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Covid international travel rules

Testing and quarantine requirements have been progressively removed since the start of 2022.

Are there any rules for international travel to the UK?

Testing and quarantine requirements have been progressively removed since the start of 2022. Testing and quarantine requirements were removed for fully vaccinated individuals and under 18s on 11 February, and then for unvaccinated individuals on 18 March, along with passenger locator forms for all arrivals. [1] Remaining restrictions were also removed in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. [2]

International travel for leisure in England had first resumed in May 2021. Initially countries were given a red, amber, or green rating with different rules for testing and quarantining on return.

The government simplified this system in October 2021, with only the red list remaining, and the red list was cleared of all countries on 1 November. In late November and early December 2021, some countries were added again, amid concerns about the Omicron variant. These countries were removed again as it became clear that Omicron was circulating widely within the UK. [3]

Arrivals from red list countries were required to take a pre-departure test and book a 10-day stay in a managed quarantine hotel with day 2 and day 8 tests, regardless of vaccination status. For countries not on the red list, arrival requirements depended on vaccination status, with vaccinated travellers subject to fewer requirements than unvaccinated arrivals by the end of 2021.  

The government has stated that it has contingency plans in place for a new variant but these have not been set out in detail. [4]

Is this in line with what other countries are doing?

A small number of countries have also removed all travel restrictions – including Ireland, Iceland, Norway. But many still have some entry requirements, particularly when it comes to testing. Others are also still restricting access for unvaccinated individuals or, in a few cases, for most non-residents. [5]

How do Covid passports for travel work?

Although travel to the UK is no longer dependent on vaccination status, many countries still require proof of vaccination.

A Covid passport for travel is incorporated into the existing NHS app (which is different from the NHS Covid-19 contact tracing app). [6] The app is also available for Welsh residents, while Northern Ireland and Scotland have their own apps. Fully vaccinated children aged 12 to 15 can now request an NHS Covid pass letter for travel. From 3 February 2022 children aged 13 and over will be able to access a Covid pass for travel through the app, and those 12 and over will be able to request a PDF online. [7]

What are the potential challenges ahead?

Since the spread of the Delta variant in spring 2021, with questions about whether India should have been added to the red list sooner, the government has faced a tricky balance between the pressure to open up travel and the need for continued caution about Covid transmission and the spread of new variants.

All travel restrictions when entering the UK have now been removed. However, most other countries still retain some restrictions, meaning that travel from the UK is still affected.

The major question remaining is what the government will do if a new variant emerges. It has said that contingency plans are in place to respond to any future variants but has not set out in detail what those plans would mean for travel. [8]

• Department for Transport and Department of Health and Social Care, Travel to England from another country during coronavirus (COVID-19), 22 June 2021, www.gov.uk/guidance/travel-to-england-from-another-country-during-coronavirus-covid-19 ; Department for Transport, Department of Health and Social Care, The Rt Hon Sajid Javid MP, and The Rt Hon Grant Shapps MP, All COVID-19 travel restrictions removed in the UK, 14 March 2022, www.gov.uk/government/news/all-covid-19-travel-restrictions-removed-in-the-uk
• Department for Transport and Department of Health and Social Care, Travel to England from another country during coronavirus (COVID-19), 22 June 2021, www.gov.uk/guidance/travel-to-england-from-another-country-during-coronavirus-covid-19 ; Scottish Government, Coronavirus (COVID-19): international travel, www.gov.scot/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-international-travel-quarantine ; Welsh Government, International travel to and from Wales: coronavirus, 4 October 2021, https://gov.wales/rules-international-travel-and-wales-coronavirus ; NI Direct Government Services, Coronavirus (COVID-19): travel advice, www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/coronavirus-covid-19-travel-advice
• Department for Transport, Department of Health and Social Care, The Rt Hon Sajid Javid MP, and The Rt Hon Grant Shapps MP, Travel Update: 47 countries and territories removed from red list, 7 October 2021, www.gov.uk/government/news/travel-update-47-countries-and-territories-removed-from-red-list ; Department for Transport and Department of Health and Social Care, Travel to England from another country during coronavirus (COVID-19), 22 June 2021, www.gov.uk/guidance/red-list-of-countries-and-territories
• BBC News, Covid travel restrictions have ended in the UK, 18 March 2022, www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-60789979
• GOV.UK, Foreign travel advice,  www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice
• The app is available to individuals over 16 who are registered with a GP surgery in England. Individuals who cannot access the app can get a paper certificate by calling the NHS 119 helpline after 17 May. Certificates will be available from five days after a second vaccine dose: see Department of Health and Social Care, Using your NHS COVID Pass for travel abroad and at venues and settings in England, 7 May 2021, www.gov.uk/guidance/demonstrating-your-covid-19-vaccination-status-when-travelling-abroad
• Welsh Government, Get your NHS COVID Pass,  https://gov.wales/nhs-covid-pass-prove-your-vaccination-status#section-70614 ; NI Direct Government Services, Apply for a Travel COVID vaccination certificate,  www.nidirect.gov.uk/services/coronavirus-covid-19-covid-certificate-ni-residents ; www.nhsinform.scot/covid-19-vaccine/after-your-vaccine/get-a-record-of-your-coronavirus-covid-19-vaccination-status ; www.gov.uk/guidance/nhs-covid-pass#children
• BBC News, Covid travel restrictions have ended in the UK, 18 March 2022,  www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-60789979

