Uk Travel: Open For Business?

The UK reopened for international tourism in May 2021, and travellers can enter the country by following certain regulations. The UK is made up of England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, and each of these countries has its own specific regulations. Most countries in the UK base their restrictions on vaccination status, with requirements such as proof of vaccination, negative COVID-19 tests, and completion of passenger locator forms. Additionally, some countries may require quarantine upon arrival. It is important to check the specific entry requirements for each country within the UK before planning travel.

Testing and quarantine requirements for vaccinated and unvaccinated travellers

The UK has lifted its testing requirements for vaccinated travellers and abolished the quarantine rule for unvaccinated travellers. However, there are still some requirements and recommendations that travellers should be aware of when planning a trip to the UK. Here are the testing and quarantine requirements for both vaccinated and unvaccinated travellers:

Testing Requirements for Vaccinated Travellers:

• Vaccinated travellers from approved non-red list countries must provide proof of full vaccination. The last vaccine dose must have been received at least 14 days prior to arrival in the UK.
• It is recommended that vaccinated travellers have a negative COVID-19 test result (PCR, LAMP, or antigen) obtained within 3 days of departure, especially if entering Scotland and Northern Ireland.
• All travellers to the UK, regardless of vaccination status, must complete an online passenger locator form within 48 hours of arriving in the UK.
• Vaccinated travellers entering England, Scotland, and Northern Ireland from certain non-red list countries; travellers from countries on the green list entering Wales; and vaccinated travellers from approved amber list countries entering Wales must book and pay for a COVID-19 test to be taken on day 2 after their arrival.

Testing Requirements for Unvaccinated Travellers:

• Unvaccinated travellers must have proof of a negative COVID-19 test result (PCR, LAMP, or antigen) obtained within 3 days of departure.
• Unvaccinated travellers must complete an online passenger locator form within 48 hours of arriving in the UK.
• Unvaccinated travellers from non-red list countries (in England, Scotland, and Northern Ireland) and amber list countries (in Wales) must book and pay for two COVID-19 tests, one on day 2 and the other on day 8 of their arrival.
• Unvaccinated travellers must also quarantine for 10 days from their arrival at their home or accommodation.

Quarantine Requirements for Vaccinated Travellers:

Vaccinated travellers do not need to quarantine upon arrival in the UK, regardless of the country they are coming from.

Quarantine Requirements for Unvaccinated Travellers:

• Unvaccinated travellers from non-red list countries entering England, Scotland, and Northern Ireland; travellers from non-red list countries without approved vaccination programs entering England, Scotland, and Northern Ireland; unvaccinated travellers from amber list countries entering Wales; travellers from amber list countries without approved vaccination programs entering Wales; and travellers entering the UK from red list countries must quarantine for 10 days.
• Unvaccinated travellers from red list countries must quarantine in a government-approved hotel, while those from non-red list countries can quarantine at their home or accommodation.

Passenger Locator Forms

As of March 18, 2022, the UK scrapped the requirement for Passenger Locator Forms for all travellers to the country, irrespective of their vaccination status. This means that the form is no longer mandatory for those entering the UK from any country.

Previously, passengers arriving in the UK were required to submit a Passenger Locator Form within 48 hours of their arrival. The form was introduced in June 2020 to facilitate safer travel during the COVID-19 pandemic. It was a free-of-charge travel document that could be filled out online or on paper. Passengers were required to show their completed form when checking in for their flight, train, or ferry to the UK. The form was used for contact tracing purposes and to ensure travellers were following the mandatory 10-day self-isolation period.

Travel insurance

When considering travel insurance, it is important to note that your cover will likely remain the same depending on the premium you pay for. However, there may be some small print changes to any documents you may have seen or will see going forward. In most cases, if you purchase travel insurance and travel to a destination that the FCDO (Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office) advises against, then your cover may be void.

While booking travel insurance, it is strongly advised to check all the features included in your cover as you don't want to be caught out when you're abroad. If you've booked a holiday and it has been cancelled due to the pandemic, your insurance provider should refund you and you should remain covered.

