Coronavirus: International Travel FAQs for England

This is a fast-moving area and the paper should be read as correct at the time of publication.

This paper answers common questions about how international travel to and from England is currently affected by UK Government restrictions due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The current international travel rules for the devolved administrations can be found on the respective websites of Scottish Government, Welsh Government and Northern Ireland Executive.

Have the Covid-19 travel restrictions expired?

Yes. On 18 March 2022, the regulations which set out England’s travel restrictions were revoked by a statutory instrument, The Health Protection (Coronavirus, International Travel and Operator Liability) (Revocation) (England) Regulations 2022. The removal of all remaining Covid-travel restrictions was confirmed by a Government press release on 14 March 2022.

What restrictions have been removed?

Since 18 March, anyone entering England no longer needs to take tests or complete a passenger locator form, whether they are vaccinated or not. This is also true for people entering Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

What has happened to hotel quarantine?

The Government said in a press release on 14 March 2022 that it will stand down all remaining managed hotel quarantine capacity from the end of March 2022. Hotel quarantine has not been used since December 2021, and has only been ‘on standby’ since then. On 14 December 2021, the Government said hotel quarantine was no longer effective or proportionate in slowing the spread of Omicron variant of Covid-19.

Could travel restrictions be re-introduced if there is a new outbreak of Covid-19?

Potentially, yes. In its Living with Covid-19 guidance document, published on 21 February 2022, the Government said that it would develop contingency measures to deal with the potential emergence of any new Covid-19 variant of concern. Regarding restrictions on international travel, the document says that the “bar for implementation of any measures is very high”.

Do other countries still have Covid-related travel restrictions?

In many cases, yes. Travellers should check the FCDO Travel Advice pages for any country they wish to travel to, to see what restrictions may be in place. Countries may require proof of vaccination. Many countries accept the NHS Covid Pass as such proof. In its Living with Covid-19 guidance document, published on 21 February 2022, the Government said that the NHS Covid Pass will continue to be available for international travel, through the NHS App.

Can the NHS Covid Pass be used for children?

Yes, for children aged 12 and above. The pass was initially only available to 12-15 year olds in letter form from 13 December 2021. A digital version was then made available from 3 February 2022. It can be obtained from the NHS Covid Pass website, and can be used to display proof of full vaccination, or of recovery from a prior infection within the past 6 months.

What can be done if travel is disrupted by Covid-19 restrictions?

Passengers whose flights have been cancelled are entitled to a refund. If a flight is not cancelled, but a passenger couldn’t take it due to Covid-19 travel restrictions, they should be offered a re-scheduled flight or a refund.

The Government has published a Passenger Covid-19 charter, which sets out consumer rights, responsibilities, and reasonable expectations while Covid-19 travel restrictions continue.