Travel Restrictions: Can You Leave London?

The ability to travel out of London depends on the tier system in place in the UK. Under Tier 2, there were no travel restrictions on London residents, but the government advised against unnecessary journeys. However, Tier 4 restrictions, similar to a national lockdown, prevent people from entering or leaving Tier 4 areas, and Tier 4 residents are not permitted to stay overnight away from home.

Travel restrictions for those in Tier 2 areas

Those who live in Tier 2 areas are subject to tighter rules and restrictions, including travel and holidays.

Travel within the UK

People in Tier 2 areas can continue to travel outside of their area, but only with members of their household or support bubble. The government is urging everyone who lives in a Tier 2 area to avoid travelling to any part of the country that is subject to very high alert levels (Tier 3), except for those who need to for work, education, youth services, or caring responsibilities.

Travel within Tier 2 areas

Within Tier 2 areas, people can continue to travel to hotels and other guest accommodation, but should only do so with people within their household or support bubble.

International travel

There is no ban on foreign travel, but those considering international travel should look at the rules in place at their destination, the latest Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) travel advice, and the current travel corridor list.

Rules for travelling to Tier 3 areas from Tier 2

The UK Government advises that people should not travel to Tier 3 areas from Tier 2 unless it is an essential journey. This means that anyone living in Tier 2 should avoid visiting Tier 3 areas unless it is for one of the following reasons:

• Work
• Education
• Youth services
• Caring responsibilities
• Transit

If you are travelling from a Tier 2 area to a Tier 3 area, you can travel to hotels and other holiday accommodation within that Tier 3 area, but only with people in your household or support bubble.

People living in Tier 3 areas are advised not to travel outside of their area and to avoid staying overnight in another part of the UK unless it is for work, education, or caring responsibilities.

When travelling, it is recommended that you walk or cycle where possible and plan ahead to avoid busy times and routes on public transport. This will allow you to practice social distancing while you travel.

It is important to note that these rules are subject to change and vary depending on the country within the UK. For example, under the new regulations, people living in areas with higher Covid infection rates in England, Scotland, and Northern Ireland are not able to travel to Wales.

Travel rules for Tier 4 residents

If you live in an area with a Tier 4 restriction in place, you must follow the rules to help contain the spread of COVID-19. These rules are in place to protect you, your family, and your community.

Staying at home

You must stay at home. If you need to travel, stay local. Do not leave your Tier 4 area or travel abroad, except for limited reasons such as work or education.

Meeting people

• You cannot meet people indoors who are not in your household or support bubble unless they are part of your childcare or support bubble.
• You can meet in a group of up to six people in some public outdoor places, such as parks, beaches, and playgrounds.

Working

You can only leave your home to work if you cannot work from home.

Education

Schools, colleges, and universities will remain open.

Shopping

You may leave your home to go shopping for essential items, but you should stay local and avoid busy times of day.

Leisure and exercise

• All non-essential retail, indoor gyms, and leisure facilities must close.
• Personal care services such as hairdressers and nail salons must also close, and sports should not take place, except for elite sports.
• Outdoor sports venues, such as tennis courts and golf courses, can remain open, and you can continue to do unlimited exercise alone, with one other person, or with your household or support bubble.

Transport

• You can only travel internationally or outside of a Tier 4 area for specific reasons, such as work or education.
• You must not meet socially with friends and family unless they are part of your household or support bubble.

Weddings, civil partnerships, and funerals

• Weddings, civil partnership ceremonies, and receptions are not permitted.
• Funerals can take place with up to 30 people, and wakes or other ceremonial events following a funeral are limited to 6 people.

Please note that these rules are subject to change and you should refer to the latest government guidelines for the most up-to-date information.

Travel rules for Wales residents

As of March 2022, travel is almost back to normal for Wales residents, although a red list of countries with the highest risk of COVID transmission remains in place. Wales is following most of the same rules as England and the rest of the UK, which means that travel abroad to most countries is now possible, as long as they are open to tourism.

However, there are still some rules and restrictions in place for Wales residents travelling abroad and returning home. Here is a summary of the key points:

• Before travelling abroad from Wales, passengers must check the entry requirements and restrictions set by their destination country. Most countries require proof of double vaccination, a pre-departure negative COVID-19 test, a quarantine period, or a combination of these.
• Where pre-departure testing is required, tests must be arranged through a private test provider, not the NHS.
• The UK Government Foreign Office provides advice and guidance on entry requirements for international travel, and the Welsh Government recommends checking with transport operators for route-specific rules.
• All international arrivals to Wales must complete a passenger locator form and provide proof of a negative COVID test taken no earlier than three days before their journey. This applies to passengers over 11 years old and failure to comply may result in a £500 fine.
• A traffic light system is in place to determine further testing or isolation requirements for arrivals to Wales. Countries are classified as green, amber, or red based on coronavirus rates and the presence of new disease variants.
• Arrivals from red list countries must quarantine for 10 days in a managed quarantine hotel and take coronavirus tests on days 2 and 8 of quarantine. They must also complete a passenger locator form and provide proof of a negative COVID test before departure.
• Fully vaccinated travellers arriving from amber countries must complete a passenger locator form, have a pre-departure negative COVID test within 72 hours of departure, and take a COVID test on or before day 2. Unvaccinated travellers aged over 18 must also self-isolate for 10 days and take a COVID test on day 8.
• Travellers arriving from green list countries must complete a passenger locator form, have a pre-departure negative COVID test within 72 hours of departure, and take a COVID test on or before day 2.
• Everyone fully vaccinated aged 16 and over is eligible for a digital NHS COVID Pass for international travel. Paper certificates can also be requested for those unable to use the digital pass or who prefer a bilingual certificate.
• International travel out of Wales for leisure is permitted, but the government strongly advises against it. Travel for work, education, and other limited circumstances is allowed.
• There are no travel restrictions within Wales, and Welsh residents can holiday within the country. However, the government recommends avoiding travel to and from areas with higher coronavirus incidence rates.

Travel rules for Scotland residents

As of April 2022, Scotland follows a similar travel system to the rest of the UK. All COVID-19 travel rules, including tests for those who are not fully vaccinated and passenger locator forms, have been removed. Travel between the British nations has been allowed since April 12, 2021, and is not classed as international travel. There are currently no restrictions on visiting the Scottish Islands from mainland Scotland.

While the legal requirement to wear a face mask in busy areas was lifted in April 2022, the Scottish government still strongly encourages it to protect the vulnerable. Access to lateral flow tests is no longer free, although PCR tests are available to people with COVID-19 symptoms. It is recommended to check the Scottish government guidelines before travelling.

Previously, in December 2020, Scotland imposed a strict travel ban on both leaving and entering Scotland, making it impossible for those in England to form a Christmas bubble with people living in Scotland. Nicola Sturgeon, the First Minister of Scotland, said that the ban was intended to "reduce the risk" of the new strain of COVID-19 being imported into Scotland.

Frequently asked questions