air travel restrictions uk

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United Kingdom Travel Restrictions

Traveler's COVID-19 vaccination status

Traveling from the United States to the United Kingdom

Open for vaccinated visitors

COVID-19 testing

Not required

Not required for vaccinated visitors

Restaurants

Not required in enclosed environments and public transportation.

United Kingdom entry details and exceptions

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Can I travel to the United Kingdom from the United States?

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter the United Kingdom.

Can I travel to the United Kingdom if I am vaccinated?

Fully vaccinated visitors from the United States can enter the United Kingdom without restrictions.

Can I travel to the United Kingdom without being vaccinated?

Unvaccinated visitors from the United States can enter the United Kingdom without restrictions.

Do I need a COVID test to enter the United Kingdom?

Visitors from the United States are not required to present a negative COVID-19 PCR test or antigen result upon entering the United Kingdom.

Can I travel to the United Kingdom without quarantine?

Travelers from the United States are not required to quarantine.

Do I need to wear a mask in the United Kingdom?

Mask usage in the United Kingdom is not required in enclosed environments and public transportation.

Are the restaurants and bars open in the United Kingdom?

Restaurants in the United Kingdom are open. Bars in the United Kingdom are .

COVID-19 travel rules: Remaining restrictions for entry to UK, including passenger locator forms, will end this week

Grant Shapps said the changes, which also include the requirement for unvaccinated people to be tested for COVID-19 before entering the UK, will "mean greater freedom in time for Easter".

By Rachel Russell, news reporter

Tuesday 15 March 2022 06:40, UK

All remaining COVID travel measures, including the Passenger Locator Form and tests for arrivals, will end this week, the transport secretary has said.  

Grant Shapps says anyone arriving in the UK from 4am this Friday will not need to comply with any of the previous rules.

He tweeted: "These changes are possible due to our vaccine rollout and mean greater freedom in time for Easter."

TRAVEL UPDATE All remaining Covid travel measures, including the Passenger Locator Form and tests for all arrivals, will be stood down for travel to the UK from 4am on 18 March. These changes are possible due to our vaccine rollout and mean greater freedom in time for Easter. — Rt Hon Grant Shapps MP (@grantshapps) March 14, 2022

This will mean holidaymakers will be able to enter the UK without any restrictions for the first time since the start of the pandemic in spring 2020.

At the moment, only fully vaccinated arrivals can enter the UK without the need for tests.

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However, they must fill in a passenger locator form within 72 hours of travel, sharing their address, phone number, passport and flight details.

The forms were launched two years ago, when arrivals had to quarantine at home, to help check if travellers were following the rules.

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• Coronavirus

The move comes as coronavirus infections were rising in all four UK nations for the first time since the end of January, with levels in Scotland already at a record high, according to the latest estimates from the Office for National Statistics.

The numbers for hospital patients with COVID were also rising, up 19% week-on-week in England, according to data from ZOE and King's College London.

Hospital admissions with coronavirus in England remain well below the peaks reached during the Omicron and previous waves, while in Scotland the figure was close to the record peak seen in January last year.

Professor Tim Spector, Professor of Genetic Epidemiology at Kings College London, shared his concern over the new travel announcement coming at a time when cases are still rising.

He told Sky News: "It is disappointing that as we hit record levels of COVID, Grant Shapps is saying it's safe.

"People do still need to wear masks."

"It is slightly ironic they've cancelled the Zoe app, it is like they just want to get rid of the data and move on.

"Other surveillance tools have been given the axe, meaning we will have less eyes on the ground and radar on the next variant.

"At least Zoe has agreed to fund us until we get more funding, it is going to keep going but we need some help longer term to do that."

'We will continue tracking potential new variants'

Sajid Javid also welcomed the news and said: "As we learn to live with COVID, we're taking further steps to open up international travel once again ahead of the Easter holidays.

"We will continue monitoring and tracking potential new variants, and keep a reserve of measures which can be rapidly deployed if needed to keep us safe.

"We can remove these final restrictions thanks to the incredible success of our vaccination programme which has seen more than eight out of 10 adults across the UK boosted."

Heathrow Airport added wearing face masks will not be a requirement from Wednesday.

They said in a statement: "Effective from Wednesday 16 March, we'll remove the requirement for wearing face coverings at the airport. We still strongly encourage both colleagues & passengers to wear them, particularly when they come into close contact with others, but this will no longer be mandatory.

"Passengers may still be required to wear a face covering onboard their flight and should check the airlines' requirements before travelling."

Tim Alderslade, the chief executive of Airlines UK - the industry body representing UK carriers, welcomed the announcement by saying it sends the message that "the UK travel sector is back".

He said: "With travellers returning to the UK no longer burdened by unnecessary forms and testing requirements, we can now look forward to the return to pre-COVID normality throughout the travel experience."

Following the announcement, a Virgin Atlantic spokesperson said: "The removal of all remaining UK travel restrictions, including the Passenger Locator Form, is the final important step towards frictionless air travel, helping to further restore consumer confidence as we welcome more customers back to the skies this Spring and Summer.

"With these barriers to travel removed, Britain is open for business and passengers can reconnect with loved ones and business colleagues once again."

Related Topics

• International edition
• Australia edition
• Europe edition

Coronavirus travel updates: which countries have restrictions and FCO warnings in place?

Foreign Office advises UK nationals against all non-essential travel. Plus latest travel bans and repatriation information across the globe, updated as the situation changes

• Coronavirus – latest updates
• See all our coronavirus coverage

As of 23 March, the FCO has been advising UK nationals who are travelling abroad to return home immediately if commercial flights are still available.

This article was first published 28 February. It was last updated on 13 April at 1pm (GMT). The Guardian has published a new article on the countries easing restrictions around Europe, which is being updating regularly.

UK nationals who are usually based in the UKare urged to return home if possible:

“International travel is becoming very limited as air routes close, land borders close and new restrictions are put in place that prevent flights from leaving,” the FCO website says. “We are working with airlines to keep routes open, and calling for international action to keep routes open to enable British people [to] return home on commercial flights. We are also working around the clock to support those British travellers who are already finding difficulties in coming back to the UK. If you are a permanent resident overseas, you should stay and follow the advice of the local authorities in the country you live in.”

UK nationals who are unable to return home should follow the advice of local authorities, including local measures to help minimise exposure. This may include remaining in a hotel room or other accommodation for 14 days; being moved to quarantine facilities; being tested for coronavirus and, if positive, in some cases being admitted to hospital. Travellers with visa enquiries or visas that may soon be expiring should contact local immigration authorities in the country or the UK-based embassy .

On 30 March, the government announced it was partnering with airlines to charter flights to help bring stranded UK nationals home . Details will be published on the FCO travel advice pages and here when available. In some cases, the government may be able to offer an emergency loan to pay for flights back to the UK .

The Foreign Office (FCO) is advising UK nationals against all but essential international travel. This advice took effect on 17 March, for an initial period of 30 days, but was extended on 4 April for an indefinite period. Border closures and other travel restrictions are increasing globally.

Within the UK, the government is calling on people to avoid travelling at all unless essential.

“Essential travel does not include visits to second homes, campsites, caravan parks or similar, whether for isolation purposes or holidays. People should remain in their primary residence. Not taking these steps puts additional pressure on communities and services that are already at risk.”

The following countries have travel restrictions in place that may affect UK nationals (who do not have residenc es in other countries). These include quarantine measures, border closures, flight suspensions, health screenings and other measures. Countries permitting entry are likely to ask travellers to present a health certificate stating that they do not have coronavirus.

* EU proposes suspension of non-essential travel

The EU has proposed that all non-essential travel be suspended to the European Union for 30 days. This would affect travel from outside the EU, but the UK would be exempt.

Albania Ban on entry to UK travellers, flights suspended, and borders closed. Suspension of cultural and sporting activities; ban on large gatherings; closure of restaurants and bars; shops open for limited hours; public transport limited.

Andorra, Monaco and the Netherlands Cultural and sporting activities prohibited; large gatherings restricted; restaurants and bars closed; shops open for limited hours; public transport limited. Some flights suspended.

Austria No direct flights between Austria and the UK, or direct air or rail connections from Austria to Italy, France, Spain or Switzerland. Transit permitted. Travellers coming from Italy by road will be stopped at the border and must present a health certificate stating that they are not affected by coronavirus. Ski resorts in Tirol, Salzburg and Vorarlberg were closed on 15 March.

Azerbaijan Flights suspended until 20 April. Mandatory quarantine for 14 days. E-visas suspended. For assistance phone +994 12 437 7878. Email [email protected] to extend visas.

Belarus UK travellers are strongly advised to return to the UK while flights are still operating – Belavia continues to operate direct flights four times a week. Self quarantine for 14 days for anyone travelling from a country with confirmed cases.

Belgium Measures in place until 19 April are likely to be extended until 3 May. These include: suspension of flights from outside the EU; self quarantine for all arrivals for 14 days; proof of residence and onward travel required for transit through Belgium; restrictions on non-essential movement (except food shopping, medical care and exercise), suspension of cultural and sporting activities; a ban on large gatherings; closure of restaurants and bars; shops open for limited hours; limited public transport.

Bosnia-Herzegovina Ban on entry to UK travellers, flights suspended and borders closed. Suspension of cultural and sporting activities; ban on large gatherings; closure of restaurants and bars; shops open for limited hours; public transport limited. Curfew in the Federation and Republika Srpska from 8pm to 5am (the latter also has a curfew from midday on Saturdays until 6pm Sundays). Sign up for email alerts on repatriation.

Bulgaria Ban on entry to UK travellers. Some flights continue to operate from Sofia to the UK. UK travellers are advised to consider leaving as soon as possible and . Restrictions on non-essential movement (except food shopping, medical care and exercise).

Croatia Ban on entry to UK travellers. Borders were closed from 19 March for 30 days. Dubrovnik airport is closed until further notice; other airports are open but travellers should contact airlines for flight status, which can change at short notice. As of 27 March, travellers still in the country will not face sanctions for overstaying conditions, but are advised to contact the nearest police station to register their continued stay to prevent complications upon departure.

Cyprus Ban on entry to UK travellers. Flights suspended. Anyone going outdoors must carry a form explaining the reasons for going outdoors and present it to the police if stopped. For repatriation updates follow the embassy’s Facebook and Twitter .

Czech Republic Ban on entry to UK travellers. Transit permitted – call +420 257 40 2111 (choose option 1 for English, then option 4 for consular assistance) 24 hours before travelling. UK travellers are advised to consider leaving as soon as possible, as onward travel could become more difficult. Prague Airport remains open, but most flights suspended, including direct flights to the UK (indirect flights are likely to be limited, expensive, and subject to last-minute cancellation). A limited number of coaches running from Prague to London until 15 April. Contact the embassy for more information on +420 257 402 111.

Denmark Ban on entry to UK travellers. UK travellers are advised to consider leaving as soon as possible, as onward travel could become more difficult. No direct flights operating from Denmark to the UK after 8 April. Flights Copenhagen and Billund airports remain open until then, with flights operating with BA from Copenhagen to London. Flights from Greenland suspended until at least 8 April. Flights to Faroe Islands severely reduced. Borders closed until at least 13 April. Restrictions on non-essential movement (except food shopping, medical care and exercise); ban on large gatherings; closure of restaurants and bars; shops open for limited hours.

Estonia, Georgia, Latvia, North Macedonia, Norway, Serbia and Ukraine Ban on entry to UK travellers. Check with airlines and transport providers whether transit is permitted before setting off. UK travellers are advised to consider leaving these countries as soon as possible, as onward travel could become more difficult. Flight schedules are reduced, some land/sea borders closed and some non-essential movement restricted.