When it comes to Covid-19, your travel insurance policies will likely cover your medical expenses if you can prove that you have tested positive for Covid-19 while on holiday. You will need to provide them with details of your positive result and keep all your receipts to make your claim. In many circumstances, it will also provide cover beyond your scheduled return date, so you will be covered if you have to self-isolate in your accommodation. It is important to choose a policy that has good general medical cover too; £5 million is generally recommended. This will protect you if you are hospitalised during your stay.

If you catch Covid in the two weeks leading up to your trip and need to cancel, you will need to contact your travel and accommodation providers before your insurer. Your insurer will only pay for costs that cannot be refunded by your holiday providers. Before buying a travel insurance policy, make sure it includes cancellation cover of at least £2,000.

If you are travelling from the UK and have booked to visit a country that the FCDO advises against, then your travel insurance will not cover you. Due to Covid-19, the countries that the FCDO advises against may change at short notice, so it is best to check before you book. If you have already booked and the FCDO changes its advice, you may still receive some cover but it is best to check with your insurance provider before you decide whether to travel or not.

If you are planning to go away anytime soon, you may want to consider looking into travel insurance sooner rather than later to avoid any last-minute budgeting issues.

Face masks and social distancing

England

In England, face masks are mandatory in indoor settings, including:

• Public transport (aeroplanes, trains, trams, and buses)
• Taxis and private hire vehicles
• Transport hubs (airports, train and bus stations, ports, and terminals)
• Shops and supermarkets
• Shopping centres
• Hospitality venues (except when seated)
• Banks and post offices
• Beauty salons and hairdressers
• Entertainment venues (cinemas, concert halls, indoor sports stadiums, etc.)
• Libraries
• Hotels

Social distancing rules must also be observed, and people are advised to maintain a distance of 2 meters from others.

Scotland

Scotland has similar rules to England, with face masks required in indoor settings such as shops, supermarkets, and public transport. In addition, Scotland requires face masks to be worn in:

• Secondary schools (for staff and pupils)
• Places of worship
• Community centres and social clubs

As in England, social distancing of 2 meters is advised in Scotland.

Wales

Wales also has similar face mask requirements to England and Scotland, with masks mandatory in indoor settings such as public transport, shops, and hospitality venues (except when seated). Wales uses a levels system for restrictions, with different rules applying at each level. At the time of writing, all of Wales is at Level 0.

Northern Ireland

Northern Ireland mandates face masks in indoor settings, including:

• Public transport
• Shops, supermarkets, and shopping centres
• Hospitality venues (except when seated)
• Banks and post offices
• Beauty salons and hairdressers
• Entertainment venues (cinemas, museums, theatres, etc.)
• Hotels

Social distancing of 2 meters is advised in Northern Ireland, and there are capacity limits in some venues such as attractions and restaurants.

Attractions, tours, restaurants and pubs that are open

The UK is brimming with attractions, tours, restaurants, and pubs that are open for visitors. Here's a list of some of the best spots to check out:

Attractions and Tours

The UK offers a plethora of attractions and tours catering to diverse interests. Here are some notable options:

• London – The capital city has numerous options, including open-top bus tours, food walking tours, and guided walking tours exploring Harry Potter filming locations.
• Anfield Stadium – Embark on a behind-the-scenes tour of Anfield Stadium, home to Liverpool Football Club.
• Shakespeare's Globe – Discover the story and secrets behind Shakespeare's iconic open-air theatre in London.
• Kensington Palace – Explore the birthplace and childhood home of Queen Victoria, as well as the residence of young royals since the 17th century.
• Tower of London – Delve into nearly 1,000 years of London's fascinating and gruesome history.
• Royal Edinburgh – Gain access to Scotland's top three royal attractions, including Edinburgh Castle, with a great-value pass.
• Liquid History Tours – This tour takes you on a journey through London's liquid history, led by knowledgeable guides like Mark and Olly.
• Strawberry Tours – Specialises in Jack the Ripper walking tours, providing a mix of informative, eerie, and lighthearted experiences.
• SANDEMANs NEW Europe – Offers city tours and pub crawls in London and Liverpool, with knowledgeable guides like Jamie and Vincent.
• The Shoreditch Pub Crawl – A fun and social experience, perfect for first-timers.
• Manchester Bites – A food tour of Manchester, led by guides like Danny, offering insights into the city's history and great places to eat.

