** UPDATED: 02:30 31/12 ** Travel Restrictions for people travelling from the United Kingdom

Last Updated: Thursday 31st December, 02:30GMT
Next Planned Update:  Friday 1st January 2021 12:00GMT

With the ever-changing travel picture for those who wish to depart the United Kingdom, this post will track some of the latest changes in movement, what is allowed and what is forbidden.

What are the latest ways out of the United Kingdom? We’ll attempt to find out in this post – Source Map – OpenStreetmaps.org

Information presented here is based on the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office’s Travel Advice site – and you should be monitoring this as a primary source. The site offers an email subscription service too. Changes are also noticed via other verified sources (eg, press, governmental channels and so on). Where possible, a reference to the source will be linked for you to investigate.

This post is updated twice a day, based on the on-going changes (when possible).

Updated 01:40 30th December

• Germany – The German Government has extended its ban on air passenger flights arriving from the UK to Germany to a ban on all forms of transport until Wednesday 6 January 2021. During this period, transport operators are banned from offering plane, bus, ferry and train journeys from the UK to Germany. From 1 January 2021, transport operators can apply to the German authorities for an exemption to transport individuals who are resident in Germany. Contact your transport operator for more information. Travellers arriving in Germany who have been in the UK in the preceding 10 days will be required to provide their local public health authority with a negative coronavirus test result and to be able to show it at the border. The test can no longer be taken upon or immediately after entry to Germany. The German government has asked airlines and other transportation companies to only transport those travellers who can present proof of the test at the start of their journey. The test result can be in either paper or electronic form. The test must have been taken less than 48 hours before you enter Germany. Even with a negative test, you will still then be required to self-isolate for 10 days following your arrival in Germany, with the possibility for test and release after 5 days – https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/germany
• Philippines –  In response to the new variant of COVID-19, the Philippines has temporarily banned entry for all non-Filipino citizens arriving from the UK and a number of other countries, until 15 January 2021 All non-Filipino citizens who have been in the UK or a prohibited country within 14 days prior to arrival in the Philippines, including a transit stop, are also not allowed to enter the Philippines, until 15 January 2021 The Philippine Government has advised that Filipino citizens arriving from the UK and prohibited countries will be permitted to enter the Philippines subject to a 14 day facility-based quarantine – https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/philippines
• India – On 30 December, Government of India announced that the temporary suspension of all flights from the UK to India will now be extended until 7 January 2021 11:59pm (IST). FThe announcement by the Government of India Ministry of Aviation is here. If you are flying into Mumbai from Europe, South Africa or the Middle East, you will have to undergo mandatory quarantine at designated hotels at your own cost for 14 days. You will be tested between days five and seven of your arrival. If you test positive, you may have to extend your quarantine and will be tested further to determine the variant of the virus – https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/india
• Cuba –  From 10 January 2021, everyone travelling to Cuba must have a certified proof of a negative result of a PCR test taken within 72 hours before travel at an accredited testing centre in the UK or the country you are travelling from. Children are not exempt.  Returning residents (Cuban and foreign nationals) have to self-isolate until they have a second PCR test with a negative result. Tourists arriving on holiday charter flights will have a PCR test on arrival and will be transferred to their holiday resort. Tourists staying in casas particulares should not leave the casa until they receive a negative PCR test result – https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/cuba
• South Korea –  On 23 December the Government of the Republic of Korea announced that direct flights from UK to South Korea will be temporarily suspended until 7 January 2021 South Korean diplomatic missions in the UK will also suspend the issuing of visas from 29 December 2020. Exceptions to this will only be made in limited circumstances e.g. for diplomatic purposes. From 1 January 2021, all arrivals entering South Korea from the UK will be required to provide a negative PCR test declaration, issued within 48 hours of departure. All arrivals, regardless of nationality and length of stay, are also required to be tested for coronavirus (COVID-19) and to undergo quarantine for 14 days after arriving in South Korea – https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/south-korea
• Indonesia –  With effect from 23 December 2020 until 1 January 2021, any non-Indonesian traveller who begins their journey from the UK will not be allowed to enter Indonesia. British Nationals travelling from a third country can enter Indonesia if they have a valid visa. From 1 January 2021 until 14 January 2021, all non-Indonesian travellers are prohibited from entering Indonesia, although there are some exceptions to this ban – including for those with KITAS/KITAP. If you’re eligible for entry you will need to provide a negative COVID-19 PCR (swab) test issued within the specified period prior to arrival and comply with the mandatory testing and quarantine – https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/indonesia