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The traffic light system has been replaced with a new streamlined system. From 04:00 on 4 October, the amber and green lists became one single ‘rest of the world’ category. The red list will remain for countries considered high risk. Here’s what you need to know.

What’s the rest of the world (ROW) list?

The rest of the world list encompasses any country that’s not on the red list, formerly the green and amber lists. These are the countries you can travel to right now, in theory. Though, there are different entry requirements for countries around the world. Many, for example, are not accepting international travellers right now. The Skyscanner Covid-19 map is a useful resource. 

What do I have to do when returning to England from a country on the ROW list?

There are two options: one for fully vaccinated travellers and one for unvaccinated travellers.

Fully vaccinated travellers will no longer have to prove a negative PCR test result before re-entering the UK. To be deemed fully vaccinated, you must have been vaccinated in the UK, EU, US or one of 18 other recognised countries and have completed your course 14 days before arrival. You will, however, have to have a  day two test  back in England.

For the full list of rules for vaccinated travellers, check out the government guidelines.

Unvaccinated travellers will have to take a pre-departure Covid-19 test before returning to England, complete a passenger locator form and book and pay for a day two and a day eight test to be taken after arrival in England. In addition to this, the 10-day quarantine at home remains in place for unvaccinated travellers.  Test to Release  is still an option for unvaccinated passengers who wish to shorten their isolation period.

What is the red list and what does it mean?

The Department for Travel has published the full red list on its website — please check before travelling. Red list rules apply to all travellers, whether vaccinated or unvaccinated. There are currently 54 countries on the red list. It will be reviewed every three weeks. On Monday 11 October, 47 countries will be removed from the red list, leaving just seven on this list. The seven countries will be: Peru, Ecuador, Colombia, Panama, Dominican Republic, Haiti and Venezuela. All other countries fall into the rest of the world list. 

What are the red list rules?

Before arriving in England, travellers must take a pre-departure Covid-19 test, book a quarantine hotel package and complete the passenger locator form. All rules are detailed on the government travel advice website . 

Is anything else due to change?

Later in October, the day two PCR test requirement will be eased. This will be replaced with a cheaper lateral flow test.

Please note: this is England-specific. Other parts of the UK has their own rules/systems in place. Check out rules for Scotland , Northern Ireland and Wales . 

For the latest updates, visit the government’s  travel advice website . 

For more pandemic-related information, see our Covid travel hub

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Can I travel to an amber list country without quarantining on my return?

Yes, if you live in England and have had two Covid-19 vaccine doses administered in the UK. The vaccines must have been given 14 days prior to travel. The policy begins on 19 July . Authorities in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland have not said if they will follow suit.

Which countries are on the amber list?

More than 140 countries, including popular destinations such as Spain, Greece, Italy, France, Portugal and the US – although some will have tough restrictions on UK visitors. The full list can be found here.

What about under-18s who have not been offered vaccination?

People aged under 18 will also be exempt from the requirement to isolate on return.

Do I still need to get tests?

Yes. People returning from holidays from amber destinations will be required to take a Covid-19 test three days before returning. They will also have to take a PCR test on or before the second day of their return, but will be exempted from the day-eight test.

Which vaccines are recognised?