Finland Borders closed. Non-resident UK nationals are permitted entry for limited essential or compassionate reasons: they must provide evidence for their travel and should visit the Finnish Border Guard website for more information. Transit via Helsinki airport and sea ports is permitted with proof of onward travel out of the country.

France From 6 April, an “attestation” (certifying the reason for travel) is required to enter mainland France. Some flights suspended. P&O and DFDS operating with reduced ferry services for cross-Channel routes. Eurostar is operating limited services between Paris and London. Eurotunnel Le Shuttle is operating a limited service through the Channel Tunnel for vehicles. UK nationals can still drive through France to return to the UK. Restrictions on non-essential movement until 15 April (food shopping, medical care, exercise of up to 20 minutes running or walking). Cultural and sporting activities are suspended, large gatherings banned, restaurants and bars closed, shops open for limited hours, public transport limited.

Germany Ban on entry to UK travellers. Some flights suspended and borders closed except for transit, which is permitted with proof of onward journey (confirmed ferry or Eurotunnel booking). Flights to London are available from Berlin, Düsseldorf, Frankfurt am Main and Munich, including with British Airways, Eurowings, Lufthansa and Ryanair. Restrictions to non-essential movement (food shopping, medical care and exercise) and public gatherings of more than two people are prohibited.

Greece Direct flights from UK, Italy, Spain and Turkey suspended until 15 April initially, some indirect flights still possible. Self-quarantine for 14 days for all travellers. Cultural and sporting activities suspended, large gatherings banned, restaurants and bars closed, shops open at limited hours and public transport limited. Health screenings on arrival are likely.

Hungary Ban on entry to UK travellers. UK travellers are advised to consider leaving as soon as possible, as onward travel could become more difficult. Flight schedules are reduced, and there are restrictions on non-essential movement (except food shopping, medical care and exercise, with 1.5m distancing), with fines possible. Budapest airport remains open until further notice, with WizzAir and British Airways running two and one flight(s) respectively per day in both directions; and Ryanair continues to fly four times a week to London.

Iceland Ban on entry to UK travellers until 17 April. Some flights suspended. Large gatherings prohibited.

Ireland Flights and ferry services continue to operate between Ireland and Great Britain. Large gatherings prohibited; restrictions on non-essential movement (except food shopping, medical care and exercise).

Isle of Man Ban on entry to all passengers. Large gatherings prohibited; restrictions on non-essential movement (except food shopping, medical care and exercise).

Italy Travel to Italy is possible for emergency reasons only. Only one airport per region will remain open (Rome Ciampino and Terminal 1 of Rome Fiumicino airport closed). Alitalia currently operates the only daily flight to the UK, from Rome Fiumicino to Heathrow. Alitalia currently operates the only daily flights from Italy to the UK.

Liechtenstein Border closed at Schellenberg and Mauren, and open at Ruggell and Schaanwald for commuters, goods and transit. Flights operating to London from Zurich and Geneva, with British Airways, KLM and Swiss.

Lithuania Ban on entry and transit to UK travellers. Countrywide quarantine until 14 April. All commercial flights suspended until further notice. UK travellers are advised to consider leaving as soon as possible. For urgent consular assistance call +370 5 246 2900. For repatriation updates follow the embassy on Twitter and Facebook .

Luxembourg All passenger flights were suspended on 23 March. Restrictions on non-essential movement (except food shopping and health reasons). Cultural and sporting activities are prohibited, large gatherings banned, restaurants and bars closed, shops likely to be open for limited hours, public transport limited.

Malta Travellers are advised by the Maltese government to leave as soon as possible. Air Malta is running flights to Heathrow, currently five times a week but for a limited period, subject to demand. All passenger ferries are suspended.

Moldova Ban on entry to UK travellers. Flights suspended. Most border crossings with Ukraine and Romania closed.

Montenegro Ban on entry to UK travellers. Flights suspended and restrictions to non-essential movement, large gatherings and intercity travel. For urgent assistance, contact the embassy on +382 20 420 100.

Poland Ban on entry to UK travellers. Flights suspended, borders closed to entry and non-essential movement restricted. Hotels and short-term accommodation will be closed to new guests. To register for repatriation and assistance, email [email protected].

Portugal Land border restrictions with Spain until 15 April (cross-border commuters and deliveries only). However, UK nationals can still drive through Spain and France to return to the UK. Flights from outside the EU suspended (and some other routes limited); all airports closed to passenger traffic until 13 April initially. British Airways and Ryanair are currently operating daily flights from Lisbon to Heathrow and Stansted. All campsites closed. Restrictions to non-essential movement. For assistance phone (+351) 808 24 24 24 (press 5 for English).

Romania Ban on entry to UK travellers. Flights and bus and rail routes from Italy suspended, and most other flights suspended. Large gatherings banned and some public transport suspended. For repatriation updates follow the embassy on Facebook .

Russia Ban on entry to UK travellers. UK travellers are advised to consider leaving as soon as possible, as onward travel could become more difficult. Flight schedules are reduced, some borders closed and some non-essential movement restricted. For repatriation updates follow the embassy on Twitter and Facebook .

Slovakia Ban on entry to UK travellers. Exit via road to Austria is currently permitted but there are restrictions at borders with Poland, Hungary, Czech Republic and Ukraine. UK travellers are advised to consider leaving as soon as possible, as onward travel could become more difficult. Flight schedules reduced, land borders closed (excluding residents and those with temporary residency permits). Wearing of face masks mandatory outdoors.

Slovenia Flights suspended until at least 13 April. Passenger trains between Slovenia and Austria suspended. Land borders closed to non-residents, unless they have a health certificate stating they do not have coronavirus. Email [email protected] for assistance. Suspension of cultural and sporting activities; ban on large gatherings; closure of restaurants and bars; shops open for limited hours; public transport suspended.

Spain Ban on entry to UK travellers. UK nationals can still drive through Spain to return to the UK. All borders were closed for entry from 23 March for 30 days. UK travellers are advised to consider leaving as soon as possible. Hotels and short-stay accommodation now closed (measures do not apply to long-term accommodation, such as long-stay campsites, provided travellers can cater for themselves and do not rely on communal facilities, which will be closed). Some flights suspended. Land borders open to cross-border commuters and deliveries only. Tight restrictions on non-essential movement including exercise (food shopping and medical care only).

Sweden Ban on entry to UK travellers. There are no direct flights from Sweden, Denmark or Norway to the UK, but some indirect routes remain open but limited. For urgent assistance call +46 77 33 113 13.

Switzerland Ban on entry to UK travellers. Land borders closed to non-residents (cross-border commuters and deliveries only) and some flights restricted (residents only). Restrictions on non-essential movement (food shopping, medical care, exercise and those who can’t work from home). Cultural and sporting activities suspended, ski resorts closed, large gatherings banned, restaurants and bars closed, food shops open for limited hours and public transport limited.

Turkey Ban on entry to UK travellers. Direct flights to the UK suspended. For repatriation and assistance email [email protected] (including full name, passport number, date of birth, contact details, exact location, country of residence, health issues, dependants travelling with you and the airline you travelled with.) Land borders closed. Travellers who test positive on arrival will be quarantined in a government facility for 14 days; those who test negative must self-quarantine for 14 days. UK travellers are advised to consider leaving as soon as possible.

Armenia, Bhutan, Israel, Kuwait and Kyrgyzstan Ban on entry to UK travellers. Some flights and visa-on-arrival schemes suspended. Check with travel providers if transit is permitted before travelling.

Bahrain Ban on entry to UK travellers. Suspension of visa-on-arrival scheme. Self-quarantine for 14 days. No gatherings of five or more, shops closed except for food. National hotline: 444. For those unable to leave due to flight restrictions, apply for a visa extension online .

Bangladesh Ban on entry to travellers who have recently been in Europe. Suspension of visa-on-arrival scheme. National carrier Biman Airlines has suspended flights from Dhaka to the UK until 30 April. For urgent assistance phone +88 02 55668700 or contact the embassy via a web form .

Brunei Ban on entry to UK travellers. Royal Brunei Airlines has suspended direct flights from Brunei to London – currently it is the only airline flying from Brunei, with twice-weekly flights to Hong Kong, Manila, Melbourne, and Singapore.

Cambodia Visa exemptions and visa on arrival scheme suspended until 30 April. Any travellers on a tourist visa valid from 1 January 2020 onwards, will have it automatically extended and overstay charges waived. Ban on entry to travellers who have recently been in France, Germany, Iran, Italy, Spain or the US. Land border restrictions. UK travellers are advised to consider leaving as soon as possible.

China Ban on entry and transit to UK travellers. The FCO advises against all travel to the Hubei Province. For urgent consular assistance phone +86 (0)10 8529 6600 or the FCO in London on +44 (0) 207 008 1500. Many airlines, including British Airways and Virgin Atlantic, have suspended flights to and from mainland China, other international airlines may only maintain one route to China, operating one flight per week.

Hong Kong Ban on entry and transit to UK travellers. Some flights suspended. Gatherings of more than four people in public are prohibited; those who do not comply risk imprisonment. Limited direct flights to the UK, and some airlines have a total suspension in place (including British Airways from 8-24 April; from 8 April, Cathay Pacific will only operate two flights a week (Wednesday and Sunday) to London. Indirect flights are also increasingly limited, and travellers should check layover destinations permit transit before travelling.

India Ban on entry to UK travellers. Flights suspended until 14 April initially. Non-essential movement severely restricted. All visas and e-visas suspended until 15 April. Current repatriation flights include Goa to London on 14 and 16 April ( register details ); Goa to London (via Mumbai) on 18 April (from Goa register details ; or from Mumbai register details ); Amritsar to London on 13, 17, and 19 April ( register details ); Ahmedabad to London on 13 and 15 April ( register details ); Hyderabad (via Ahmedabad) to London on 17 April (from Hyderabad register details ; or from Ahmedabad register details ); Chennai (via Bengaluru) to London on 20 April (from Chennai register details ; or from Bengaluru register details ); Kolkata (via Delhi) to London on 19 April (from Kolkata register details ; or from Delhi register details ); Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum) (via Kochi (Cochin)) to London on 15 April (from Trivandrum register details or from Cochin register details ); Amritsar to London on 16 and 18 April ( register details ). For urgent assistance use the following numbers: New Delhi +91 (11) 2419 2100; Chennai + 91 (44) 42192151; Mumbai/Goa +91 (22) 6650 2222. For future repatriation flights, contact [email protected] with full names, dates of birth, passport numbers, visa status, contact details, exact location in India, date of arrival, details of planned return flight and any medical conditions.

Indonesia Ban on entry to travellers who have been in the UK, Iran, Italy, Spain, France, Germany or Switzerland in the 14 days before entry. All visas suspended until 20 April initially. Flights severely disrupted and transit options limited.

Japan Visa-on-arrival system suspended until the end of April initially. Some direct flights still scheduled with Japan Airlines and All Nippon Airways; and a limited number of indirect flights including with Qatar Airways and Air France. From 3 April, ban on entry to travellers who have been in the UK (and any of these countries ) 14 days before arrival. Restrictions on non-essential movement in Tokyo, Kanagawa, Saitama, Chiba, Osaka, Hyogo and Fukuoka, until 6 May. The Japanese embassy in London can be contacted 9.30am-4.30pm Mon-Fri on 020 7465 6565. Japan’s Immigration Services Agency can be contacted on +81 570 013 904 or +81 357 967 112.

Jordan No commercial flights in or out of the country, and all land and sea borders closed. Restrictions on large gatherings and non-essential movement (except food shopping, medical care and exercise).