• Norway – Norway has announced additional restrictions on travel to/from the UK until 2 January with the possibility of further extensions. If you were due to travel to/from the UK please contact your travel operator. For more information, see the information from the Norwegian government, as well as from the Norwegian Directorate of Immigration. In addition to existing restrictions, until 10 January travellers from the UK will be required to:
  • Take a PCR test within 24 hours of arrival and a second test no earlier than 7 days after arrival
  • Register on arrival
  • Notify your local municipality where you are staying.
  • All those who have travelled to Norway in the last 14 days are asked to immediately take another PCR test and to inform the municipality where they are staying – https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/norway
• Luxembourg –  From Thursday 24 December the Luxembourg Government requires airline passengers from the UK to be in possession of a negative PCR COVID-19 test result. This test should be taken no more than 48 hours before arrival in Luxembourg. Passengers with a negative PCR test taken between 48 -72 hours before their arrival, must take another test at the airport, and self-quarantine until the results are received. Note that Antigen tests will also be accepted. If you are travelling to Luxembourg by air, you will be asked to complete a passenger locator form while on the plane – https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/luxembourg
• South Africa –   South Africa is undergoing a second wave of COVID-19. Most new cases are caused by a new variant of COVID-19. The South African authorities have said that the new variant may be more contagious and that COVID-19 is currently spreading rapidly. Details on COVID-19 case numbers and current regulations are available at www.sacoronavirus.co.za In response to the new variant of COVID-19 in South Africa, there are restrictions on passengers arriving in the UK from South Africa. Direct flights from South Africa have been suspended. Visitors arriving into the UK who have been in or transited through South Africa in the previous 10 days will not be permitted entry. British and Irish citizens, and third country nationals with residence rights in the UK will still be able to enter via indirect routes from South Africa. You will be required to complete a passenger locator form and must self-isolate for ten days after your arrival, along with your household. If you only hold a visit visa for travel to the UK, you will not be able to enter if you have been in South Africa in the past 10 days (See Coronavirus). Upon arrival in South Africa, you will need to produce a paper copy of a negative PCR (polymerase chain reaction) COVID-19 test to border officials. The test must have taken place no more than 72 hours before your departure. It should be conducted by a certified medical practitioner, and should have the name and signature of the practitioner who conducted the test. We advise that you carry several paper copies of your test, as you may need to present it more than once on your journey. If you do not have a negative PCR (polymerase chain reaction) test, you may have to quarantine in a government-appointed quarantine facility, at your own cost. You will need to complete and produce an online travel health questionnaire on your personal device before arriving in South Africa. The questionnaire is available from the South Africa Department of Health – https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/south-africa
• Chile – From Tuesday 22 December at 12am, non-resident foreign nationals – that have been in the United Kingdom during the last 14 days – will not be allowed entry to Chile. Direct UK-Chile flights have been suspended from the same time, Along with other pre-entry requirements, the Chilean government has announced that from Thursday, 31 December, all other travellers including Chileans, resident and non-resident foreign nationals have to complete a mandatory 10-day quarantine on arrival in Chile. After seven days of mandatory quarantine, travellers may take a PCR test, remaining in quarantine while awaiting the result. If the result is negative, quarantine may be lifted – https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/chile
• Taiwan – From 1 January 2021, foreign nationals are not permitted to enter Taiwan. The local authorities have confirmed that resident visa holders, diplomats, business passengers with special entry permits and spouses and children of Taiwanese nationals will be exempt from this restriction; however, these groups will be required to follow the quarantine requirements set out below. From 1 January 2021, all direct passenger flights between the UK and Taiwan will be suspended. All passengers permitted entry who have been in the UK in the previous 14 days, will be required to complete their mandatory 14 day quarantine at a designated quarantine centre Foreign nationals entering Taiwan must provide a negative COVID-19 test report completed in the three working days prior to boarding their flight – https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/taiwan
• Mauritius –  The Government of Mauritius has, in response to the COVID-19 situation, advised that individuals who have been in the UK within the previous 15 days will not be allowed entry to Mauritius. On 29 December, the Government of Mauritius announced that this measure will be in force until at least 10 January 2021, pending a further review – https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/mauritius