The exemption to quarantine for holidaymakers returning from amber-list nations will only apply to those who have been vaccinated by the NHS – therefore those who have been vaccinated in different countries cannot use the exemption. The exemption must be proved by using the NHS app or the NHS Covid certificate which you can request by dialling 119.

Will this mean UK citizens living abroad and others from amber-list countries won’t be able to skip quarantine?

Yes, and this is likely to cause a significant backlash especially from Britons who live abroad and have been vaccinated in countries such as France, Spain or the US. Currently the UK is only accepting the NHS certification as proof of vaccination.

Those travelling to the UK from amber-list countries who have been vaccinated abroad will still have to quarantine at home or in the place they are staying for 10 days, taking a test on day two and eight.

Will the system discriminate against younger travellers who are single-jabbed?

Yes. Young people could lose out on summer holidays because of the eight-week gap between first and second doses, meaning many people in their 20s will not receive their second doses until September.

Can I go on holiday to an amber-list country?

Yes, the government will lift its advice not to travel to amber-list countries on 19 July.

What’s the difference with a green-list country?

In essence, for fully vaccinated travellers the requirements for green and amber-list countries are the same. Travellers to green-list countries, which currently include a small number of destinations including the Balearics, do not have to quarantine on return, regardless of their vaccine status.

Are there still red-list countries?

Yes, and travellers will still have to go into hotel quarantine returning from those countries, which currently include Argentina, Bahrain, India, Pakistan, South Africa, Maldives, Turkey and Tunisia.

Amber, green or red list? Search by country

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United Kingdom

Travel Advisory July 26, 2023

United kingdom - level 2: exercise increased caution.

Reissued with obsolete COVID-19 page links removed.

Exercise increased caution in the United Kingdom due to terrorism.

Country Summary:  Terrorist groups continue plotting possible attacks in the United Kingdom. Terrorists may attack with little or no warning, targeting tourist locations, transportation hubs, markets/shopping malls, local government facilities, hotels, clubs, restaurants, places of worship, parks, major sporting and cultural events, educational institutions, airports, and other public areas.

There is also a risk of isolated violence by dissident groups in Northern Ireland, focused primarily on police and military targets.

Read the  country information page  for additional information on travel to the United Kingdom.

If you decide to travel to the United Kingdom:

• Be aware of your surroundings when traveling to tourist locations and crowded public venues.
• Follow the instructions of local authorities.
• Monitor local media for breaking events and adjust your plans based on new information.
• Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program  ( STEP ) to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Follow the Department of State on  Facebook  and Twitter.com/Travelgov
• Review the  Country Security Report  for the United Kingdom.
• Visit the CDC page for the latest  Travel Health Information  related to your travel and return to the United States.
• Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the  Traveler’s Checklist .

Embassy Messages

View Alerts and Messages Archive

Quick Facts

Must be valid for the duration of your stay in the United Kingdom   (If you have onward travel to countries outside the United Kingdom, you should check the passport validity requirements for each additional country on their respective information pages.)

Must have at least one page

Not required for stays less than six months.

Embassies and Consulates

U.s. embassy london.

33 Nine Elms Lane London, SW11 7US United Kingdom Telephone: +(44)(20) 7499-9000 Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +(44)(20) 7499-9000 Fax: +(44) (20) 7891-3845 Email:   [email protected]

U.S. Consulate General Edinburgh, Scotland 3 Regent Terrace, Edinburgh EH7 5BW Scotland Telephone: 013-1556-8315 / from the United States: 011 (44)(13) 1556-8315 Emergency After-Hours Telephone:  020-7499-9000 / from the United States: 011 (44)(20) 7499-9000 Fax: 0131-557-6023 /from the United States: 011 (44) 131-557-6023 Email:   [email protected]

U.S. Consulate General Belfast, Northern Ireland Danesfort House, 223 Stranmillis Road, Belfast BT9 5GR Northern Ireland, United Kingdom Telephone: 028-9038-6100 / from the United States: 011 (44)(28) 9038-6100 Emergency After-Hours Telephone: 01253-501106 / from the United States: 011 (44) 1253-501106 Fax: 028-9068-1301 / from the United States: 011 (44)(28) 9068-1301 Email: [email protected]

Destination Description

Learn about the U.S. relationship to countries around the world.