Laos Borders closed with Thailand. Thai Airlines and Thai Smile have suspended flights between Vientiane and Bangkok. UK travellers are advised to consider leaving as soon as possible, as onward travel could become more difficult. Land border restrictions. The embassy will be posting updates via Facebook.

Lebanon All borders closed and flights suspended. Restrictions on non-essential movement (except food shopping, medical care); violators could face imprisonment; public and private gatherings banned; two people per car only; public transport suspended, until at least 26 April. For urgent assistance phone +961 (0)1 960800. For repatriation updates, follow the embassy on on Twitter and Facebook .

Macao Ban on entry to UK travellers. Limited indirect flights available, and travellers should check layover destinations permit transit before travelling. Ferry crossings with Hong Kong suspended. Only vehicles with specific licenses permitted to use the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao bridge (open 6am-10pm).

Malaysia Ban on entry to UK travellers until 28 April initially, but those in the country are permitted to stay. Transit permitted through Kuala Lumpur airport, but not between terminals, so travellers should confirm before travelling. Some flights suspended. Qatar Airways currently operating some flights from Kuala Lumpur to the UK and British Airways plans to resume daily flights from Kuala Lumpur on 2 May.

Maldives Ban on entry to UK travellers. Most flights suspended. Qatar Airways intends to operate a flight from Male’ to Doha on 21 April. Please contact the Qatar Airways airline office on 3334777 for further information.

Mongolia Ban on entry to UK travellers. Flights suspended. To extend visas contact the immigration office (telephone +976 1800 1882 or +976 9314 1009).

Myanmar All commercial flights suspended from 30 March. Transit permitted through Thailand with a health certificate stating that the traveller does not have coronavirus. Travellers wishing to leave should email [email protected] with full name, phone number, email and number of people wishing to travel.

Nepal Flights and visa-on-arrival scheme suspended until 15 April. UK travellers aiming to return to the UK, should contact [email protected], with names, passport numbers, dates of birth, exact location in Nepal and contact details. All mountaineering expeditions for spring 2020 have been suspended.

Oman Ban on entry to UK travellers. Flights suspended. UK travellers wishing to return home are advised to contact airlines to make sure demand for flights is logged. For urgent assistance phone +968 2460 9000, including to register interest for a possible flight from Muscat to UK on 10 April.

Pakistan All flights suspended. Some borders closed. Large gatherings prohibited. Travellers must present a health certificate stating that they are not affected by coronavirus, issued in the 24 hours prior to arrival. For urgent assistance contact +92 (0) 51 201 2000.

Philippines Ban on entry to all UK travellers. Public transport suspended and limited flights. For assistance email name, location, passport number and contact details to [email protected]. For repatriation assistance phone +44(0)7537 416 127 or email [email protected].

Qatar Ban on entry to UK travellers. Some flights suspended. Transit currently permitted.

Saudi Arabia Flights suspended and borders closed. Curfew 7pm to 6am for 21 days from 23 March. Suspension of domestic flights, buses, some taxi services and trains from 21 March. For repatriation email [email protected] with “URGENT RETURN” in the subject line, and call +966 (0) 11 481 9100 for further assistance.

Singapore Ban on entry and transit. Currently there are direct flights scheduled with Singapore Airlines three times per week (Monday/Thursday/Saturday); and indirect flights with Qatar Airways continue to fly between Singapore and the UK via Doha. UK travellers who wish to leave are advised to consider doing so as soon as possible.

South Korea The FCO advise against all travel to the cities of Daegu, Cheongdo and Gyeongsan, which are designated as “special care zones” following a high number of cases. Self quarantine for 14 days for all arrivals. Transit permitted. Korean Air continues to operate direct flights to the UK; British Airways will suspend its direct service from 12th April; and indirect flights to the UK transiting via a third country are also available.

Sri Lanka No new visas being issued, but those currently in the country can extend visas until 12 May. National curfew in place. Sri Lankan Airlines are running flights until 18 April, and Qatar Airways are operating reduced service. National helpline for tourists: 1912.

Taiwan Ban on entry to UK travellers. Flights suspended until 30 April. Face masks mandatory on all public transport. The embassy is posting updates on its Twitter and Facebook .

Tajikistan All flights suspended from 20 March. Somon Air is due to organise a flight from Dushanbe to Frankfurt – to register interest, contact airline rep Firuz Davlatov on +992 908 085 666 and the British Embassy at [email protected].

Thailand Ban on entry to UK travellers from 26 March. Contact the British Embassy for letters to support visa extension applications for use at the immigration office (usually not required for the first extension). Fights suspended until 19 April. For flight information email [email protected] with full names, dates of birth, passport numbers contact details, exact location, nearest airport and arrival date. National curfew from 10pm-4am from 3 April; some land border restrictions.

Turkmenistan Ban on entry to UK travellers. Borders closed and flights suspended until 20 April.

UAE Ban on entry to UK travellers. Flights suspended. For repatriation assistance contact [email protected] or 04 309 4444/02 610 1100, with full names, passport numbers, visa status (resident or tourist), contact details and current circumstances. Travellers who could not leave the country owing to the closure of borders will receive support, including permission to stay (further details to be announced).

Uzbekistan Ban on entry to UK travellers. Air and sea borders closed. Self-quarantine for 14 days. Face masks mandatory when outside.

Vietnam Ban on entry to UK travellers. Email [email protected] for a flight on 14 April (Phnom Penh to Hanoi to London). Most other flights suspended, with new flights announced on the embassy’s Twitter – currently some flights operating from Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi via Qatar, Japan and South Korea. Limited taxis but some private hire cars available, with an airport transfer facilitation letter (available from @UKinVietnam or email [email protected] ). No new visas being issued for 15-30 days, and 14-day quarantine for all travellers entering Vietnam. Restrictions on non-essential movement (except food shopping, medical care and exercise) until 15 April. Face masks mandatory.

Anguilla Sea and airports closed for 14 days from 20 March. Self-quarantine for travellers who have been outside the Caribbean region within the 14 days prior to arrival.

Antigua & Barbuda Ban on entry to UK travellers. VC Bird airport closed to international arrivals on commercial flights, but departures will be permitted to repatriate tourists. All seaports closed from 27 March for 14 days. Argentina Ban on entry to UK travellers. Borders closed and nationwide quarantine until 26 April initially. Flights suspended.Travellers still in Argentina are advised to find secure accommodation and email [email protected] to register for repatriation, including full name, passport number, date of birth, current location in Argentina and contact details. For urgent consular assistance call +54 11 4808-220.

Aruba, El Salvador, Montserrat, Saint Helena and Saint Maarten Ban on entry to UK travellers. All borders closed. UK travellers who wish to leave are advised to consider leaving as soon as possible, to ensure travel plans can be met.

Bahamas Ban on entry to UK travellers. Airports and seaports closed until 30 April. Email [email protected] to register for assistance, including name, contact details and exact location. Curfew until 8 April, which may be extended.

Barbados Mandatory quarantine for 14 days. National 24-hour curfew from 3 April. Flights suspended. Supermarkets closed until further notice; village shops remain open, but are subject to limited hours. For urgent assistance phone +1 246 430 7800.

Belize Ban on entry to UK travellers. Borders closed and flights suspended for 30 days from 21 March. Curfew from 8pm to 5am. For updates on repatriation email contact details to [email protected] . For urgent assistance phone +501 822 2146 and select option 2. United Airlines’ flight from Belize City to Houston originally scheduled for 14 April now postponed until 16 April – email [email protected] or WhatsApp message to +501 614-2613 for more information.

Bermuda Ban on entry to UK travellers from 20 March. No incoming passenger flights from LF Wade airport for two weeks.

Bolivia Ban on entry to UK travellers. Email [email protected] for assistance and repatriation enquiries. All flights suspended until 15 April initially. Land borders closed. Non-essential movement severely restricted.

Brazil Ban on entry to all travellers from 23 March for 30 days. Direct flights suspended (likely to be for the first three weeks of April) and land borders closed. Some indirect routes to the UK are still operating with Air France, KLM and Lufthansa.UK travellers who wish to leave are advised to consider leaving as soon as possible, to ensure travel plans can be met.

British Virgin Islands All airports and seaports closed until 24 April initially.

Canada Ban on entry to UK travellers. Only Toronto Pearson, Montreal Pierre Elliott Trudeau, Calgary International Airport and Vancouver International airports are operating international flights. US border closed to non-essential travel from 20 March. UK travellers who wish to leave are advised to consider doing so as soon as possible, to ensure travel plans can be met.

Cayman Islands Ban on entry to UK travellers. International passenger flights suspended for three weeks from 22 March. UK travellers who wish to leave are advised to consider doing so as soon as possible. Chile Land and sea borders closed and flights suspended. UK travellers are advised to consider leaving as soon as possible. Overstaying a visa could affect your departure. For repatriation news follow the embassy on Twitter and Facebook .

Colombia Ban on entry to UK travellers. Airports closed and international flights suspended from 23 March. Restrictions on non-essential movement until 13 April initially. Land and sea borders closed. UK travellers are advised to consider leaving as soon as possible.

Costa Rica Ban on entry to UK travellers. Flights suspended. Email [email protected] to register for repatriation and assistance. For urgent assistance contact the embassy on (+506) 2258 2025 or the tourism institute for issues including accommodation, on +506-2299-5827 or by WhatsApp message at +506-8628-3247. British Airways are not scheduled to resume flights to/from Costa Rica until 27 June 2020. There is a French repatriation flight on Wednesday 15 April with some available seats for UK nationals – email [email protected] asap for more information.

Cuba Ban on entry to UK travellers. Flights suspended. Travellers staying in casas particulares may be moved to hotels; those in hotels will be confined to the hotel. Restricted services and hours in restaurants and bars; public transport between regions suspended and other urban routes likely to be affected; restrictions to non-essential movement, particularly in Havana. For urgent assistance phone +53 7 214 2200.

Curaçao Ban on entry to travellers. Curfew all day for two weeks from 29 March.

Dominica Flights suspended and borders closed. For urgent assistance phone 1 246 430 7800. Curfew 6pm to 6am Monday to Thursday, and all weekend.

Dominican Republic Air, land and sea borders closed from 19 March. Travel over municipal borders prohibited. UK travellers are advised to consider leaving as soon as possible. Restrictions on non-essential movement ( except food shopping, medical care and exercise). Cultural and sporting activities prohibited; large gatherings banned; restaurants and bars closed; shops likely to be open at limited hours and public transport limited. For assistance and repatriation enquiries email [email protected].

Ecuador Borders closed. All flights suspended until at least 30 April. All travel to Galapagos suspended and all national parks closed until further notice. For anyone wishing to leave the Galapagos, register online . Restrictions on non-essential movement (except food shopping, medical care and exercise). Curfew in place from 2pm to 5am.

Guatemala Ban on entry to UK travellers. All land, air and maritime borders are closed. Public transport suspended. Curfew 4pm-4am. Email [email protected] to register for repatriation and assistance. For urgent assistance phone (502) 2380 7300.

Grenada Ban on entry to traveller who have been in the UK 14 days before arrival (and on also on travellers who have been to Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, China, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Iran, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland or US)

Guyana All international flights suspended from Cheddi Jagan airport at Timehri and Eugene Correia airport at Ogle. Land borders closed. For information on upcoming flights email [email protected], with names, passport details, dates of birth, exact location in Guyana, and contact details. For urgent consular assistance phone 00592 226 5881.

Haiti Ban on entry to UK travellers. All borders closed. Curfew 8pm to 5am. For repatriation and assistance email details to [email protected], or for urgent matters phone +1 809 472 7111.