Updated 01:40 30th December

• Vanuatu – Borders are closed to non-residents. Air Vanuatu are running a small number of scheduled repatriation flights from Auckland, Brisbane and Noumea between September and December 2020 for Vanuatu citizens and permanent residents. Places on these flights need to be pre-approved by the Vanuatu authorities. Arriving passengers are required to undergo 14 days’ quarantine at a government approved location at their own expense – https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/vanuatu
• Dominican Republic -The Dominican government has introduced a mandatory seven-day quarantine period for travellers with journeys originating in the UK or those who have previously been in the UK within two weeks of arrival in the Dominican Republic. Travellers will be required to undertake a PCR test while in quarantine. The Dominican government has suspended all inbound passenger flights from the UK from Tuesday 22 December – Sunday 10 January 2021 – https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/dominican-republic
• Latvia – In light of the new variant COVID-19, the Latvian Government has imposed restrictions on travel between the United Kingdom and Latvia. From 21 December until 11:59 pm on 1 January, Latvia will not be permitting the operation of passenger carriers to or from the United Kingdom – https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/latvia
• Saudi Arabia – In response to the spread of a new strain of COVID-19, on 20 December 2020, the Ministry of Interior announced the suspension of all international flights for travellers entering and leaving the Kingdom (except in exceptional cases). Entry to the Kingdom through land and sea borders has been suspended. On 27 December 2020, the Ministry of Interior announced the extension of these measures for another week. The announcement includes an exception allowing airlines to operate flights for non-Saudi nationals to depart Saudi Arabia. The Saudi authorities require anyone who has returned to Saudi Arabia from a European country, or any country where the new strain of COVID-19 has appeared, after 8 December, to: self-isolate for two weeks from the date of entry, take a COVID test, and re-take a COVID test every five days during the isolation period. Anyone who has returned from or transited a European country or any country where the new strain has appeared in the three months prior to 20 December is required to take a COVID test – https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/saudi-arabia
• Kuwait –  On 28 December 2020 the Government of Kuwait announced that land, sea and air borders will reopen with effect from 2 January 2021. Commercial flights to and from Kuwait will resume – you should contact the airlines for schedules. However, as of 20 December 2020 travelers cannot enter Kuwait if they have been in the UK during the preceding 14 days. You also cannot enter Kuwait if, in the preceding 14 days, you have been in any of the other countries Kuwait considers high risk for COVID-19. This list is regularly updated: you should follow @Kuwait_dgca on Twitter for the latest countries on the list. The Kuwait Government allows British citizens to enter Kuwait if they have not been in a banned country in the preceding 14 days, hold valid residencies, and have a negative PCR test, conducted no more than 96 hours before acceptance on the flight to Kuwait. The test result should be in English. On entry to Kuwait you will need to self-isolate for 14 days in your home. Visit visas are not issued on arrival or at Embassies outside Kuwait, until further notice – https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/kuwait
• Bangladesh – On arrival, all foreign nationals need to produce a medical certificate issued within 72 hours of travel indicating the passenger is COVID-19 negative. From 1 January to 15 January, those arriving from the UK are required to complete 14 days of quarantine at a government facility or government approved hotel. People staying in a government approved hotel will need to cover the costs. Passengers arriving in Bangladesh, from countries other than the UK (i.e. NOT the UK) need to quarantine for 14 days. Typically this can be completed as self-quarantine but health officials at the point of entry to Bangladesh will assess whether passengers are able to self-quarantine or need to be taken to a government facility..  Health officials at the point of entry to Bangladesh will assess whether arriving passengers are able to self-quarantine for 14 days or need to be taken to a government facility or government approved hotel – https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/bangladesh/
• Austria – The Austrian Government has announced that from midnight on 22 December 2020 until 10 January 2021 a landing ban will be in place for all flights from the UK. This measure has been taken to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Exemptions will be in place for flights operating in the interests of the Austrian Republic; cargo flights; operational flights; ambulance and rescue flights; repatriation flights; aircraft transfer flights; flights transporting seasonal agriculture workers; and flights transporting healthcare and medical personnel. Since 19 December all travellers arriving in Austria from the UK must quarantine for 10 days upon arrival in Austria. You have the option of taking a self-funded PCR or antigen test after 5 days (the day you arrive in Austria counts as day 0). If your result is negative, you will no longer need to stay in quarantine. You must fill out and sign a quarantine form, ideally before you travel. You will have to hand this in upon arrival – https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/austria/

