From 17 May 2021, the rules for entering England change depending on where you have travelled from outside the UK. Check the rules if you’re entering Scotland, entering Wales or entering Northern Ireland.
The next review of such rules will take place on 21 June 2021.
You are strongly discouraged from all unnecessary travel to red or amber list countries or territories, for example for leisure purposes.
In England
A new COVID-19 variant is spreading in some parts of England. Find out what you should do.
From 17 May, you can socialise indoors in a group of up to 6 people or 2 households, including for overnight stays. Up to 30 people can meet outside. Pubs, theatres and other venues can open indoors. Hotels, hostels and B&Bs can open for people on holiday. Read the guidance on what you can do.
In Scotland
From 17 May, most areas are changing COVID-19 protection levels. Find out your area’s level in Scotland on GOV.SCOT.
In Wales
From 3 May, gyms, leisure centres and swimming pools can open. Children and adults can take part in indoor organised activities. Your household can choose one other household to meet indoors, becoming an extended household. Read the rules for Wales on GOV.WALES.
In Northern Ireland
From 30 April, non-essential shops, hairdressers and outdoor areas at pubs and restaurants can reopen. You can stay overnight in self-contained accommodation but only with your household or bubble. Read the guidance on current restrictions on NIdirect.
The guidance for trvelling abroad will be continously reviewd by the UK Government every three weeks.
Please, before you travel to the UK, check always the current guidance here: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/red-amber-and-green-list-rules-for-entering-england
Travelling from an amber list countries and territories
What you must do if you have been in an amber country or territory in the 10 days before you arrive in England.
You must follow these rules even if you have been vaccinated.
Before travel to England
Before you travel to England you must:
- take a COVID-19 test
- book and pay for day 2 and day 8 COVID-19 travel tests – to be taken after arrival in England
- complete a passenger locator form
On arrival in England
On arrival in England you must:
- quarantine at home or in the place you are staying for 10 days
- take a COVID-19 test on or before day 2 and on or after day 8
Read about quarantine and taking COVID-19 tests.
Children aged 4 and under do not need to take the day 2 or day 8 test.
You may be able to end quarantine early if you pay for a private COVID-19 test through the Test to Release scheme.
If you have been in a country or territory on the red list
If you have also been in or through a country or territory on the red list in the 10 days before you arrive in England, you must follow the red list rules.
