your vaccination status, in order to prove you are double-jabbed to the country you wish to enter. There is more information regarding how the NHS COVID pass works available on the government website.

For non-vaccinated individuals, there are some countries that will not allow entry, and there are a handful of countries that will allow it under certain rules that must be followed. To travel or return to the UK as an un-vaccinated individual, you must complete a passenger locator form within the 48 hours before your arrival. Then, you must also take a lateral flow or PCR COVID-19 test within the 3 days before you travel to England, as well as booking a COVID-19 test for day 2 and day 8 of your arrival in the country. When you arrive, you must also quarantine for the full 10 days in one place. If one of your tests proves positive, you must quarantine for 10 days starting from the day after your test (test day is day 0). However, if you are in the UK for less than 10 days, you need to quarantine for the time you are here.

Lateral flow testing

As mentioned above, lateral flow COVID-19 testing is essential for allowing you to travel to and from the UK successfully. Lateral flow tests involve using a swab to take a sample of fluid from the back of the throat near the tonsils, as well as inside your nose. Alternatively, it can be just a sample from the nose only. This swab is then tested to determine whether you currently have COVID-19.

However, there are various different companies that can provide this crucial test that is required for travelling. Due to the process being a crucial element of safety, you must obtain your COVID-19 lateral flow test from a professional, trusted company who not only provides efficient and accurate tests, but is a reliable source of proof to establish your current COVID-19 status.

One excellent company is Prenetics, who have developed end-to-end COVID-19 testing to streamline effective and efficient testing for people wishing to travel. This has become essential in a time where COVID-19 tests are in higher demand, proving a greater risk of shortages and preventions of travel.