Honduras Ban on entry to UK travellers. Curfew 24 hours a day until 12 April. All borders closed and flights suspended. Email [email protected] for repatriation enquiries and assistance.

Jamaica Ban on entry to UK travellers. All borders closed. UK travellers who wish to leave are advised to consider leaving as soon as possible, to ensure travel plans can be met. Email [email protected] for assistance. Kingston to London Gatwick flights likely to resume on 1 May with British Airways.

Mexico Some flights suspended. Large gatherings restricted. Land border with US closed from 21 March to all non-essential traffic for 30 days.

Nicaragua Some flights suspended. Aeromexico flights currently operating to Mexico City, with connections to London on 19 and 26 April. Domestic airline La Costeña appears to be operating as usual. Border restrictions with Costa Rica and Honduras. National helpline: 123.

Panama Ban on entry to UK travellers. Flights suspended until 22 April. National curfew between 9pm and 5am – travellers should not leave their accommodation outside of these hours. Closure of commercial and leisure establishments, restrictions on entry to supermarkets and public transport limited. For repatriation assistance [email protected].

Paraguay Ban on entry to UK travellers. Flights suspended. To register for repatriation and assistance, send your contact details, by email to [email protected]. Restrictions on non-essential movement (ie food shopping and medical care only). Closure of commercial and leisure establishments, restrictions on entry to supermarkets; and public transport suspended.

Peru Ban on entry to UK travellers. Land and sea borders closed and air travel limited. There is one flight due on 15 April (£250pp), book here for Lima to London, and here for Cusco to London via Lima, or call CTM on +44 20 7429 9725. For repatriation assistance email [email protected] for alerts and follow @UKinPeru on Twitter. UK travellers are advised to consider leaving as soon as possible. Restrictions on non-essential movement (except food shopping, exercise and medical care).

Saint Kitts & Nevis Ban on entry to UK travellers. All borders closed. Flights suspended. For urgent assistance phone +1 246 430 7800.

Saint Lucia Ban on entry to UK travellers. Flights suspended and borders closed. National helpline: 311, or for urgent help contact +1 758 452 2482 (option 2). For repatriation enquiries and assistance follow the embassy on Facebook and Twitter .

Saint Vincent & the Grenadines Self-quarantine for 14 days. Ban on entry to travellers who have been in China, Italy or Iran in the 14 days before arrival. For urgent assistance, phone (+1 784) 534 4325 or e-mail [email protected] . Flights suspended other than a once daily flight on LIAT between St Vincent and Barbados. Seaports of Bequia, Mustique, Canouan and Union Island closed to yachts and pleasure craft.

Trinidad & Tobago Ban on entry to UK travellers. Some flights suspended. Restrictions on non-essential movement until 15 April (except food shopping, medical care and exercise). Visa extensions granted until 22 June (for stamps given 1 March-30 April) – email [email protected]. For urgent consular assistance phone +1 868 350 0444 (option 2, then option 1).

Turks & Caicos Ban on entry to travellers who have been in affected countries in the 21 days before arrival – a list of countries that is subject to change frequently. All airports closed.

Uruguay All flights to US and Europe suspended. Border closed with Argentina including ferries. Large commercial premises closed until further notice. For repatriation updates follow the embassy on Twitter and Facebook .

USA Ban on entry to UK travellers. Border with Canada closed to non-essential travel from 20 March (midnight EST). Some flights suspended. UK travellers who wish to leave are advised to consider doing so as soon as possible, to ensure travel plans can be met. Some transatlantic flights operating from JFK (New York), LAX (Los Angeles), BOS (Boston), IAD (Washington DC), SFO (San Francisco), ORD (Chicago), SEA (Seattle), MIA (Miami), EWR (Newark), and ATL (Atlanta), with flights likely to be scheduled with American Airlines, British Airways, Delta, United and Virgin Atlantic.

Australia Ban on entry to UK travellers. All borders closed and could remain so for at least six months (to non-citizens and non-residents). Self-quarantine for 14 days. Large gatherings banned. UK travellers looking to return to the UK are advised to register on the British High Commission’s registration site . Travellers with a compassionate or compelling reason to enter or transit can apply to the authorities for an exemption via an online form . Travel between most states and territories within is now restricted to essential travel only. Airlines still operating include Qatar Airways (via Doha), with one flight a day from each of Sydney, Melbourne and Perth until further notice and one flight per day from Brisbane until 15 April; and Qantas is running one flight a week from Melbourne to London from 19 April for four weeks.

Cook Islands and French Polynesia Ban on entry to UK travellers. Some flights suspended.

Fiji Nadi Airport will close to all scheduled flights. No connections through Australia or New Zealand. National curfew from 30 March from 10pm-5am. Flights suspended. Email [email protected] to register for repatriation and assistance, including name, contact details, passport number and exact location.

Kiribati Ban on entry to UK travellers. Tarawa airport closed until 30 April. UK travellers are advised to consider leaving as soon as possible, as onward travel could become more difficult.

Micronesia Entry restricted to those who have spent 14 days in a country without any cases prior to arrival. UK travellers are advised to consider leaving as soon as possible, as onward travel could become more difficult.

Nauru Ban on entry to travellers who have been in or transited through China, Hong Kong, Iran, Italy, Macao or South Korea in the 21 days before arrival.

New Zealand Ban on entry to all UK travellers. Domestic travel permitted for people connecting with international flights to home countries, including public or private transport. Large gatherings banned. Flights severely disrupted and transit options limited. Register for assistance with the British High Commission . Airlines currently flying to the UK include Malaysia Airlines (via Kuala Lumpur), Qatar Airways (via Doha) and Air New Zealand/Virgin Atlantic (via Los Angeles) – but check with airlines and countries if transit is permitted before boarding. Transit via New Zealand is permitted for UK travellers returning home, with a layover of no more than 10 hours.

Palau Ban on entry to travellers who have been in China, Hong Kong or Macao in the 14 days before arrival.

Samoa No connections through Australia or New Zealand. Travellers must present a health certificate stating that they are not affected by coronavirus. Ban on entry to travellers who have recently been in Australia, Austria, Bahrain, Belgium, Canada, China, Czechia, Denmark, France, Germany, Greece, Hong Kong (SAR China), Iceland, Italy, Iran, Japan, Kuwait, Luxembourg, Macao, Malaysia, Netherlands, Norway, Qatar, Singapore, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Thailand, Taiwan, United Arab Emirates or USA.

Solomon Islands Ban on entry to UK travellers and flights suspended.

Tonga Ban on entry to UK travellers. All borders closed and flights suspended until 18 April initially. For repatriation updates follow the Fiji embassy on Facebook and their Twitter (there are no consular services in Tonga itself). National curfew 8pm-6am until 17 April initially.

Vanuatu All borders and airports closed until further notice. No commercial services are expected to operate while state of emergency is in place (from 26 March for 14 days).

Algeria Borders closed and flights suspended. Email for further assistance: [email protected]. Large events banned and many public spaces and amenities closed. Curfew in place 7am to 7pm.

Angola Flights suspended. Ban on entry to travellers who have visited China, South Korea, Iran, France, Spain, Portugal or Italy since December. There is a flight from Luanda to Lisbon on 14 April, contact: [email protected] as soon as possible to book.

Benin Quarantine in allocated hotels for all travellers arriving by air. Entry and exit at border crossings will be limited to “extreme necessity”. Commercial flights continue to operate.

Botswana Temporary ban on visas for nationals from affected countries affected. Some land border restrictions.

Burundi and Guinea-Bissau Borders closed and flights suspended.

Cameroon Borders closed and flights suspended. Email to register for repatriation including name, contact details, passport number and exact location to [email protected], or for urgent assistance call the embassy on 00442070081500 / +237 222220545.

Cape Verde All sea borders closed and flights restricted.

Comoros All airports closed. Entry restricted to those who have spent 14 days in a country without any cases prior to arrival..

Congo Borders closed and flights suspended.Email [email protected] for repatriation and assistance.

Democratic Republic of Congo, , Malawi and Mozambique, Togo and Zambia Self-quarantine for 14 days for travellers who have recently been in affected countries. Some flights suspended.

Gambia Most flights suspended. Email [email protected] for repatriation and assistance. National helpline: 1025.

Egypt Ban on entry to UK travellers. Flights suspended with updates on new flights being published on Facebook and on Twitter .

Eritrea Asmara International Airport is closed for a minimum of two weeks from 25 March, and visa entry scheme suspended. For repatriation enquiries and assistance email [email protected] or call 07 660 207 (including name, contact details, passport number, date of birth, airline and ticket number, exact location, UK address, health conditions).

Eswatini Land borders closed. Non-essential travel between towns and large gatherings restricted. UK travellers can transit through Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg.

Ethiopia Land borders closed, but some flights continue to operate from Addis Ababa Bole airport. Large gatherings and non-essential movement restricted. Self-quarantine for 14 days for travellers who have recently been in affected countries. Travellers with an onward ticket are exempt from quarantine. For repatriation assistance email [email protected] , including name, contact details and current location. For urgent assistance contact +251 (0)11 617 0100, or from the UK 0207 008 1500.

Ghana Borders closed and restrictions on non essential movement until 27 April. Most flights suspended. UK travellers wishing to leave should travel to Accra as soon as possible, as movement within the country will become more restricted. For repatriation updates follow the embassy on Twitter and Facebook , or for urgent assistance call call + 233 302 213 250.

Guinea Conakry Airport and all borders closed until further notice. Curfew 9pm-5am. For repatriation assistance email [email protected], including name, passport number, date of birth, current location and contact details.

Kenya Ban on entry to UK travellers. All flights suspended. UK travellers needing to leave should register online for the next repatriation flight, and email details to [email protected] (including name, passport number, contact details, exact location, address in the UK, details of who you are travelling with and any health issues). Face masks mandatory in public places and on public and private transport.

Namibia Ban on entry to UK travellers. Restrictions on domestic travel and non-essential movement. All flights suspended and borders closed. Lockdown of Khomas and Erongo regions until 17 April initially. For repatriation assistance email [email protected] , including name, passport number, date of birth, current location and contact details. For urgent assistance, including issues getting to airports, contact the British High Commission on 061274800.

Mauritius Ban on entry to UK travellers. Flights suspended. UK nationals in Mauritius on a tourist visa do not need to extend their “leave to stay” period (as stamped in your passport on arrival) even if it is due to expire.

Liberia All flights suspended. Restrictions on movement and social distancing enforced. Quarantine of 14 days likely for travellers who have recently been in affected countries.

Madagascar All flights suspended and ports closed until further notice. There are no viable departure options at present.

Morocco Flights to and from UK suspended. Restaurants, bars and other public spaces closed, restrictions on non-essential movement (except food shopping, medical care and exercise) – all movement around the country and within towns is restricted to essential shopping or medical assistance, and requires an “exceptional movement certificate” from the Moroccan authorities. Face masks mandatory in public places, and those who do not wear one could face prosecution. Passenger ferry links between Morocco and Spain and Gibraltar suspended. Flight updates on Facebook and Twitter . Email [email protected] to register for repatriation and assistance, including name, contact details, passport number, exact location.

Rwanda All flights suspended from 20 March for initial period of 30 days. Borders closed and and restrictions on non-essential movement outside of residences, including travel between cities and districts from 21 March for two weeks.

Senegal All commercial flights suspended until further notice.Curfew 8pm-6am, including movement restricted between regions, but excluding travel to airports with relevant travel documents. Gloves and masks mandatory while outside. Email [email protected] for repatriation enquiries and assistance. For urgent help contact +221 33 823 7392.