Updated 01:15 29th December

• Oman – It is possible for British nationals with valid residence, tourist, business ‘express’ and family visit visas to travel to Oman. Anyone entering Oman must have a PCR test no more than 72 hours before their arrival in Oman and complete an online pre-registration form. On landing, they must have a second PCR test and after 7 days self-isolation take a third test (see Entry requirements section) You must have valid health insurance (covering coronavirus) to enter Oman. Restrictions are in place at the land borders. In exceptional circumstances, you may be able to get permission to cross the Oman/UAE border – https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/oman
• Netherlands – From Wednesday 23 December the Dutch Government requires passengers from the UK aged 13 and above to be in possession of a negative PCR COVID-19 test result. This test should be taken no more than 72 hours before arrival in the Netherlands. This requirement is applicable to passengers on aeroplanes and passenger ferries. From Tuesday 29 December, the same requirement also applies to passengers travelling to the Netherlands from the UK by coach or train. From the same date it also applies to those travelling to the Netherlands from any high-risk area by aeroplane, ferry, coach or train. More information on these requirements can be found here. There are a limited set of exemptions to this requirement which are detailed on Dutch Government’s website. Please check this website for latest information before travelling. If you’re travelling to or from the Netherlands by air you must complete a health screening form and have it ready to show on request during your journey, whether you are at the departure airport, on the aircraft or at the arrival airport If you’re travelling to the Netherlands from the UK, you should also self-isolate for ten days upon arrival in the Netherlands. If you’re staying in the Netherlands for fewer than ten days then you should quarantine for the duration of your stay – https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/netherlands
• Angola – Angola has closed its borders to arrivals from the UK. Entry to Angola is prohibited except for Angolan nationals and foreign nationals travelling for business reasons and resident in Angola. All passengers are required to complete an advance passenger information form 72 hours before entry to Angola. Air passengers arriving in Angola are required to have taken a coronavirus PCR test in the 72 hours prior to their arrival. You should carry proof of your negative test result with you. If you’re eligible for entry, you will need to undertake compulsory quarantine for at least 7 days before being tested for coronavirus again – https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/angola
• Turkey – The Turkish Government have implemented a series of COVID-19 travel restrictions that are affecting flight operations between the United Kingdom and Turkey.
  • Whilst direct flights were temporarily suspended, flights have resumed at a reduced frequency, and on a commercial basis, to repatriate passengers. There are no current plans for UK Government repatriation flights from Turkey. If you need to travel you must do so by commercial means using the options available. Tickets are available with British Airways, Pegasus Airlines and Turkish Airlines.
  • If you are in the United Kingdom and wish to return to Turkey, direct commercial flights are available with Pegasus Airlines and Turkish Airlines. You must be a Turkish citizen or hold a valid Turkish residence permit to be accepted onto a flight to Turkey, or be a transit passenger travelling on one ticket via Turkey to another international destination.
  • Passengers who have visited the UK, Denmark or South Africa will then be required to self-isolate for seven days starting from the date they left those countries. On day seven they will be subjected to a further PCR test. If that test is negative then quarantine will be ended.
  • From 21:00 UTC on 29 December (00:00 hours on 30 December Turkish time), all travellers to Turkey of 6 years of age and over will be required, before boarding, to submit a negative PCR test result completed within 72 hours prior to their arrival into Turkey. This requirement will also apply to passengers in transit to another country via Turkey. This requirement will also apply to passengers in transit to another country via Turkey. In addition, from 21:00 UTC on 29 December (00:00 hours on 30 December Turkish time), passengers who have visited the UK, Denmark or South Africa within the previous ten days will then be required to self-isolate for seven days upon arrival. On day seven, they will be subjected to a further PCR test. If that test is negative, their quarantine will be lifted.
  • https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/turkey
• Pakistan – On 21 December, the Pakistan government announced that, due to the COVID-19 situation, inbound travellers from the UK, or those who have been in the UK in the last 10 days, will not be able to enter Pakistan. This applied initially for a seven day period from 23 December to 29 December. On 28 December, the Pakistan government announced that the restriction would be extended until 23:59 on 4 January. Pakistani passport holders who travelled to the UK on visitor/temporary visas will be allowed to return to Pakistan with some additional arrangements on arrival – please see Pakistan government advice for relevant details – https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/pakistan
• Russia – On 21 December 2020 the Russian government announced the suspension of flights between the UK and Russia from 00:00 on 22 December 2020, for a period of one week.. On 28 December 2020 the Russian authorities announced that the suspension would be extended until 23:59 on January 12 2021. UK nationals are currently unable to enter from a country other than the UK, unless they have documented proof of their citizenship of the country of their departure or permanent residence in the country of their departure and the Russian government has cleared the country for regular travel. Holders of diplomatic and other special visas are exempt from this requirement – https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/russia