Entry, Exit and Visa Requirements

• To enter the United Kingdom, your passport must be valid for the entire duration of your planned stay.
• Starting June 2019, U.S. passport holders will be able to use the ePassport Gates upon arrival in the United Kingdom. U.S. citizens who had previously registered for the UK’s Registered Traveller Service (RTS) should now also use the ePassport Gates on arrival in the UK.
• If you are planning onward travel after departing the UK, note that many other countries require at least six months’ remaining validity on your passport to enter. If you are bound for Continental Europe, please see our  U.S. travelers in Europe page for additional details.
• Visas for specific categories of visitors must be obtained prior to travel. Visit the  UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) website to determine if you need a visa to enter the United Kingdom. We cannot intervene on your behalf when you apply for a UK visa, nor can we advocate for your admission into the UK if you are denied entry.
• Students and prospective students should visit the  UKVI website  to determine if they need a visa.
• For some U.S. travelers, especially students, an entry stamp is required.  Please consult this website  for more information.
• Unpaid and paid workers, interns, volunteers, charity workers, and temporary workers can find information about obtaining a visa on the  UKVI website .
• Visitors traveling to the United Kingdom to get married, even if they do not plan to reside there, must obtain a visa in advance. See the  UKVI website  for visa information.
• Surcharges apply to certain categories of visas, generally those involving work, study, or residency for more than six months. More information is available on the  UKVI website  and in our Health section below.

The U.S. Department of State is unaware of any HIV/AIDS entry restrictions for visitors to or foreign residents of the United Kingdom.

Find information on  dual nationality ,  prevention of international child abduction  and  customs regulations  on our websites.

Safety and Security

Terrorist groups continue plotting possible near-term attacks in Europe. The UK Security Service publishes specific reasons for any changes in the threat level and recommended actions for the public via its  UK threat levels website .

There is the potential for  isolated violence  related to the political situation in Northern Ireland. The Police Service of Northern Ireland assesses there is a continued threat of violence from dissident groups in Northern Ireland, focused primarily on police and military targets, and may involve the use of  firearms  and  explosives . Tensions may be heightened during the summer marching season (April to August), particularly on and around the July 12 public holiday.

Avoid areas of demonstrations  if possible, and be careful within the vicinity of demonstrations. Demonstrations occur frequently in and around city centers and areas where tourists frequent. Even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and possibly escalate to violence.

The phone number for  police/fire/ambulance emergency services  is  999  in the United Kingdom and  112  in Gibraltar. You should also use these numbers to report security threats or suspicious packages. Also see information for  contacting police from abroad .

• Be cautious and aware of your surroundings.
• Be vigilant, as  pickpocketing ,  mugging,  and “snatch and grab” theft of mobile phones, watches and jewelry can occur.
• Do not leave bags unattended in restaurants, pubs, hotel lobbies, and parked cars.
• Be alert to other criminal schemes, such as  impostors  posing as undercover police officers and “fining” tourists for bogus minor offenses. A legitimate Metropolitan Police Services officer will never demand an immediate cash payment.
• Use only licensed Black Cabs or pre-ordered car services (minicabs) . Unlicensed taxis or private cars posing as taxis may offer low fares, but in some instances, travelers have been  robbed  or  sexually assaulted  while using these cars. See Transport for London for additional information on cabs and car services .
• Avoid using ATMs that look temporary in structure or location  or are located in isolated areas – they may not be legitimate. Use ATMs located inside a bank branch.

Scams : Before sending any money to individuals you have never met in person, visit the  Embassy London website  for more information about  internet financial scams  and how to protect yourself.

See the  Department of State  and the  FBI  pages for information on scams.

Victims of Crime : Report crimes to the local police at 999 (United Kingdom) or 112 (Gibraltar) and contact the U.S. Embassy at +(44) (20) 7499-9000.

• Local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crimes.

See our webpage on  help for U.S. victims of crime overseas .

• help you find appropriate medical care
• assist you in reporting a crime to the police
• contact relatives or friends with your written consent
• explain the local criminal justice process in general terms
• provide a list of local attorneys
• provide our information on  victim compensation programs in the United States
• The Victim Support website  is maintained by an independent UK charity to help people cope with the effects of crime
• A Northern Ireland-based independent charity maintains a similar  victim support website
• In Scotland, victims of crime should contact  Victim Support Scotland
• provide an emergency loan for repatriation to the United States and/or limited medical support if you are destitute
• help you find accommodation and arrange flights home
• replace a stolen or lost passport

Domestic Violence:  U.S. citizen victims of domestic violence may contact the Embassy for assistance.