Seychelles Ban on entry to UK travellers. Some flights suspended and airports closed other than for repatriation flights. For assistance phone +248 260 0451.

South Africa Ban on entry to UK travellers. All commercial flights suspended until at least 30 April. Travellers in the country who received a stamp on arrival allowing them to stay for 90 days do not need to apply for a visa. UK travellers only permitted entry if transiting home, but there is a ban on both entry and transit to travellers who have been in China, France, Germany, Iran, Italy, South Korea, Spain, Switzerland, USA or United Kingdom, since 15 March. Restrictions on non-essential movement (except food shopping and medical care). for repatriation flights visit the CTM website (£855.43pp from Cape Town and £655.50 from Johannesburg).

Tanzania All flights suspended until further notice. Self-quarantine for 14 days for travellers who have recently been in affected [email protected], including name, date of birth, UK address, current location, contact details and any health issues. For urgent help, phone +255 22 229 0000 or UK +44 207 008 1500.

Tunisia Ban on entry to UK travellers. Most flights suspended and sea borders closed. For information on repatriation, contact [email protected].

Uganda Borders closed and flights suspended until 24 April. There are no viable departure options at present, so UK travellers are advised to find secure accommodation and follow the advice of local authorities. For repatriation and assistance, email details to [email protected] (including name, passport number, contact details, exact location, UK address, health conditions).

Zimbabwe Countrywide lockdown from 30 March for 21 days.

Cruise ships

The FCO is advising against all travel on cruise ships for passengers aged 70 years and over or those with high-risk conditions. There are widespread bans around the world on cruise ships docking or passengers disembarking.

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COVID-19: travel health notice for all travellers

United Kingdom travel advice

Latest updates: The Need help? section was updated.

Last updated: April 10, 2024 08:40 ET

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Safety and security, entry and exit requirements, laws and culture, natural disasters and climate, united kingdom - exercise a high degree of caution.

Exercise a high degree of caution in the United Kingdom due to the threat of terrorism.

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There is a threat of terrorism in Europe. Terrorists have carried out attacks in several European cities.

In the United Kingdom, previous incidents have resulted in casualties. They include random violent incidents in public areas, such as knife and vehicle attacks as well as explosions.

These incidents have occurred mainly in the London area but have also happened elsewhere.

Further attacks in the United Kingdom are likely. Targets could include:

• government buildings, including schools
• places of worship
• airports and other transportation hubs and networks
• public areas such as tourist attractions, restaurants, bars, coffee shops, shopping centres, markets, hotels and other sites frequented by foreigners

Always be aware of your surroundings when in public places. Be particularly vigilant if attending:

• sporting events
• religious holidays
• public celebrations
• major political events, such as elections

Terrorists have used such occasions to mount attacks.

The Government of the United Kingdom maintains a public alert system on terrorism and communicates threat level changes online and through local media.

National threat level - British Home Office

Petty crime

Petty crime, such as pickpocketing and purse snatching, is common. Cellphone theft is rampant in certain tourist areas of London. Vehicle theft and theft from parked vehicles also occurs, particularly in tourist areas and roadside stops.

Thieves work alone or in groups and may use various techniques to distract you and steal your belongings.

They are especially active in crowded areas, such as:

• tourist attractions and areas, including Piccadilly Circus, Trafalgar Square and Leicester Square
• airports and public transportation
• restaurants, pubs and bars
• patios and outdoor cafés
• hotel lobbies
• underground pedestrian walkways
• roadside stops

Violent crime

Violent crime, such as mugging, knife crime and sexual assault occurs, particularly in larger cities. There have been incidents of passengers being sexually assaulted and robbed when using unlicensed taxis.

If you have been the victim of a crime on the transportation system, including in a taxi, consult Transport for London to learn how to report it.

Report a crime or incident on the transportation system - Transport for London

During your trip:

• ensure that your belongings, including your passport, are secure at all times
• don’t keep your passport and other types of ID at the same place and carry a photocopy rather than the original
• avoid showing signs of affluence
• avoid carrying large sums of cash or unnecessary valuables
• pay attention to your surroundings, particularly in crowded and tourist areas
• be wary of unsolicited offers or advice from strangers
• be vigilant in urban areas, particularly after dark
• never leave personal belongings unattended in a vehicle, even in the trunk
• use secure parking facilities, especially overnight

Spiked food and drinks

Never leave food or drinks unattended or in the care of strangers. Be wary of accepting snacks, beverages, gum or cigarettes from new acquaintances. These items may contain drugs that could put you at risk of sexual assault and robbery.

Credit card and ATM fraud

Credit card and ATM fraud occurs. Fraud can range from simple to sophisticated, and sometimes involve hidden electronic devices that obtain account information and personal identification numbers.

When using debit or credit cards:

• pay careful attention when others are handling your cards
• use ATMs located in public areas or inside a bank or business
• avoid using card readers with an irregular or unusual feature
• cover the keypad with one hand when entering your PIN
• check for any unauthorized transactions on your account statements

Cybercrime occurs. Perpetrators may compromise public Wi-Fi networks to steal credit card or personal information.

• Avoid using public Wi-Fi networks
• Avoid making purchases on unsecured websites
• Use judgment when posting information on social media
• Be especially careful if you are meeting people you have met online
• Never click a suspicious link in an email or text message asking for your credit card details

Useful links

• More about overseas fraud
• Cybercrime - National Crime Agency

Demonstrations and strikes

Demonstrations take place regularly. Even peaceful demonstrations can turn violent at any time. They can also lead to disruptions to traffic and public transportation.

• Avoid areas where demonstrations and large gatherings are taking place
• Follow the instructions of local authorities
• Monitor local media for information on ongoing demonstrations

Strikes and pressure tactics occur from time to time, in key sectors such as transport. These strikes can sometimes complicate travel and disrupt public services.

• Consult local media to be aware of strikes that may affect your stay or travel plans
• In the event of a transport strike, plan extra time to get to your destination

Northern Ireland

In Northern Ireland, Protestant parades through predominantly Catholic neighbourhoods may occur from April to August, during the Orange Order summer marching season, particularly during the weeks leading up to July 12.

During the summer marching season:

• expect possible delays and disruptions in some areas
• exercise caution
• follow the advice of local authorities

Mass gatherings (large-scale events)

Adventure tourism

Outdoor activities, such as hiking and biking, may lead to safety concerns if they are not well-organized. Weather conditions can change rapidly, even in summer.

If you intend to go walking, biking or hiking in remote areas:

• never do so alone and do not part with your hiking companions
• obtain detailed information on your activity and on the environment in which you will be doing it before setting out
• buy travel insurance that includes helicopter rescue and medical evacuation
• ensure that your physical condition is good enough to meet the challenges of your activity
• avoid venturing off marked trails
• ensure that you’re adequately equipped
• stay informed about weather and other conditions that may pose a hazard
• inform a family member or friend of your itinerary
• Weather conditions - Met Office

Avalanche Forecasts - Scottish Avalanche Information Service

Road safety

Roads are excellent but are often narrow and congested, especially in urban areas. Use caution when entering a traffic circle (roundabout). Rural roads may become hazardous during severe weather conditions.

Pedestrians should use caution when crossing streets and be mindful that traffic is coming from the opposite direction than what they may be used to.

Public transportation

Public transportation is excellent and extensive. Trains and buses services connect most cities and areas of the country.

Taxis are generally safe. Only use officially licensed marked taxis.

• Getting around Britain - Visit Britain
• Train schedules and service alerts - National Rail

We do not make assessments on the compliance of foreign domestic airlines with international safety standards.

Information about foreign domestic airlines

Every country or territory decides who can enter or exit through its borders. The Government of Canada cannot intervene on your behalf if you do not meet your destination’s entry or exit requirements.

We have obtained the information on this page from the British authorities. It can, however, change at any time.

Verify this information with the  Foreign Representatives in Canada .

Entry requirements vary depending on the type of passport you use for travel.

Before you travel, check with your transportation company about passport requirements. Its rules on passport validity may be more stringent than the country’s entry rules.

Regular Canadian passport

Your passport must be valid for at least the expected duration of your stay in the United Kingdom. This requirement may also apply when travelling to Northern Ireland from other parts of the United Kingdom, and vice versa.

Passport for official travel

Different entry rules may apply.

Official travel

Passport with “X” gender identifier

While the Government of Canada issues passports with an “X” gender identifier, it cannot guarantee your entry or transit through other countries. You might face entry restrictions in countries that do not recognize the “X” gender identifier. Before you leave, check with the closest foreign representative for your destination.

Other travel documents

Different entry rules may apply when travelling with a temporary passport or an emergency travel document. Before you leave, check with the closest foreign representative for your destination.

• Foreign Representatives in Canada
• Canadian passports

Tourist visa: not required for stays of up to 6 months Business visa or work permit: required Student visa: required

You may need a work permit or visa even if you plan to do:

• unpaid work
• volunteer work
• part-time work
• temporary work

A marriage visitor visa is also required if you plan to get married or register a civil partnership in the United Kingdom.

You should obtain your visa from the UK Visas and Immigration or the closest British High Commission in Canada before your departure.

The High Commission of Canada in the United Kingdom, in London, cannot assist you in your visa application process. Consult the UK Visas and Immigration authorities or the British High Commission in Canada to:

• make sure you apply for the proper visa you need according to the purpose of your visit (marriage, employment, study)
• find out which documents you need to obtain your visa
• obtain any status updates
• check if you will be required to pay a health-care surcharge
• Check if you need a UK visa  - UK Government
• UK Visas and Immigration  - UK Government
• Pay for UK healthcare as part of your immigration application  - UK Government

Other entry requirements

UK Border officials may ask you to show them a return or onward ticket and proof that you have sufficient funds to support yourself for the duration of your stay.

If you are unable to do so, or if you seek entry as a visitor but are found with items indicating that you intend to seek any type of employment (such as curriculum vitae or educational certificates), you may be denied entry and expelled from the country.

Similarly, if you seek entry as a visitor and are suspected of planning to reside in the UK for any reason, including having a UK-based partner, you may be denied entry.

If you have previously been refused entry, contact the British High Commission in Ottawa to enquire about entry clearance before making plans to visit the UK, even if a visa is normally not required.

Transiting through a United Kingdom airport

If you plan to transit through a United Kingdom airport, make sure you comply with the entry requirements of your final destination. If you don’t meet the entry requirements of your final destination, you may be denied boarding.

Unplanned layovers could lead to substantial travel costs and delays. You should not depend on the Government of Canada for assistance related to changes to your travel plans.

Children and travel

Learn more about travelling with children .

Yellow fever

Learn about potential entry requirements related to yellow fever (vaccines section).

Relevant Travel Health Notices

• Global Measles Notice - 13 March, 2024
• COVID-19 and International Travel - 13 March, 2024

This section contains information on possible health risks and restrictions regularly found or ongoing in the destination. Follow this advice to lower your risk of becoming ill while travelling. Not all risks are listed below.

Consult a health care professional or visit a travel health clinic preferably 6 weeks before you travel to get personalized health advice and recommendations.

Routine vaccines

Be sure that your  routine vaccinations , as per your province or territory , are up-to-date before travelling, regardless of your destination.

Some of these vaccinations include measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, varicella (chickenpox), influenza and others.

Pre-travel vaccines and medications

You may be at risk for preventable diseases while travelling in this destination. Talk to a travel health professional about which medications or vaccines may be right for you, based on your destination and itinerary. 

Yellow fever is a disease caused by a flavivirus from the bite of an infected mosquito.

Travellers get vaccinated either because it is required to enter a country or because it is recommended for their protection.

• There is no risk of yellow fever in this country.

