International travel advice

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Developments in the coronavirus pandemic remain uncertain around the world. No travel is risk-free. If you are planning travel abroad in the weeks and months ahead, even if you are returning to a place you’ve visited before, follow this checklist: 

Before you travel:

  • follow the current guidance in the place where you live. See the guidance for England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland
  • keep up-to-date with the latest developments for your destination before your trip. Sign up for travel advice email alerts and check the TravelHealthPro website for travel health guidance 
  • find out about any entry restrictions, screening or quarantine requirements on arrival that might affect you. Check travel advice and contact the UK-based embassy of the country you’re travelling to if you need more information 
  • read the safer air travel guidance on sensible precautions and steps to take during travel. Consider your own circumstances and health, and remember you will need to wear a face covering on flights in England and Scotland. See also the NaTHNaC guidance. 
  • check with your accommodation provider for information about availability and the safety measures they have put in place 
  • read the advice of local authorities and follow all local health measures in place during your journey and in your destination. Local measures and travel restrictions may change before you arrive or during your stay. Check the travel advice page for your destination and check with your transport provider for more information 
  • get travel insurance, and make sure you are content with the level of cover it provides. If you already have travel insurance check it is valid and provides appropriate cover 
  • check your cancellation rights. Speak to your tour operator, transport and accommodation providers if you have any questions 

When you’re abroad

be prepared to comply with measures at your destination to manage a localised outbreak. If you test positive for coronavirus you are likely to need to get treatment locally and stay there until you have recovered.  If you are required to quarantine or self-isolate by local authorities, you should expect to do so in the country. You may need to stay longer. Plan ahead for any delays to your return home and the financial implications or practical arrangements you may need to make. Make sure you continue to follow any updates to our travel advice for your destination.

When you return

You will need to follow the rules for entering the UK. You must show proof of a completed passenger locator form at the UK border. This applies to people entering the UK from all countries. You can complete it up to 48 hours before you enter the UK, and should do so before arrival. Failure to complete the form is a criminal offence and can lead to delays at the border.

You may have to self-isolate for the first 14 days you’re in the UK. See the guidance on self-isolation for England at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-how-to-self-isolate-when-you-travel-to-the-uk/coronavirus-covid-19-how-to-self-isolate-when-you-travel-to-the-uk.   

You may not have to self-isolate when you arrive in England, if you are travelling from one of the countries or territories listed below. That is because these countries and territories are either:

  • covered by the travel corridor exemption
  • within the common travel area - Ireland, the Channel Islands, the Isle of Man
  • British overseas territories

The Travel Corridor exemption list is constantly under review. Countries and territories can be taken off or added to this exempt list at any time. To keep updated please visit: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-travel-corridors.

You will need to self-isolate if you visited or made a transit stop in a country or territory that is not on the travel corridor list in the 14 days before you arrive in England. This applies to all travel to England, by train, ferry, coach, air or any other route.

Quarantine while you are abroad

If the local authority where you are proposes to quarantine you for your own protection, you should follow their advice.

If there are suspected cases of coronavirus where you are, you may need to remain in your hotel room or accommodation for 14 days, move to quarantine facilities, take tests for coronavirus and, if positive in some cases, be hospitalised abroad.

You should also contact your airline or travel company, and your insurance provider as soon as you can. We only organise assisted departure in exceptional circumstances.

For anymore guidance for travelling overseas during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, please visit: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/travel-advice-novel-coronavirus.

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