Tourism:  The tourism industry is generally regulated and rules are regularly enforced. Hazardous areas/activities are identified with appropriate signage and professional staff is typically on hand in support of organized activities. In the event of an injury, appropriate medical treatment is widely available throughout the country. Outside of a major metropolitan center, it may take more time for first responders and medical professionals to stabilize a patient and provide life-saving assistance. U.S. citizens are encouraged to purchase medical evacuation insurance . 

Local Laws & Special Circumstances

Criminal Penalties:  You are subject to local laws. If you violate local laws, even unknowingly, you may be expelled, arrested, or imprisoned. 

Furthermore, some laws are also prosecutable in the United States, regardless of local law. For examples, see our website on  crimes against minors abroad  and the  Department of Justice  website.

• You will be arrested if you bring pocket knives, blades, mace or pepper spray canisters, or any part of a gun into the United Kingdom . Please refer to the UK government publication  Travelling to the UK , which details the items visitors are prohibited from bringing into the United Kingdom.
• Penalties against  alcohol-related  and other  in-flight  crimes committed aboard aircraft to and from the United Kingdom are stiff and are enforced with  prison sentences . Please also see  our information on U.S. customs regulations  covering your return to the United States.
• Controlled Substances: UK law prohibits possession and trafficking of controlled substances and narcotics, including some substances that may be legal to possess under the law of certain U.S. states. More information on controlled substances is available here . Individuals who violate UK drug laws may face penalties including fines or prison sentences.

Arrest Notification:  If you are arrested or detained in the United Kingdom, ask police or prison officials to notify the U.S. Embassy immediately. See our  webpage  for further information.

Special Circumstances:

• The legal drinking age in the United Kingdom is 18. Parents and organizers of school trips should read our  Students Abroad website  to help plan a safe and enjoyable experience.
• Scotland’s “drink drive limit” law was amended to a lower level (roughly .05 BAC) and is stricter than the rest of the United Kingdom (roughly .08 BAC). This means that  driving after even one drink  can result in a charge of driving under the influence.
• The United Kingdom has very strict gun control laws, and importing firearms is extremely complicated.  Information on applying for a firearm and/or shotgun certificate can be found on the  London Metropolitan Police Firearms licensing webpage .  Licenses from England or Wales may not be valid in Scotland; please check with the appropriate authorities.  For firearms certificates for Scotland, please check with  Police Scotland .

Faith-Based Travelers:  See our following webpages for details:

• International Religious Freedom Report  – see country reports
• Human Rights Report  – see country reports
• Hajj Fact Sheet for Travelers
• Best Practices for Volunteering Abroad

LGBTI Travelers:  There are no legal restrictions on same-sex sexual relations or the organization of LGBTI events in the United Kingdom.

See our  LGBTI Travel Information  page and section 6 of our  Human Rights report  for further details.

Travelers Who Require Accessibility Assistance:

• UK law requires that all public service providers (except in the transportation sector) make “reasonable adjustments” to ensure their services are available to persons with disabilities.  Nevertheless, code exemptions permit many older buildings to have steps up from the street.
• Getting around in cities may be difficult at times because sidewalks can be narrow and uneven.
• Most London Underground and UK National Rail System stations are not readily accessible for people with disabilities.  Many stations do not have elevators, and have stairways and long corridors for changing trains or exiting to the street. Many UK buses are equipped with lowering platforms for limited-mobility or sight- or hearing-disabled travelers.
• Many taxis have swivel-entry seats or retractable ramps to ease entry.
• Disabled parking permits (known as “blue badges”) are issued by local government councils throughout the country. Visit the  UK government website  for contact information. Some councils may not offer permits to temporary visitors.

The  Transport for London  and  National Rail  websites provide information for passengers with disabilities.

Students:  See our  Students Abroad  page and  FBI travel tips .

Women Travelers:  See our travel tips for  women travelers .

While medical services are widely available,  free medical care  under the National Health System (NHS) is allowed only for UK residents, certain EU nationals, and some visa holders.

An NHS surcharge is assessed on certain visa applicants at the time of application.  Tourists and short-term visitors will not be assessed the surcharge, but will be charged 150 percent of the cost of any medical treatment they receive from the NHS. Unpaid balances of £1,000 or more can result in being barred from return to the United Kingdom.