Country Entry Requirement*

• Proof of vaccination is not required to enter this country.

Recommendation

• Vaccination is not recommended.

* It is important to note that country entry requirements may not reflect your risk of yellow fever at your destination. It is recommended that you contact the nearest diplomatic or consular office of the destination(s) you will be visiting to verify any additional entry requirements.

About Yellow Fever

Yellow Fever Vaccination Centres in Canada

Measles is a highly contagious viral disease. It can spread quickly from person to person by direct contact and through droplets in the air.

Anyone who is not protected against measles is at risk of being infected with it when travelling internationally.

Regardless of where you are going, talk to a health care professional before travelling to make sure you are fully protected against measles.

  Hepatitis B is a risk in every destination. It is a viral liver disease that is easily transmitted from one person to another through exposure to blood and body fluids containing the hepatitis B virus.  Travellers who may be exposed to blood or other bodily fluids (e.g., through sexual contact, medical treatment, sharing needles, tattooing, acupuncture or occupational exposure) are at higher risk of getting hepatitis B.

Hepatitis B vaccination is recommended for all travellers. Prevent hepatitis B infection by practicing safe sex, only using new and sterile drug equipment, and only getting tattoos and piercings in settings that follow public health regulations and standards.

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is an infectious viral disease. It can spread from person to person by direct contact and through droplets in the air.

It is recommended that all eligible travellers complete a COVID-19 vaccine series along with any additional recommended doses in Canada before travelling. Evidence shows that vaccines are very effective at preventing severe illness, hospitalization and death from COVID-19. While vaccination provides better protection against serious illness, you may still be at risk of infection from the virus that causes COVID-19. Anyone who has not completed a vaccine series is at increased risk of being infected with the virus that causes COVID-19 and is at greater risk for severe disease when travelling internationally.

Before travelling, verify your destination’s COVID-19 vaccination entry/exit requirements. Regardless of where you are going, talk to a health care professional before travelling to make sure you are adequately protected against COVID-19.

 The best way to protect yourself from seasonal influenza (flu) is to get vaccinated every year. Get the flu shot at least 2 weeks before travelling.  

 The flu occurs worldwide. 

•  In the Northern Hemisphere, the flu season usually runs from November to   April.
•  In the Southern Hemisphere, the flu season usually runs between April and   October.
•  In the tropics, there is flu activity year round. 

The flu vaccine available in one hemisphere may only offer partial protection against the flu in the other hemisphere.

The flu virus spreads from person to person when they cough or sneeze or by touching objects and surfaces that have been contaminated with the virus. Clean your hands often and wear a mask if you have a fever or respiratory symptoms.

In this destination, rabies  may be present in some wildlife species, including bats. Rabies is a deadly disease that spreads to humans primarily through bites or scratches from an infected animal. 

If you are bitten or scratched by an animal while travelling, immediately wash the wound with soap and clean water and see a health care professional. 

Before travel, discuss rabies vaccination with a health care professional. It may be recommended for travellers who will be working directly with wildlife. 

Polio (poliomyelitis) is an infectious disease that can be prevented by vaccination. It is caused by poliovirus type 1, 2 or 3. Circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus 2 (cVDPV2) is present in this country. Polio is spread from person to person and through contaminated food and water. Infection with the polio virus can cause paralysis and death in individuals of any age who are not immune.

Recommendations:

• Be sure that your polio vaccinations are up to date before travelling. Polio is part of the routine vaccine schedule for children in Canada.
• One booster dose of the polio vaccine is recommended as an adult .

Tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) is a risk in some areas of this destination. It is a viral disease that affects the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord). It is spread to humans by the bite of infected ticks or occasionally when unpasteurized milk products are consumed.

Travellers to areas where TBE is found may be at higher risk  during April to November, and the risk is highest for people who hike or camp in forested areas.

Protect yourself from tick bites . The vaccine is not available in Canada. It may be available in the destination you are travelling to.

Safe food and water precautions

Many illnesses can be caused by eating food or drinking beverages contaminated by bacteria, parasites, toxins, or viruses, or by swimming or bathing in contaminated water.

• Learn more about food and water precautions to take to avoid getting sick by visiting our eat and drink safely abroad page. Remember: Boil it, cook it, peel it, or leave it!
• Avoid getting water into your eyes, mouth or nose when swimming or participating in activities in freshwater (streams, canals, lakes), particularly after flooding or heavy rain. Water may look clean but could still be polluted or contaminated.
• Avoid inhaling or swallowing water while bathing, showering, or swimming in pools or hot tubs. 

Insect bite prevention

Many diseases are spread by the bites of infected insects such as mosquitoes, ticks, fleas or flies. When travelling to areas where infected insects may be present:

• Use insect repellent (bug spray) on exposed skin
• Cover up with light-coloured, loose clothes made of tightly woven materials such as nylon or polyester
• Minimize exposure to insects
• Use mosquito netting when sleeping outdoors or in buildings that are not fully enclosed

To learn more about how you can reduce your risk of infection and disease caused by bites, both at home and abroad, visit our insect bite prevention page.

Find out what types of insects are present where you’re travelling, when they’re most active, and the symptoms of the diseases they spread.

Animal precautions

Some infections, such as rabies and influenza, can be shared between humans and animals. Certain types of activities may increase your chance of contact with animals, such as travelling in rural or forested areas, camping, hiking, and visiting wet markets (places where live animals are slaughtered and sold) or caves.

Travellers are cautioned to avoid contact with animals, including dogs, livestock (pigs, cows), monkeys, snakes, rodents, birds, and bats, and to avoid eating undercooked wild game.

Closely supervise children, as they are more likely to come in contact with animals.

Human cases of avian influenza have been reported in this destination. Avian influenza   is a viral infection that can spread quickly and easily among birds and in rare cases it can infect mammals, including people. The risk is low for most travellers.

Avoid contact with birds, including wild, farm, and backyard birds (alive or dead) and surfaces that may have bird droppings on them. Ensure all poultry dishes, including eggs and wild game, are properly cooked.

Travellers with a higher risk of exposure include those: 

• visiting live bird/animal markets or poultry farms
• working with poultry (such as chickens, turkeys, domestic ducks)
• hunting, de-feathering, field dressing and butchering wild birds and wild mammals
• working with wild birds for activities such as research, conservation, or rehabilitation
• working with wild mammals, especially those that eat wild birds (e.g., foxes)

All eligible people are encouraged to get the seasonal influenza shot, which will protect them against human influenza viruses. While the seasonal influenza shot does not prevent infection with avian influenza, it can reduce the chance of getting sick with human and avian influenza viruses at the same time.

Person-to-person infections

Stay home if you’re sick and practise proper cough and sneeze etiquette , which includes coughing or sneezing into a tissue or the bend of your arm, not your hand. Reduce your risk of colds, the flu and other illnesses by:

•   washing your hands often
• avoiding or limiting the amount of time spent in closed spaces, crowded places, or at large-scale events (concerts, sporting events, rallies)
• avoiding close physical contact with people who may be showing symptoms of illness 

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) , HIV , and mpox are spread through blood and bodily fluids; use condoms, practise safe sex, and limit your number of sexual partners. Check with your local public health authority pre-travel to determine your eligibility for mpox vaccine.  

Medical services and facilities

Health care is excellent. Service is available throughout the country.

You must pay for medical services provided by the National Health Service (NHS) unless:

• you are an ordinarily resident of the United Kingdom
• you are accessing emergency services exempted from fees.

You may be required to pay the medical fees in advance.

Make sure you get travel insurance that includes coverage for medical evacuation and hospital stays.

• Accessing NHS services as a visitor - National Health Service (NHS)
• Travel health and safety

Keep in Mind...

The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller. The traveller is also responsible for his or her own personal safety.

Be prepared. Do not expect medical services to be the same as in Canada. Pack a   travel health kit , especially if you will be travelling away from major city centres.

You must abide by local laws.

Learn about what you should do and how we can help if you are arrested or detained abroad .

Transfer to a Canadian prison

Canada and the United Kingdom are signatories to the Convention on the Transfer of Sentenced Persons. This enables a Canadian imprisoned in the United Kingdom to request a transfer to a Canadian prison to complete a sentence. The transfer requires the agreement of both Canadian and the United Kingdom authorities.

This process can take a long time, and there is no guarantee that the transfer will be approved by either or both sides.

Penalties for possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs are severe. Convicted offenders can expect prison sentences and heavy fines.

Drugs, alcohol and travel

Laws on knives

It is illegal to carry, purchase, sell or enter the country with certain types of knives. Convicted offenders can expect heavy fines and jail sentences.

Selling, buying and carrying knives - UK Government

Dual citizenship

Dual citizenship is legally recognized in the United Kingdom.

If you are a Canadian citizen, but also a citizen of the United Kingdom, our ability to offer you consular services may be limited while you're there. You may also be subject to different entry/exit requirements .

Travellers with dual citizenship

International Child Abduction

The Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction is an international treaty. It can help parents with the return of children who have been removed to or retained in certain countries in violation of custody rights. The convention applies between Canada and the United Kingdom.

If your child was wrongfully taken to, or is being held in the United Kingdom, and if the applicable conditions are met, you may apply for the return of your child to the British court.

If you are in this situation:

• act as quickly as you can
• contact the Central Authority for your province or territory of residence for information on starting an application under The Hague Convention
• consult a lawyer in Canada and in the United Kingdom to explore all the legal options for the return of your child
• report the situation to the nearest Canadian government office abroad or to the Vulnerable Children’s Consular Unit at Global Affairs Canada by calling the Emergency Watch and Response Centre

If your child was removed from a country other than Canada, consult a lawyer to determine if The Hague Convention applies.

Be aware that Canadian consular officials cannot interfere in private legal matters or in another country’s judicial affairs.

• List of Canadian Central Authorities for the Hague Convention
• International Child Abduction: A Guidebook for Left-Behind Parents
• Travelling with children
• The Hague Convention - Hague Conference on Private International Law
• Canadian embassies and consulates by destination
• Emergency Watch and Response Centre

Traffic drives on the left.

International driving permit

You can drive with a valid Canadian licence for up to 12 months from your date of entry. Certain car rental companies may require an international driving permit. You should carry an international driving permit.

Congestion Charge

If you drive into central London between 7 a.m. and 10 p.m., you will be required to pay a daily congestion charge. The Congestion Charge zone is indicated by a large “C” painted on the roads and by signs.

You can pay the fee by phone, online or at selected shops and gas stations. Parking in London is limited and charges are high.

• More about the International Driving Permit
• Congestion Charge  - Transport of London

The currency of the United Kingdom is the pound sterling (GBP).

If you are carrying £10,000 or more, or the equivalent in other currencies, you must make a declaration to customs when you enter or leave the United Kingdom.

It includes sums in:

• banknotes and coins
• bearer bonds
• travellers’ cheques
• cheques that are signed but not made out to a person or organization
• money orders (Northern Ireland only)
• gold coins, bullion or nuggets (Northern Ireland only)
• prepaid cards (Northern Ireland only)

Take cash in and out of the UK - Government of the United Kingdom

Severe weather

England, Scotland and Wales are subject to wind storms that can cause death and injury and severely damage commercial, residential and natural areas.

Fog, and snow can also have widespread impacts, including transportation disruptions.

• Keep informed of regional weather forecasts
• Stay away from disaster areas
• Follow the instructions of local authorities, including evacuation orders
• Storm forecast - Met Office

Flooding and landslides

Heavy rains can cause severe flooding, mudslides and landslides, particularly in certain coastal and riverside areas. Roads may become impassable and infrastructure damaged.