Updated 01:15 28th December

• Nigeria – From Monday 28 December additional arrival procedures will be in place for passengers whose journey starts from the UK or South Africa. Passengers must present their pre-departure permit to fly and a QR code confirming they have booked a test for the seventh day after arrival in Nigeria. They must also provide evidence of a negative COVID PCR result from a test taken within the 96 hours prior to boarding. On arrival these passengers will be processed by the public health authorities separately to those from other destinations – https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/nigeria
• Belgium – From 23 to 31 December, the Belgian Government will only allow entry into Belgium from the UK for residents, Belgian citizens, EU/Schengen nationals/residents travelling to their country of nationality/residence and for certain categories of travel, which are defined on the website of the Belgian Embassy to the UK. Non-residents who are transiting or travelling for essential purposes will need to provide evidence of a negative Covid-19 PCR test before entry. Please check the Belgian guidance for further details and exemptions. This PCR test is to be taken no more than 72 hours prior to arrival in Belgium. All travellers from the UK must complete the Belgian Passenger Locator Form before travel. You will be required to self-isolate for at least seven days on arrival (except if you are undertaking essential work), after which you should take a Covid-19 test. You should follow closely the instructions you receive via SMS after submitting your Passenger Locator Form. UK travellers are able to transit Belgium through airports from December 23 (staying in the transit zone only), provided that their final destination is outside of the European Union –  https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/belgium
  • French nationals and nationals of the European Area, and their spouses and children;
  • British and/or third country nationals who are either permanently resident in France, the European Union or the European Area;
  • British nationals moving to France to settle, on or before 31 December 2020;
  • British or third country nationals travelling for certain exceptional reasons, listed here: French Embassy London.
  • Arrivals by sea and air routes will need to complete a ‘sworn statement’ (déclaration sur l’honneur) form self-certifying they are not suffering from symptoms associated with coronavirus and have not been in contact with confirmed cases in the preceding fortnight. https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/franceFrance – France restricted travel from the UK from 24:00 (CET) on 20 December. This travel restriction applies to air, car, ferry and train passengers. From 24:00 (CET) on 22 December, until at least 6 January (subject to a possible review), you will need to present a negative COVID-19 test, carried out less than 72 hours before departure. Only the following categories of people will be authorised to travel to France from the UK:

Updated 03:20 27th December

• Japan – From 24 December, for travel from the United Kingdom, and from 28 December for travel from elsewhere, new entry to Japan by foreign nationals will not be permitted. This also applies to foreign nationals in possession of visas issued since 1 October under the previous Global Residence Track. Non-Japanese nationals who do arrive will need to provide written evidence of a negative COVID-19 test result conducted within 72 hours of their flight departure time if they have visited the UK or this list of countries in the last 14 days. Other entry to visit Japan on a short-term basis, such as for tourism or to visit family, continues to be denied in principle for any non-Japanese nationals who have been to the UK or this list of countries in the last 14 days, other than in exceptional circumstances. There is currently no indication of when this might change. You may wish to confirm possible eligibility with your nearest Japanese Embassy for any other exceptions to enter Japan, including for humanitarian reasons – https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/japan/

Updated 04:00 26th December

• Ecuador -Upon arrival, passengers will be required to sign a declaration form with their itinerary and local contact details. They must also present a negative Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) test for COVID-19, taken up to 10 days prior to their arrival in the country. In countries where the PCR tests are not available, passengers must agree to take a COVID-19 test at the airport in Ecuador on arrival. Antigen tests (rapid test) will be randomly carried out, by the Ministry of Health, on passengers arriving in Ecuador by sea or land. If on arrival you do not present a negative PCR test, you will have an antigen test taken. If you test positive, you will need to self-isolate for 10 days. Non-residents of Ecuador will have to self-isolate in specific hotels as determined by the local authorities and at their own expense. Residents can isolate in their home. If on arrival a passenger presents COVID-19 related symptoms, despite their antigen test result, they will be evaluated by a health care worker and if needed will be taken to the nearest health centre for a full evaluation – https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/ecuador