• The U.S. government does not pay medical bills, and U.S. Medicare is not valid overseas.

Medical Insurance:  Make sure your health insurance plan provides  coverage overseas . Most care providers overseas only accept  cash payments . See our webpage for more information on insurance coverage overseas.

• We strongly recommend  supplemental insurance  to cover medical evacuation.

Carry  prescription medication  in original packaging, along with your doctor’s prescription. Traveling with sufficient supplies to last the duration of your trip is recommended. Mailing prescriptions is prohibitive and may be delayed or rejected by British customs.

Certain prescriptions available in the United States are classified as a "controlled drug"  in the United Kingdom and cannot be brought into the country without applying for and obtaining a prior license. This includes prescriptions for medical marijuana or products containing CBD and THC.  Please visit the https://www.gov.uk/travelling-controlled-drugs for additional information. 

Vaccinations:  Be up-to-date on all  vaccinations  recommended for international travel by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Further health information:

• World Health Organization
• U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention  (CDC)

Travel and Transportation

Road Conditions and Safety:  Road conditions in the United Kingdom can differ significantly from those in the United States.

• In contrast to the United States, UK traffic drives on the left.  Read the  Highway Code  before driving.
• Emergency call boxes  (orange telephone booths with “SOS” printed on them) are found at half-mile intervals along motorways. White and blue poles point in the direction of the nearest call box. Call boxes dial directly to a motorway center. Use these phones rather than a personal cell phone, because motorway center personnel will immediately know your exact location.
• Generally,  pedestrians do not have the right of way  and should not expect vehicles to stop for them.

Many U.S. citizen pedestrians are injured, some fatally, every year in the United Kingdom, because they forget that oncoming  traffic approaches from the opposite direction  than in the United States.  Exercise extra care when crossing streets; remain alert and look both ways before stepping into the street.

Traffic Laws: 

• UK penalties for driving under the influence of  alcohol  or  drugs  are strict and often  result in prison sentences .
• Using a  hand-held cell phone  or similar device while driving is  illegal  in the United Kingdom. Only hands-free phones may be used. You will be  fined , or in the case of an accident,  arrested  and serve time in  prison .
• The speed limit on highways/motorways in the United Kingdom is 70 mph, or lower when posted.
• You will be  detained  and  arrested  if you cannot provide a UK address to receive a subpoena or are about to depart the United Kingdom and have to be brought to court quickly for a motoring offense.
• In Central London, a congestion charge is levied on all drivers who pass through the congestion zone. You will be  fined  or  arrested  if you do not pay the charge. See  Transport for London  for more information about driving in London.

Public Transportation:  Public transport in the United Kingdom is extensive.

• Information on disruptions to London transportation services can be found on the  Transport for London  website.
• Information about the status of National Rail Services can be found on the  National Rail Enquiries  website.
• Bus and train service information in Northern Ireland can be found on the  Translink  website.
• Bus and train service information in Scotland can be found on the  Traveline Scotland  website.

See our  Road Safety page  for more information. For specific information concerning UK driving permits, vehicle inspection, road tax, and mandatory insurance, refer to the  UK Department for Transport  website or the  Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency  website.

Aviation Safety Oversight:  The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has assessed the government of the United Kingdom’s Civil Aviation Authority as being in compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards for oversight of United Kingdom’s air carrier operations. Further information may be found on the  FAA’s safety assessment page .

Maritime Travel: Mariners planning travel to the United Kingdom should also check for U.S. maritime advisories and alerts at  www.marad.dot.gov/msci . Information may also be posted to the U.S. Coast Guard homeport website and the NGA broadcast warnings website (select “broadcast warnings”).

For additional travel information

• Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)  to receive security messages and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Call us in Washington, D.C. at 1-888-407-4747 (toll-free in the United States and Canada) or 1-202-501-4444 (from all other countries) from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).
• See the  State Department’s travel website  for the  Worldwide Caution  and  Travel Advisories .
• Follow us on  Twitter  and  Facebook .
• See  traveling safely abroad  for useful travel tips.

Review information about International Parental Child Abduction in the United Kingdom . For additional IPCA-related information, please see the International Child Abduction Prevention and Return Act ( ICAPRA ) report.

