Travel requirements to check before travelling abroad

NEW: The UK’s COVID-19 travel restrictions have been removed, so you no longer need to take any tests or fill in a Passenger Locator Form on your return to the UK. Before you go away, you do still need to check the latest advice for the country you are visiting at gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice. Please see below for further details.

Updated: 24 May 2022
The pandemic continues to affect international travel. If you are looking to go on a holiday abroad, visit family or friends overseas or go on a foreign business trip during this time, there are two things you need to check and follow before you travel:

• The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) travel advice for the destination you are planning to visit.
• The Government requirements for travellers returning to the UK.

Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office Travel Advice 

Before you go away, you will need to check the Government’s latest advice for the country, or countries, you would like to visit at gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice. 

This advice is provided by the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) and includes important information such as:

• Any advice against travel to a particular country or region.
• Details of any entry requirements, including those relating to COVID-19 e.g. proof of vaccination and/or a negative test, as well as rules around passport validity and visas.
• Advice on health, including the latest measures to manage COVID-19 at your destination e.g. the requirement to wear a face covering, and links to TravelHealthPro for recommended travel vaccinations and general health advice.
• Guidance on safety and security, as well as information about local laws and customs, such as advice on what to wear when visiting a religious tourist attraction.

You’ll need to check this information regularly before your trip and it’s a good idea to sign up to country specific email alerts so you’re across any important updates.

You can also read guidance from the Government about travelling overseas during the pandemic at the Coronavirus travel guidance page and find more information about staying safe abroad at the FCDO’s Travel Aware page.

Government requirements for your return to the UK

The Government has now removed all of the UK’s COVID-19 travel measures, so travellers no longer need to take any tests or fill in any forms on return to the UK. 

This means that, if you are fully vaccinated or under 18 (in the UK, fully vaccinated means it’s been at least 14 days since you received the full course of an approved vaccine), you no longer need to complete a Passenger Locator Form in the three days before you return. 

If you are unvaccinated you no longer need to take a pre-departure test before you return to the UK, take a day two post-arrival test, or complete a Passenger Locator Form in the three days before you return.

Useful information

How to show proof of vaccination

Details of how to show proof of vaccination can be found in our Q&A page: COVID-19: your holiday questions answered under “How do I show proof that I’ve been fully vaccinated/boosted against COVID-19 to travel abroad?”

How to get a test for travel 

For more information about which tests you need for your holiday (e.g. you can’t use a free NHS test for travel) and where to get them, visit our blog: Which COVID-19 tests do I need for my holiday and how do I get one?