One of the biggest changes to the entry for those who wish to visit the United Kingdom has just gone into effect with Vaccinated travellers from the USA and EU being allowed to enter England without the need to quarantine.
There is a lot to take in here, with full guidance at https://www.gov.uk/guidance/how-to-quarantine-when-you-arrive-in-england. In addition, you should keep an eye on the entry rules list at https://www.gov.uk/guidance/red-amber-and-green-list-rules-for-entering-england.
This blog entry has tried to simplify down the requirements you will need to travel to the United Kingdom – and as such is subject to change by Her Majesty’s government and the devolved administrations.
Eligibility
Those who are travelling to England will not have to quarantine or take a day 8 test when you arrive in England providing you have been:
- In an amber list country (and have not been in or passed through a red list country, or France) in the 10 days before arriving
- Fully vaccinated with an authorised vaccine in the USA or Europe
In terms of European countries, this applies to
- EU countries (defined as Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Republic of Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain and Sweden)
- Andorra, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Monaco, Norway, San Marino, Switzerland and the Vatican City
France is subject to different rules, with quarantine/home isolation required at the time of writing, even if you have been fully vaccinated.
Valid authorities
Before entering England, you must be fully vaccinated with a vaccine authorised by one of the following authorities:
- European Medicines Agency (EMA) for Europe
- Swissmedic for Switzerland
- Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the USA
You must allow at least 14 days to pass between your last dose of vaccine and your intended travel date.
Requirements
Visitors are required to:
- Complete a pre-departure test no more than 3 days before departure (either a valid lateral flow or PCR test).
- Complete a passenger locator form
- Book and take a day 2 test
Proving your vaccination status
You need to show your travel operator proof that you’ve been fully vaccinated with one of the authorised vaccines before you travel.
This proof should be:
- an EU Digital COVID Certificate (EU DCC) for Europe
- a CDC card for the USA. You will also need to show proof of USA residency, such as your USA passport, visa or Green Card.
If you cannot show an EU DCC or CDC card you will need to follow the normal amber list arrival protocols and be required to quarantine.
Children from the USA and Europe
Children under 18 who are residents of the USA or the listed European countries also do not need to quarantine or take a day 8 test. They must follow the same rules as UK Children. See https://www.gov.uk/guidance/how-to-quarantine-when-you-arrive-in-england.
What if I do not meet the requirements or cannot produce the appropriate paperwork?
Those who have not completed a vaccination course of treatment, or cannot evidence they will have to follow the isolation requirements, meaning the following will be needed:
- A pre-departure test
- A Passenger Locator Form
- A PCR test completed on or before day 2 after arrival
- Self-Isolation for 10 days, with early release possible using “Test to Release“
- A Day 8 PCR Test
What if I enter the United Kingdom via Scotland, Northern Ireland or Wales?
The rules are generally the same for Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.
Check local advice of any major differences – the majority of what England has implemented is being implemented for these areas too.
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I still do not understand what happens, when i stay just one or two night in UK, vaccinated from Amber list country. Can’t do the Day2 test then?!
If you are entering the United Kingdom, you should be able to complete the day 2 test after arrival or before the day 2 deadline – that should cover the day 2 requirement.
Even if you depart on day 2…
Thanks. But still does not make any sense, as the test results will come in 24-48 hours after the test has been taken (per listings on the gov.uk webpage), and i am then at home anyway.
I did get the hint today to book a test that can be cancelled and just return before taking the test.