Updated 16:00 25th December

• Brazil – As of 25 December 2020, Brazil has temporarily suspended all flights from or via the UK. Entry to Brazil by non-resident foreign nationals by air is permitted, however as of 25 December 2020, Brazil has temporarily suspended permission for those who have been in the UK during the previous 14 days to embark any flight to Brazil. There are restrictions on non-resident foreign nationals entering by land or sea – https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/brazil
• Hong Kong – From 00:01 on 24 December, travellers who had visited the UK for more than two hours within the past 21 days would be denied entry to Hong Kong. On 25 December, the HKSARG announced that travellers who had visited South Africa for more than two hours within the past 21 days would be denied entry. On 25 December 00:40 HKT, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR) government announced that with immediate effect, all travellers arriving at Hong Kong who have stayed outside of mainland China, Macao or Taiwan on the day of arrival, or in the 21 days before arrival, must undergo compulsory quarantine for 21 days at designated quarantine hotels. Travellers from overseas countries/territories, who are not Hong Kong residents, will be denied entry – https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/hong-kong
• Ukraine – Foreign nationals entering Ukraine will have to self-isolate for 14 days on arrival in Ukraine if they arrive from a country in the “red zone”. This currently includes the UK. Self-isolation is monitored via a government tracking app. Mandatory self-isolation or quarantine is not necessary if a traveller undergoes a PCR test and receives a negative result no more than 48 hours in advance of his/her arrival in Ukraine, or once in Ukraine. Upon arrival, all foreign nationals will be required to provide proof of health insurance that covers COVID-19 observation and treatment for the duration of their stay. Insurance must be purchased from a company registered in Ukraine or a foreign company that has a representative office or an insurance partner in Ukraine – https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/ukraine/
• USA – As covered in a dedicated article, entry to the United States of America will require a negative PCR/Antigen test taken no more than 72 hours before departure – https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/usa

Updated 02:45 25th December

• Denmark – The Danish government has introduced strict entry restrictions on travellers from the UK in response to the new variant of coronavirus. From 25 December until 3 January those resident in the UK will not be able to enter Denmark, with a few exceptions. Danish citizens, UK nationals or persons currently in the UK resident in Denmark will be able to enter. You must have a ‘worthy’ purpose to enter if you are arriving into Denmark from the UK. There are currently only a very limited set of worthy purposes that will allow those resident in the UK to enter Denmark. Unless you are a Danish resident, you must also present proof of a negative COVID-19 test, taken no more than 72 hours before entry – https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/denmark.
• Dominican Republic – The Dominican government has introduced a mandatory seven-day quarantine period for travellers with journeys originating in the UK. Travellers will be required to undertake a PCR test while in quarantine. All inbound passenger flights from the UK from Tuesday 22 December through Sunday 10 January 2021 – https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/dominican-republic
• Indonesia – With effect from 23 December 2020 until 8 January 2021, any non-Indonesian traveler who begins their journey from the UK will not be allowed to enter Indonesia. British Nationals travelling from a third country can enter Indonesia if they have a valid visa.If you’re eligible for entry you will need to provide a negative COVID-19 PCR (swab) test issued within the specified period prior to arrival and comply with the mandatory quarantine requirements – https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/indonesia
• Argentina – Argentina’s borders are closed to non-resident foreign nationals. Some exceptions apply to this rule. Exemptions may be granted by Argentine Immigration, such as for non-resident essential workers, family members of Argentine nationals or residents and sportspersons. If you believe you might fall into one of these categories, you must contact Argentine Immigration to seek approval for you trip. From midnight 24 December until at least midnight 8 January, all travellers who are authorised to enter Argentina must comply new requirements, inclinding filling out an electronic ‘sworn statement’ form within 48 hours of travelling, a a negative COVID-19 PCR test taken within 72 hours of travelling, unless you are: a crew member, transiting the country through an international airport for less than 24 hours; or have had coronavirus confirmed by a lab test within 90 days of your trip. If you have had coronavirus confirmed by a lab test within 90 days of your trip you don’t need to take a COVID-19 PCR test again. Instead, you will need to show evidence of your diagnosis and a medical certificate issued at least 10 days after being diagnosed, confirming that you have a clean bill of health. All travellers to Argentina must also self-isolate for a total of 10 days counting from the day they took the PCR test.

