This information is current as of 15 February 2022.
The UK’s COVID travel restrictions are frequently updated, for the most up-to-date information please consult https://www.gov.uk/guidance/travel-to-england-from-another-country-during-coronavirus-covid-19.
Testing and quarantine requirements are a devolved matter, meaning each country in the UK sets its own regulations. At present, the requirements are harmonised across all 4 countries.
For devolved information you can check the relative websites:
England
If you count as fully vaccinated
If you count as fully vaccinated you are not required to take a test prior to travel. You must complete a Passenger Locator Form (PLF), available here.
There is no requirement to quarantine at any point.
If you are not fully vaccinated
If you do not count as having been fully vaccinated, you must take a test in the two days prior to your departure to the UK. This means that if your flight is on the Monday, you may take your test at any point on Saturday, Sunday, or Monday.
You are also required to complete a Passenger Locator Form (PLF), available here in advance of travel, and purchase a day 2 PCR COVID test. The list of approved retailers can be found here.
You must then take and return the PCR test within the first 2 days following your arrival, meaning that if you arrive on Monday it must be taken at any point on Monday, Tuesday, or Wednesday.
You are not required to quarantine at any point.
Who counts as fully vaccinated?
In order to qualify as fully vaccinated, you must have proof of a full course of vaccination with an approved vaccine, completed at least 14 days ago. The approved vaccinations are:
- Covaxin
- Moderna
- Janssen (single dose vaccine)
- Novavax (Nuvaxovid and Covovax)
- Oxford/AstraZeneca
- Pfizer BioNTech
- Sinopharm Beijing
- Sinovac-CoronaVac
Combinations of these vaccines also count. It is important to note that the Sputnik Vaccine is currently not approved for travel to the UK, and having received a booster of one of the approved vaccines is not sufficient if your primary course of vaccination (1st and 2nd doses) was with the Sputnik vaccine.
The San Marino Digital Covid Certificate counts as proof of vaccination for entry to the UK, although it is unable to be verified electronically prior to travel, and thus you may be required to show your certificate at the UK border.