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Democratic Republic of the Congo

Dominican Republic

El Salvador

Equatorial Guinea

Eswatini (Swaziland)

Falkland Islands

France (includes Monaco)

French Guiana

French Polynesia

French West Indies

Guadeloupe, Martinique, Saint Martin, and Saint Barthélemy (French West Indies)

Guinea-Bissau

Isle of Man

Israel, The West Bank and Gaza

Liechtenstein

Marshall Islands

Netherlands

New Caledonia

New Zealand

North Korea (Democratic People's Republic of Korea)

Papua New Guinea

Philippines

Republic of North Macedonia

Republic of the Congo

Saint Kitts and Nevis

Saint Lucia

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

Sao Tome and Principe

Saudi Arabia

Sierra Leone

Sint Maarten

Solomon Islands

South Africa

South Korea

South Sudan

Switzerland

The Bahamas

Timor-Leste

Trinidad and Tobago

Turkmenistan

Turks and Caicos Islands

United Arab Emirates

Vatican City (Holy See)

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The new simplified UK travel rules explained

Pre-departure tests axed for fully vaccinated arrivals from non-red-list countries

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New international travel rules are in force in the UK from today as the government’s “traffic light” system is replaced with simpler rules.

Under the new two-category system , countries and territories previously on the amber and green lists are merged in a “rest of the world” category, while the red list - due to be updated later this week - will remain for high-risk destinations.

Rules on testing have also changed, with fully vaccinated arrivals from non-red-list countries no longer required to take pre-departure tests - either PCR or lateral flow tests - in the three days before arriving in the UK.

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UK travel industry ‘choked’ by Covid restrictions What does ethical travel look like now? World Health Organization: the latest Covid variants of concern

Downing Street has simplified the UK’s travel rules following widespread criticism of the “confusing” traffic light system, said The Guardian . “Government sources have also suggested that slashing the number of red list countries could incentivise vaccinations,” according to the paper.

As the new system kicked off, Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said that the UK was “accelerating towards a future where travel continues to reopen safely and remains open for good”. The minister welcomed the rule changes as “good news for families, businesses and the travel sector”, adding: “Our priority remains to protect public health but, with more than eight in ten people now fully vaccinated, we are able to take these steps to lower the cost of testing and help the sector to continue in its recovery.”

Day two PCR test rules

For now, all travellers arriving in England from non-red-list countries will still need to book and pay for a PCR test two days after arrival, as well as complete a passenger locator form.

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However, from the end of October, fully vaccinated new arrivals will no longer be required to take a PCR test on day two, and will instead only have to take a lateral flow test. If the test is positive, passengers will still have to isolate, as well as take a PCR test to confirm if they have the illness, which will be done at “no additional cost”, reported The Guardian ’s assistant travel editor Nazia Parveen.

No specific date for the PCR tests rule change has been announced yet, but “ministers are aiming to have it in place for the half-term school break”, according to the BBC .

Whether other UK nations will follow England in removing day two PCR tests is also currently unclear. The Scottish government “says it is aiming to align its post-arrival testing travel policies with the UK government, and will announce this once it has been confirmed”, the Daily Record reported.

The Welsh government is also considering a travel rules rethink, but the country’s health and social services minister has warned that the changes are “not without risk”, reported WalesOnline . Eluned Morgan said that “our considerations will be underpinned by robust evidence and our main focus will continue to be on reducing the risk to public health in Wales”.

Sounding a note of caution, she warned that the changes “weaken the line of defence on importing infection and increase opportunities for new infections and new variants to enter the UK and Wales. Vaccines can help reduce this risk but only if they are effective against new and emerging variants of concern and high-risk variants under investigation.”

Unvaccinated arrivals

To qualify as vaccinated under the new rules, passengers must have had a full course of an approved jab at least 14 days before arriving in England, and the doses must have been administered in the UK, EU or US, or as part of one of 18 other approved overseas vaccination programmes.

The rules for new arrivals who do not meet these criteria are “more stringent” now that the green and amber lists have been merged, said the i news site.

Travellers who are not fully jabbed have to self-isolate “regardless of destination as they can no longer take advantage of the green list, which offered more lenient rules for people without a jab”, explained the newspaper.

Unvaccinated arrivals from any non-red-list country also still have to do a pre-departure test in the three days before arrival, followed by PCR tests on day two and day eight, and must also quarantine at home for ten days.