Updated 14:15 24th December

• China –  All direct flights from the UK to mainland China have been suspended. This measure will be subject to a future review but no date has been given. British nationals travelling to China from a third country should follow the directions on the website of the local Chinese Embassy or consulate for requirements from that country. You will need a valid visa to enter China. Chinese Visa Application Centres in London and Belfast are closed until further notice. The Application Centres in Manchester and Edinburgh will be closed from 27 December until further notice – https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/china
• Taiwan – All passengers arriving directly from the UK, or those who have been in the UK in the previous 14 days, will be required to complete their mandatory 14 day quarantine at a designated quarantine centre  Foreign nationals are permitted to enter Taiwan provided they are not entering for tourism or to visit friends. You will need to apply for a visa before travelling. Foreign nationals entering Taiwan must provide a negative COVID-19 test report completed in the three working days prior to boarding their flight. Travellers from destinations designated as low risk by local authorities may be eligible for a reduced self-isolation period. Limited transits are now permitted – https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/taiwan
• Thailand – All travellers entering Thailand will be subject to a 14-day state quarantine at a Thai government-designated facility at your own expense. If suspected of carrying COVID-19, you may be denied entry into the country – https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/thailand
• Montenegro – From 25 December entry to Montenegro for UK nationals, will be available only with a negative PCR test taken within the previous 72 hours. If you’re eligible to enter Montenegro, it remains possible that you may need to self-isolate for a period of 14 days, or go into quarantine in state-arranged accommodation, if you are displaying symptoms of coronavirus or have had contact with those who are displaying symptoms. Decisions will be made at the discretion of sanitary inspectors  – https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/montenegro
• Myanmar – he government of Myanmar has suspended all international commercial passenger flights from any of its airports until 31 December. It will then review the situation. It has been reported that Myanmar may restart some commercial flights from early 2021. This is likely to include updates to the entry requirements for Myanmar, and these requirements may differ depending on your travel history, and the COVID-19 situation in any countries you have may recently been to. You should ensure to check the rules regularly before travelling to Myanmar – https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/myanmar
• Estonia – From 22:00 GMT Sunday 20 December, Estonia will not be permitting the operation of air passenger services to or from the United Kingdom. On 23 December Estonia announced that these arrangements would last until at least 31 December 2020. If you’re arriving to Estonia from the UK, you’ll need to complete and submit a customer locator form (either at the port of entry or electronically before arrival) and self-isolate for 14 days – https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/estonia
• Hong Kong –  On 23 December, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR) government announced that from 00:01 on 24 December, travellers who had visited the UK for more than two hours within the past 21 days would be denied entry to Hong Kong. Travellers from overseas countries/territories, who are not Hong Kong residents, will be denied entry If you are eligible to enter Hong Kong and have not been in the UK for two hours or more in the past 21 days, you will be required to take a mandatory medical coronavirus test upon arrival and quarantine in a hotel approved by the Hong Kong SAR government for 14 days at your own expense. Though UK arrivals are currently prohibited, the Hong Kong SAR government has mandated that all future UK arrivals must quarantine in an approved hotel for 21 days at your own expense. This period may be extended to 28 days at the discretion of the Hong Kong SAR government. Transit services at Hong Kong International Airport have resumed for passengers who can be checked through from port of origin to final destination – https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/hong-kong
• Nepal – Entry is currently prohibited for certain foreign nationals, including British nationals, with limited exceptions. The Government of Nepal has restricted entry of all passengers originating from or transiting the UK, effective from 11:59pm (local time) 23 December until further notice. In addition, tourist and other visas will not be issued by the Embassy of Nepal in London until further notice – https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/nepal

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A recently uncovered mutated version of the COVID-19 virus has been detected, which is more transmissible than previous variants. As such, countries are racing to block their borders to prevent this variant of the coronavirus entering their territories. Mutations have happened before, in Europe, Spain and South Africa.

The BBC has a reasonably easy to understand explainer.

What do I need to do if I intend to travel?

You will need to ask yourself “Do I actually need to travel”. In some cases, the answer will be yes – in that case, plan appropriately, follow both the UK FCDO and the advice of the country you are visiting, ensuring you meet all the entry requirements.

In the very least, expect to carry out a PCR test before you leave the UK, be tested on arrival and be subject to quarantine if you are granted entry into the country.

However, the situation is a fast-moving one, with countries changing their advice almost daily as more evidence becomes available. As such, monitor before you intent to travel (right up until you have boarded the aircraft) in case of late-breaking changes.

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