Restaurants and Pubs

The UK boasts a diverse dining scene, with restaurants and pubs offering indoor and outdoor dining experiences. Here are some notable options:

• The Laurieston Bar – A Glaswegian bar that has retained its 1960s charm, featuring Formica-topped tables and a horseshoe-shaped bar.
• The Compton Arms – A favourite among Arsenal fans, located in Islington, London, serving excellent food and rustic Italian dishes.
• The Marble Arch Inn – A unique pub in Manchester with sloping mosaic floors and excellent ales from its own Marble Brewery.
• The Basketmakers Arms – A Brighton pub with a neighbourhood vibe, offering cask ales, fish 'n' chips, and a collection of tin boxes affixed to the walls.
• Harbour Inn – Located on the Pembrokeshire Coastal Path in Wales, offering views of the harbour and a variety of drinks and dishes, including award-winning cask ale and cauli wings.
• Bacchus Bar – A legendary pub in the basement of Birmingham's Burlington Arcade, known for its medieval archways, themed seating areas, and real ale.
• Sunflower Public House – A Belfast boozer with a cage in front, reminding visitors of the city's history during the Troubles. It offers a range of draught stout and live music.
• The Harp Inn – A picturesque pub perched on a hilltop in the Radnor Valley, serving cask-conditioned real ale and offering guest rooms for those seeking a peaceful retreat.
• The Dagda Bar – A lively pub in Edinburgh with cold pints and a dog-friendly atmosphere.
• The Pilchard Inn – One of the oldest pubs in this list, dating back to 1336, located on the private Burgh Island. Accessible by 'sea tractor' when the tide is high, offering a spooky ambiance and tasty pilchards.
• The Canny Man’s – A family-run pub in Edinburgh since 1860, offering a cosy and intimate atmosphere, treating patrons like long-lost members of the clan.
• The French House – A storied pub in Soho, London, known for its half pints and excellent food.
• The Boat Inn – A small, bustling pub in Penallt, Monmouthshire, across from the River Wye, offering a range of drinks and a cosy atmosphere during winter.
• The Pen and Wig – A crowd-pleasing pub in Cardiff with a beautiful beer garden, a variety of real ales, and a vibrant atmosphere during sporting events.
• The John Hewitt – Belfast's only social-enterprise pub, featuring a rotational pump system with interesting beers from local producers and hosting live music nights.
• Skehans – An independent, family-run Irish pub in South London, offering darts, pool, jam sessions, quiz nights, and karaoke.
• The Dirty Duck – A theatrical pub in Stratford-upon-Avon, frequented by actors and even served by Kylie Minogue once.
• The Gurnard’s Head – A historic coaching inn turned pub between St Just and St Ives in Cornwall, offering seasonal food and comfortable rooms.
• Myles K. McCanns Bar – A quiet Irish pub in Omagh, County Tyrone, perfect for a peaceful pint of Guinness.
• The Pipe and Slippers – A cosy and friendly pub in Bristol's Stokes Croft, known for its strong cocktails and lively atmosphere.
• The Moorcock Inn – A country pub in Norland, West Yorkshire, offering a wide range of craft beers, cask beers, and Belgian beers, along with seasonal dishes and alcohol-free options.
• The Sportsman – A gastropub in Kent that elevates the traditional pub experience with a five-course tasting menu showcasing local produce.
• The Garrick Bar – A sophisticated and classy pub in Belfast's city centre, featuring dark wood panelling and leather banquettes, offering friendly portions of food and a lively atmosphere.
• The Camberwell Arms – A London pub known for its exceptional food, including the iconic scotch bonnet pork fat on toast.
• The Church Inn – A unique pub in Uppermill, Lancashire, located next to a neo-Gothic church, home to the Saddleworth Brewery, offering traditional beers and a warm, inviting atmosphere.

Frequently asked questions