Uk Travel Update: What's New And When?

The UK's travel rules are ever-changing, and it can be challenging to keep up with the latest updates. As of March 2022, the UK government had lifted all COVID-19-related travel restrictions, including the requirement for inbound travellers to present a Passenger Locator Form (PLF) before flying into the country. However, as of September 2021, the UK's traffic light system for travel was replaced with a two-tier system, simplifying the rules. This new system consists of a safe list of destinations and a no-go or red list. The government continues to monitor the situation and make changes as necessary, with updates announced routinely every three weeks.

ETA and ETIAS systems

The UK's Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) and Europe's European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) are both visa-waiver programs that aim to improve border security screening for travellers who don't need a visa to enter these zones. These include passport holders from the US, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.

ETA System

The UK's ETA is required for visitors from the US and Canada, including those just transiting through a UK airport. The application costs £10 and is valid for 2 years. The ETA allows travellers to enter the UK multiple times for stays of up to 6 months. The application can be made through a mobile app or an online portal, and approval is usually given within 3 working days.

ETIAS System

The ETIAS, on the other hand, will be required for short-term stays in 30 different European countries. The application costs €7 and is valid for 3 years or until the linked passport expires. Multiple entries are permitted for short-term stays, typically up to 90 days within a 180-day period. The ETIAS is not yet operational, and the EU recommends travellers complete the authorisation before booking their travel to avoid disruptions.

Testing requirements

In September 2021, the testing requirements depended on the traffic light system in place at the time. Under this system, travellers had to take a COVID test (PCR or lateral flow) in the three days before arriving back in the UK, regardless of their vaccination status. However, from 4 October 2021, this requirement was scrapped for fully vaccinated travellers, reducing the cost and hassle of trips abroad.

For unvaccinated travellers, the testing requirements were more stringent. They had to take a pre-departure "fit to fly" test before returning to the UK from green list countries, as well as a "day two" test after arrival. Additionally, unvaccinated travellers had to self-isolate for 10 days upon returning from any country, regardless of whether it was on the red or green list. They also had to take a day eight test and could opt for an extra "test to release" on day five to end their isolation early.

From late October 2021, fully vaccinated travellers were also given the option to take lateral flow tests instead of PCR tests for their "day two" test. This change was implemented to reduce the cost of testing for travellers.

Covid travel restrictions

The UK's Covid-19 travel restrictions have been updated several times since the introduction of the traffic light system in May 2021. This system categorized countries into red, amber, or green lists, with corresponding restrictions on travel and testing requirements. However, as of October 4, 2021, the UK government announced changes to simplify the travel rules.

The Traffic Light System

Under the traffic light system, travel was restricted to countries on the red list, with mandatory quarantine and testing requirements for returning travellers. For amber list countries, unvaccinated individuals had to quarantine for 10 days and undergo rigorous testing, while vaccinated travellers faced fewer restrictions. Green list countries had the most relaxed measures, with no quarantine requirements unless an individual tested positive for Covid-19.

Transition to a Two-Tier System

On September 17, 2021, the UK government announced that the complex traffic light system would be replaced by a simpler two-tier system starting October 4. This new system consists of the red list and the Rest of World (ROW) list. The red list remains unchanged, with hotel quarantine and testing requirements in place for all arrivals from these countries. The ROW list includes countries previously on the green and amber lists, and fully vaccinated travellers returning from these countries are exempt from quarantine. However, unvaccinated travellers must self-isolate for 10 days, regardless of the country they are arriving from.

Testing Requirements

Testing requirements have also been simplified under the new system. Fully vaccinated travellers no longer need to take pre-departure tests before returning to the UK from ROW countries, but they must still take a "day two" test after arrival. Unvaccinated travellers, on the other hand, must take a pre-departure test and additional tests on day two and day eight of their return. They also have the option to pay for an extra "test to release" on day five to end their isolation period early.

Future Updates

While the UK government has not provided an exact date for the next review, it is expected to continue regular updates to the travel restrictions. The government has emphasized that if a new variant of concern emerges, restrictions may be reintroduced or modified at short notice.

Traffic light system

The UK government introduced a traffic light system in May 2021 to regulate international travel during the COVID-19 pandemic. The system categorises countries as either 'green', 'amber', or 'red', with each category imposing different travel rules.

Red Countries

Those travelling from a red-listed country must take a COVID-19 test three days before their departure and provide proof of a negative result. They must also book a quarantine package in a hotel where they will remain for ten days upon arrival in the UK. During their quarantine, they must take further COVID-19 tests on days two and eight. If a traveller's result is positive, their quarantine period will be reset, and they will be required to remain in the hotel for ten days.

Amber Countries

Travellers from amber-listed countries must take a COVID-19 test three days before their departure and provide proof of a negative result. Vaccinated travellers must also test on arrival in the UK and complete a passenger locator form. If the test is negative, they can continue with their life as normal. Unvaccinated travellers need to quarantine at home or in their chosen accommodation for ten days following their arrival.

Green Countries

Those travelling from a green-listed country must take a COVID-19 test three days before their departure and provide proof of a negative result. They must also take another test within the first two days of their arrival and complete a passenger locator form. No further action is required as long as the result is negative.

The UK government has committed to conducting a review of the status of each country every three weeks. However, changes to traffic light ratings can be made as often as weekly in response to unexpected changes in case numbers.

Changes to the System

In March 2022, the remaining COVID-19 travel restrictions were scrapped. This meant that the Passenger Locator Form (PLF), which must be presented before flying into the UK, and any testing for unvaccinated arrivals, were no longer required.

As of September 2021, there were rumours of broader changes to the UK's travel system, including combining the green and amber categories into one "safe for travel" list and reducing the number of countries on the red list.

UK's immigration policy

The UK's immigration policy is managed by UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI), a division of the Home Office. UKVI makes millions of decisions annually about who can visit or stay in the country, with a focus on national security and customer satisfaction for legal entrants.

In March 2023, the Home Office announced changes to several UK immigration routes, including:

• The introduction of the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) Scheme, requiring specified nationals visiting or transiting the UK for less than six months to obtain an ETA before travelling. This scheme opened for Qatari nationals in October 2023 and for nationals of Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait, Oman, the United Arab Emirates, and Saudi Arabia in February 2024.
• The introduction of the Innovator Founder Visa route, replacing the Innovator route, which provides a path to settlement for overseas nationals seeking to establish an innovative business. The minimum investment funds requirement of £50,000 has been removed, and visas are valid for three years.
• The closure of the Start-up Visa route from July 2023.
• An increase in the Skilled Worker visa salary rates from April 2023.
• Updates to the Global Talent routes, including changes to evidential requirements for arts and culture endorsements and film and television applicants.
• The introduction of a new Appendix Adult Dependent Relative, simplifying the rules for adult dependents requiring long-term personal care.
• Changes to the definition of 'lawful residence' in the Long Residence rules, excluding time spent as a visitor, short-term student, or on seasonal worker routes.

The UK government has also introduced a new travel authorisation requirement for certain travellers, including those from the European Union, Australia, Canada, and the United States, effective from the end of 2023. This requirement will apply to travellers coming to the UK for business or transit purposes for up to six months. The ETA application process is available through a mobile application or an online portal, with a fee of £10 per applicant.

Frequently asked questions