• Exercise caution, particularly in coastal areas and around major rivers
• Stay informed of the latest regional weather forecasts
• Follow the advice of local authorities, including evacuation orders
• Flooding risks in England - UK Government
• Flood forecasting - Scottish Environment Protection Agency

Forest fires may occur, particularly during summer months.

The air quality in areas near active fires may deteriorate due to heavy smoke.

In case of a major fire:

• stay away from affected areas, particularly if you suffer from respiratory ailments
• monitor local media for up-to-date information on the situation
• England and Wales Fire Severity Index - Met Office
• Wildfires - Scottish Fire and Rescue Service

There is a risk of avalanches in mountainous regions, especially following heavy snowfalls. Some may be fatal.

Monitor the avalanche forecasts if you plan on practicing mountain activities.

Local services

Dial 999 for emergency assistance.

Consular assistance

The Falkland Islands and Gibraltar

For emergency consular assistance, call the High Commission of Canada in the United Kingdom, in London, and follow the instructions. At any time, you may also contact the Emergency Watch and Response Centre in Ottawa.

The decision to travel is your choice and you are responsible for your personal safety abroad. We take the safety and security of Canadians abroad very seriously and provide credible and timely information in our Travel Advice to enable you to make well-informed decisions regarding your travel abroad.

The content on this page is provided for information only. While we make every effort to give you correct information, it is provided on an "as is" basis without warranty of any kind, expressed or implied. The Government of Canada does not assume responsibility and will not be liable for any damages in connection to the information provided.

If you need consular assistance while abroad, we will make every effort to help you. However, there may be constraints that will limit the ability of the Government of Canada to provide services.

Learn more about consular services .

Risk Levels

  take normal security precautions.

Take similar precautions to those you would take in Canada.

  Exercise a high degree of caution

There are certain safety and security concerns or the situation could change quickly. Be very cautious at all times, monitor local media and follow the instructions of local authorities.

IMPORTANT: The two levels below are official Government of Canada Travel Advisories and are issued when the safety and security of Canadians travelling or living in the country or region may be at risk.

  Avoid non-essential travel

Your safety and security could be at risk. You should think about your need to travel to this country, territory or region based on family or business requirements, knowledge of or familiarity with the region, and other factors. If you are already there, think about whether you really need to be there. If you do not need to be there, you should think about leaving.

  Avoid all travel

You should not travel to this country, territory or region. Your personal safety and security are at great risk. If you are already there, you should think about leaving if it is safe to do so.

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The new rules on carrying liquids through UK airport security

Air travel is about to get a little easier, with restrictions on liquids relaxed. With some airports struggling to adapt, here's what to expect this summer.

For almost two decades, the queue for airport security has seen travellers hastily gulping down their bottled water and cramming liquid toiletries — limited to 100ml apiece — into a single transparent bag.  

But not for much longer. In 2022, the UK government announced that by June 2024, all major airports in the country would be required by law to install high-tech new security scanners. This would allow airline rules on liquids to be scrapped, among other benefits.

With the promise of speedier queues through departure, it was initially good news. But now, four of the biggest airports — Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted and Manchester — are on course to miss the deadline, prompting fears of confusion this summer.  

What’s the 100ml rule?

It stipulates that passengers with hand luggage can only take liquids and creams in containers of up to 100ml on board an aircraft. These must be placed in a single, transparent, re-sealable plastic bag, which holds no more than a litre and measures about 20cm x 20cm. The bag must be able to close.

Why was it introduced?

The measures were implemented after a foiled plot by Al-Qaeda in August 2006, during which terrorists attempted to disguise liquid explosives as drinks at Heathrow.  

Why is it changing?

The primary driver is an improvement in security technology. More advanced CT scanners mean that security staff are able to take a more detailed look at passengers’ luggage. As well as negating the need to remove liquids and limit them to 100ml, the new machines mean electronics can stay in bags — without closer inspections —and prohibited items such as weapons and liquid explosives can be better detected. According to Smiths Detection, which makes the scanners, this is thanks to explosives detection algorithms and automated object recognition software.

Why is it taking so long?

Introducing the new machines is a huge financial burden for airports and poses a logistical challenge.“It was always going to be a struggle for the big airports,” a senior aviation source told The Times. “One of the biggest issues they face is fitting the new scanners and retraining staff without impacting the flow of passengers.”

Heathrow, which has 146 security lanes across its terminals, faces the biggest challenge in meeting the deadline, and will have the smallest percentage of new lanes installed come June. A spokesman for Gatwick says it will have made “significant progress” by June but “plans to have completed the operation required to install the remaining scanners in Q1 2025”. Security areas will need to be adjusted at several airports because of the size of the new scanners. The floors in some terminals, especially at Heathrow, need to be reinforced because of their added weight. “The existing scanner is like a washing machine,” says Nick Barton, chief executive of Birmingham Airport. “The new machines are the size of a Ford Transit.”

What impact are the scanners expected to have?

People failing to remove items from their bags or travelling with large bottles of liquids cause delays at airport security, as they result in additional checks. The new machines are expected to cut wait times dramatically, although the fear is that, in the short term, ‘mixed messaging’ will lead to delays — where airports still have both old and new technology, passengers won’t know what to expect. At London City, which has already completed the upgrade, the average time it takes to conduct security checks is now only three minutes and 45 seconds, down from seven minutes in 2022.  

What will happen this summer, and what’s next?

Discussions are ongoing. Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted and Manchester are expected to be given an extension until 2025, meaning passengers at these airports will be told to follow existing rules — even though some lanes will have been upgraded — to avoid queues. Other airports are understood to be on course, and passengers will benefit this summer. Along with London City, Teesside Airport has already scrapped the 100ml rule. This change will only affect departures from the UK — arrivals into the country will still have to follow the rules of their outbound airport.

This forms part of a raft of new technologies being introduced over the next decade. Facial recognition and AI are playing a big role: in the future, passengers will board planes without showing documents — faces will be automatically matched to passports. Border Force has also started a process to see e-passport gates replaced with ones that do not require them to be inserted.  

Is the change also happening in the US or elsewhere?  

There are other countries that are looking at amending the rules on liquids in light of the new technology, although the UK is among the first to make a blanket change. Spain is on course to follow suit by 2026, thanks to a phased installation of the new scanners. Some other transport hubs, such as Amsterdam’s Schiphol, Frankfurt and Milan Malpensa, have also installed similar ones, and there are a limited number of lanes at Geneva that passengers can choose to use.

In the US, many airports, such as Atlanta's Hartsfield-Jackson and Chicago's O'Hare, have already installed the new scanners and, in these, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has slightly relaxed the rules. Travellers here are generally able to leave their food, electronics and liquids in their bags as they pass through — but rules on keeping liquids travel-sized remain, permitting just 3.4 ounces (100ml) or less in a single one-quart transparent bag. A nationwide rule change is still expected to take some time, due to the sheer number of airports across the country. On the whole, travellers can expect to encounter legacy rules at some point on their travels over the coming years.

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Advertisement

The U.S. issues new travel guidelines, warning that Iran will avenge the killings of senior commanders.

The State Department has barred its employees from traveling to large parts of Israel. Iran has repeatedly vowed to strike back over the deadly bombing this month of an Iranian Embassy complex in Syria.

• Share full article

By Liam Stack and Eric Schmitt

• April 12, 2024

Several countries including the United States have issued new travel guidelines for Israel and the surrounding region, as the Israeli military said its forces were “highly alert” for a possible Iranian strike in retaliation for the killings of several commanders.

Iran has repeatedly vowed to strike back at Israel over the bombing of an Iranian Embassy complex in Damascus, Syria, this month that killed three generals and four other military officers. An American official said on Friday that Washington expects an attack by Iran against Israel that would be bigger than recent attacks in the long shadow war between the two countries, but not so big that it would draw the United States into war. The official spoke on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the matter.

The U.S. State Department on Thursday barred its employees from traveling to large parts of Israel, the first time the U.S. government had restricted the movement of its employees in this way since the war in Gaza began more than six months ago.

On Thursday, Britain told its citizens that they “should consider leaving” Israel and the Palestinian territories “if it is safe to do so.” On Friday, India told its citizens “not to travel to Iran or Israel till further notice,” while France advised people not to travel to Israel, Iran or Lebanon and evacuated the families of French diplomats from Iran.

Asked about the U.S. travel warning , Matthew Miller, the State Department spokesman, said at a news briefing Thursday: “We have seen Iran making public threats against Israel in the past few days.” He declined to provide details about any specific information that prompted the warning.

The new guidelines bar U.S. government employees and their families from traveling to locations outside the Tel Aviv, Jerusalem and Beersheba metropolitan areas “out of an abundance of caution” until further notice. The State Department said U.S. personnel could move among those areas for personal travel.

The top American military commander for the Middle East, Gen. Michael E. Kurilla, traveled to Israel to coordinate a response to possible Iranian retaliation, U.S. officials said.

“Our enemies think that they will divide Israel and the United States,” the Israeli defense minister, Yoav Gallant, said in a statement on Friday after meeting with General Kurilla. “They are connecting us and are strengthening the relationship between us.”

If Iran attacks, he added, “we will know how to respond.”

On Thursday, the Israeli military’s chief spokesman, Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari, said that the armed forces were “highly alert and prepared” for any action Iran might take, even as the timing and scale of any response remained unclear. Analysts say that Tehran, which has long used a network of proxy forces to project power across the Middle East, wants to avoid igniting a full-fledged war that could drag in the United States and threaten the survival of Iran’s regime.

“For years, and even more so during the war, Iran has been financing, directing and arming its proxies — in Lebanon, Gaza, Syria, Iraq and Yemen — to attack the state of Israel,” he said. “An attack from Iranian territory would be clear evidence of Iran’s intentions to escalate the Middle East and stop hiding behind the proxies.”

Liam Stack is a Times reporter covering the Israel-Hamas war from Jerusalem. More about Liam Stack

Eric Schmitt is a national security correspondent for The Times, focusing on U.S. military affairs and counterterrorism issues overseas, topics he has reported on for more than three decades. More about Eric Schmitt

Our Coverage of the Israel-Hamas War

News and Analysis

Within moments of Israel and its allies shooting down a fusillade of Iranian missiles and drones, many began wondering what the exchange would mean for the war in Gaza. Military analysts were divided .

The disappearance and death of an Israeli teenager, whose body was found in the West Bank , spurred deadly rioting by Israeli settlers in Palestinian villages, ratcheting up tensions  even further in the occupied territory.

For months, Western governments have sent weapons to Israel while fending off accusations of abetting war crimes in Gaza. But as an outcry over the civilian death toll mounts, maintaining that balance is becoming increasingly difficult .

Mobilizing the American Left: As the death toll in Gaza climbed, the pro-Palestinian movement grew into a powerful, if disjointed, political force in the United States . Democrats are feeling the pressure.

Riding Rage Over Israel: Jackson Hinkle’s incendiary commentary  has generated over two million new followers on X since October — a surge that some researchers say is aided by inauthentic accounts by the online celebrity.

Psychedelics and Trauma: Thousands of festival-goers were using mind-altering substances when Hamas-led fighters attacked on Oct 7. Now, scientists are studying the effects of such drugs at a moment of trauma .

Turmoil at J Street: The war in Gaza has raised serious concerns within the Jewish political advocacy group about its ability to hold a middle position  without being pulled apart by forces on the right and the left.

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Emirates, Etihad, Qatar and other airlines resume flights to Jordan, Lebanon and Iraq

Airspace restrictions have lifted, but travellers can expect some knock-on effects.

Air traffic over Iran and the Middle East on Sunday after flights were cancelled and diverted. Reuters

Airlines in the Middle East have resumed flights to several destinations in the region.

Etihad Airways is once again flying to Amman, Beirut and Tel Aviv from Abu Dhabi, with flights resuming on Monday.

The national airline of the UAE cancelled and rerouted flights on Sunday after Jordan, Israel, Lebanon and Iraq temporarily closed airspace due to rising tensions between Iran and Israel.

Live updates: Follow the latest on Israel-Gaza

Travellers flying in the region today should be aware that there may still be delays or disruptions.

“As services return to normal following disruption caused by the temporary closure of airspace across parts of the Middle East on Sunday 14 April, there may still be a risk of some knock-on disruption across Monday 15 April,” a representative for the airline told The National.

Emirates has resumed normal operations after cancelling and rerouting some flights on Sunday. The Dubai airline is once again flying to Jordan, Lebanon and Iraq, after these countries lifted airspace restrictions.

“With the reopening of these airspaces, we are resuming our scheduled operations to/from Jordan, Lebanon, and Iraq from the afternoon of April 14,” an airline representative told The National.

“We are closely monitoring the situation in co-ordination with the relevant authorities. Safety is always our top priority. Customers can check their flight status on emirates.com for the latest information.”

A Flydubai representative said in an emailed statement that “flights are operating to schedule” and Qatar Airways resumed flights to destinations in the region, including to Amman, Beirut and Baghdad, according to a statement from the Doha-based airline.

Flights cancelled and rerouted

Over the weekend, several UAE airlines were cancelling and rerouting flights as tensions between Iran and Israel escalated.

Emirates, Etihad Airways and flydubai scrapped some flights and rerouted others after Jordan, Israel, Lebanon and Iraq temporarily closed airspace in light of Iran's attack on Israel.

Etihad, the national airline, cancelled flights to Tel Aviv and Amman on Sunday.

It rerouted a number of European and North American flights to avoid closed airspace in the region.

“Etihad Airways flights only operate through approved airspace. Safety is always our highest priority and we would never operate a flight unless it was safe to do so,” a representative for the airline told The National .

Flydubai cancelled several flights on Sunday.

“Due to the temporary closure of a number of airspaces last night, some of our flights on Sunday 14 April to Iran, Iraq, Israel and Jordan have been cancelled,” a representative for the airline told The National.

“We continue to closely monitor the situation as the airspaces reopen and will make any amendments to our schedule accordingly.”

The airline confirmed it was “in direct contact with our passengers whose travel plans have been affected”.

Wizz Air Abu Dhabi cancelled its scheduled flight to Israel on Sunday morning and said the temporary closure of airspace in the region had affected other flights.

“All passengers affected by the schedule changes will be provided with rebooking or refund options,” a representative said. “The safety and security for our passengers, crew and aircraft remains our number-one priority. We hope that normality comes back to the region soon.”

Iran cancels flights from airports across the country

Airports in Iran suspended flights across the country until at least Monday, according to reports from Iranian state media.

This includes all flights from Tehran's Imam Khomeini International Airport.

It also applies to domestic flights from Mehrabad Airport and airports in Shiraz, Isfahan, Bushehr, Kerman, Ilam, and Sanandaj.

Where are diverted flights in the Middle East going?

April 14 vs April 07. Air traffic that used to fly over Iraq has now moved to fly either over Saudi Arabia/Egypt or over Tajikistan/Pakistan. pic.twitter.com/xp9hNblCwH — Flightradar24 (@flightradar24) April 14, 2024

As several countries in the region restricted airspace, flights heading to Europe or to the US had to be diverted, typically via Saudi Arabia and Egypt.

The change of flight path could add up to an hour to flight times for many passengers. As well as delayed journeys, this is likely to affect connecting flights in other destinations.

Planes that used to fly over Iran are also being diverted over Tajikistan and Pakistan, showing a change of pattern in the skies over the Middle East in a post shared by flight-tracking company Flight Radar 24.

Israel reopens airspace

Initial airspace closures in Jordan, Iraq, Lebanon and Israel expired in the early hours of Sunday morning.

Israel's airspace reopened at 7.30am and an Arkia flight from the Seychelles was the first to land at Ben Gurion International Airport. Three El Al flights departed the airport on Sunday morning, with Israel's national airline bound for Prague, Athens and Larnaca.

Israel's airport authority on Sunday advised flight schedules at Ben Gurion would be subject to change.

Jordan has also reopened airspace, according to aviation authorities in the country. Samer Majali, chief executive of Amman airline Royal Jordanian, told Reuters the airline's flights have resumed but passengers could expect delays.

Iraq reopened its airspace on Sunday morning, with flights resuming across the country, and airspace in Lebanon reopened at 7am local time.

Middle East Airlines – Lebanon's national airline – announced on Facebook it was postponing most flights departing Beirut's Rafic Hariri International Airport.

What should affected travellers do?

Emirates advises customers departing or arriving at Dubai International Airport to check their flight status on emirates.com for the latest information regarding their flights.

It's best to do this before travelling to the airport.

Etihad also advises travellers to check the status of any coming journeys on the airline's website. Passengers who want to change their travel plans in light of disruptions have been asked to reach out to the Etihad Airways Contact Centre, or to the travel agent with which they booked flights.

Travellers can also check any travel insurance policies owned to see what is stated with regards to coverage for flight cancellations due to airspace restrictions. Those with future travel plans in or through the region should continue to monitor the situation for developments, and reconfirm flight schedules ahead of travel.

International airlines suspend flights to the region

Austrian Airlines suspended all flights to Tel Aviv, Erbil and Amman on Sunday. The national airline of Austria and a subsidiary of the Lufthansa Group has scrapped flights to the three destinations until April 15.

The move comes after the airline previously canned flights from Vienna to Tehran until April 18. Austrian Airlines was the last western European airline still flying to Iran amid the escalating tensions.

Germany's Lufthansa has taken similar precautions, announcing on Sunday that it is suspending flights to Amman, Erbil and Tel Aviv until at least Monday. The airline has also suspended flights to Beirut and Tehran until Thursday, April 18.

On Saturday, Australia's Qantas said it would redirect long-haul flights between Perth and London to avoid Iranian airspace.

Travellers on the 17.5-hour flight, can now expect to stop in Singapore where the jet will refuel, before continuing on an alternative route. The return service from London to Perth will continue to fly non-stop on a readjusted path due to prevailing winds.

Follow regional developments on our live blog

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• International travel, immigration and repatriation during COVID-19

International travel update, 11 January 2021

From 4am on 15 January 2021, the government will be introducing pre-departure testing requirements for all inbound passengers to England.

For the latest information on pre-departure testing, see the guidance on coronavirus testing for people travelling to England.

Last week, the Prime Minister announced that the government had made the difficult but necessary decision to introduce a new national lockdown .

Both globally and domestically we are seeing significant increases in levels of coronavirus (COVID-19), including the emergence of worrying new strains. It is therefore imperative that we ensure we are doing all we can to protect travel, reduce the risk of imported infections, including from new variants, and protect our NHS while national lockdown and vaccinations take effect.

We already have strong safeguards in place, including a requirement for mandatory 10-day self-isolation for the vast majority of arrivals and our travel corridors system remains critical in managing the risk of imported cases from high-risk countries. We also successfully launched the Test to Release scheme last month, which provides passengers with the option to reduce self-isolation, through isolating for 5 days after they have left a destination not on the travel corridors list and then taking a test. Pre-departure testing does not remove the public health need for international arrivals travelling from non-exempt countries to isolate for 10 days or opt into Test to Release.

However, as a result of increasing instances of COVID-19 around the world, including the emergence of new variants, we are now taking additional steps to add a further layer of protection to safeguard public health.

From 4am on 15 January, we will be introducing pre-departure testing requirements for all inbound passengers to England. Passengers arriving by ship, plane or train will have to take a test up to 3 days before departure and provide evidence of a negative result before they travel.

This will be an additional requirement that applies to all passengers, including those travelling from a travel corridor country, other than those on a very short list of exemptions. This extra layer of protection is in addition to existing self-isolation requirements.

We will establish the standards that tests must meet in regulations. This will include that the test must be of a diagnostic-standard test such as a polymerase chain reaction ( PCR ) test, and could in some cases include LAMP and lateral flow tests within set limits. We will provide clear guidance and advice to passengers regarding testing standards and capacity.

Guidance will be available to passengers and carriers on what to look for to assure tests and the results provided meet the standards required.

We will keep test standards and innovative testing technologies under review.

In addition, we will also set out the information passengers will need to have with them at check-in and the UK border to show they have had a qualifying negative test. This will include set data fields which test result certificates must include. All information on test requirements will be made available to passengers and transport operators through guidance on GOV. UK .

The current advice for those across the UK remains that you must stay at home and not travel abroad unless it is for a permitted exempt reason. The requirements apply equally to visitors from other states and British Nationals, and carriers may deny boarding if passengers are not in receipt of a qualifying negative test. British Nationals that need consular assistance should contact the nearest consulate, embassy or high commission .

If British Nationals test positive for COVID-19 while abroad they should not travel and should follow the local relevant guidance on self-isolation.

Transport operators will be required to check that a passenger has proof of a negative test result before they board their flight, train or ferry, and may deny boarding where appropriate to reduce numbers of non-compliant individuals arriving in England. Border Force will also conduct further checks upon arrival.

If a passenger arrives in England without a pre-departure negative test result they will be fined. We will amend the International Travel Regulations so that fines, starting at £500, can be levied on non-compliant passengers. Operators will also be fined for transporting non-compliant passengers.

Passengers travelling to England from the Common Travel Area (the United Kingdom, Ireland, Isle of Man, Jersey and Guernsey), will not be in scope of the regulations.

Children under the age of 11 will also not be required to complete pre-departure testing.

There will be a very restricted number of exemptions, including hauliers to allow the free flow of freight, and air, international rail and maritime crew.

Certain limited reasonable excuses for not undergoing testing will also be permitted, for example, lack of testing infrastructure in the departure country. This will apply to 3 overseas territories – St Helena, Ascension Island and the Falklands.

Arrivals from 3 additional countries will be considered to have a reasonable excuse not to comply due to lack of testing infrastructure. However, for these countries this will only apply for a specific, time limited window. This includes:

• Antigua and Barbuda – until 4am Thursday 21 January 2021
• St Lucia – until 4am Thursday 21 January 2021
• Barbados – until 4am Thursday 21 January 2021

If passengers are arriving from one of the above 3 countries after the time limited window has ended, they will be required to meet all pre-departure testing requirements.

Further details on exemptions and reasonable excuses will be set out in regulations and in guidance. We will keep exemptions and reasonable excuses under regular review.

We will be making detailed guidance available to both passengers and transport operators to support the implementation of these changes.

Measures are likely to be in place until the end of the current lockdown, although a review will take place before the end of that period.

The government recognises the continued challenges that the pandemic poses, both for individuals and for businesses.

We have worked closely with the international travel sector during the course of the pandemic and will continue to do so as we emerge from lockdown and are able to encourage people to travel again with confidence. We are also continuing to implement recommendations set out in the Global Travel Taskforce report to support the safe recovery of international travel.

The delivery of a safe, effective vaccine is also the best way to protect the most vulnerable, save thousands of lives and support the removal of many of the restrictions and return to international travel. We are already making great progress, including having currently vaccinated more people than the rest of Europe combined.

In the immediate term our priority has to be on safeguarding public health and the NHS. With the addition of pre-departure testing requirements, our already robust system to protect against imported cases of coronavirus is further strengthened and will provide the greatest overall protection against the risk of transmission during travel to England and after arrival.

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