However, the Test to Release scheme will remain an option for unjabbed arrivals, who can pay for a private Covid test on day five and then end their quarantine if the result is negative.

Travelling to the UK from red list countries

The rules for new arrivals from red-list countries remain unchanged. These passengers must take a pre-departure test and pre-book a mandatory 11-night quarantine package in a government-approved hotel, at the minimum cost of £2,285 for one adult. The package includes two PCR tests, to be taken on day two and day eight of quarantine.

Only UK or Irish residents will be allowed to enter the UK from red-list destinations.

The rules apply to all UK arrivals from red-list countries, regardless of vaccination status.

Countries currently on the red list

A total of 54 countries are on the red list at the moment. But according to The Sunday Telegraph , the list will be “slashed to as few as nine this week”. The paper reported yesterday that Whitehall sources had claimed countries due to come off the list in time for the October half-term included South Africa, Brazil, Mexico, Cape Verde and Indonesia.

These countries are currently on the red list:

• Afghanistan
• Congo (Democratic Republic)
• Dominican Republic
• French Guiana
• Philippines
• Sierra Leone
• South Africa
• Trinidad and Tobago

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Simon Calder travel advice: When to renew your passport before visiting Europe

Since Brexit , the rules on passport validity for British visitors to the European Union have tightened.

Gone are the days when you could travel to the EU at any point before your travel document expired; the UK is now a “third country”, with rules to match.

Added confusion has come in the form of the UK’s own HM Passport Office, which has continued to give out incorrect information regarding child passport expiry dates .

These are the key questions and answers based on EU rules.

What’s changed?

While the UK was in the European Union, British passports were valid up to and including their expiry date for travel within the EU. But since the end of the Brexit transition phase, British passport holders are treated as “third country nationals” with stipulations about passport issue and expiry dates – together with limits on the length of stay almost everywhere in Europe.

For the avoidance of doubt, these are not “new EU rules” – they were decided while the UK was in the European Union.

What is required for my passport to be valid?

The requirements for the Schengen Area – comprising most EU countries plus Switzerland, Norway, Iceland and a handful of micro-states – are crisply expressed on the Travel page of the European Union’s Your Europe site : “If you are a non-EU national wishing to visit or travel within the EU, you will need a passport:

• valid for at least three months after the date you intend to leave the EU country you are visiting,
• which was issued within the previous 10 years.”

(All children’s passports meet this latter condition – see below.)

For the avoidance of doubt, there is no problem travelling to Europe with a passport issued for over 10 years, so long as it is under 10 years old on the date of departure to the EU and will have three months remaining on the date of return.

Why the line about ‘issued within the previous 10 years’?

For many years, until September 2018, the UK had a generous policy of allowing credit for “unspent” time when renewing a passport, issuing documents valid for up to 10 years and nine months.

So a passport issued on 31 October 2012 could show an expiry date of 31 July 2023.

This was fine around Europe and the world for decade – until Brexit, whereupon a longstanding rule kicked in. For non-members of the EU hoping to enter the Schengen Area, a passport must have been issued in the past 10 years.

With a passport issued on 31 October 2012, regardless of the expiry date, you’re not allowed to enter the EU post-1 November 2022.

Until September 2018 the government appeared unaware of the problem. Once the issue was identified, the practice of giving up to nine months’ grace ended abruptly.

Are the “issued less than 10 years ago” and “valid for three months” rules combined?

No. There is no need to have a passport issued less than nine years, nine months ago. The two conditions are independent of one another.

The Migration and Home Affairs Department of the European Commission in Brussels told me: “Entry should be allowed to those travelling with passports issued within the previous 10 years at the moment of entry into the Schengen area.

“The condition that the passport must have been issued within the previous 10 years does not extend for the duration of the intended stay. It is enough if this condition is fulfilled at the moment of entry.

“To give a practical example, a non-EU traveller arriving on 1 December 2021 for a 20-days stay in the EU with a passport issued on 2 December 2011 and valid until 2 April 2022 will be allowed entry.”

If I get wrongly turned away, what are my rights?

For flights: you can claim denied boarding compensation (either £220 or £350, depending on the length of the flight) and associated costs – for example, booking another flight on a rival airline, or for wasted car rental and hotel expenses that cannot be reclaimed.

I’ve just read a report saying I need six months remaining for Europe?

Some news outlets, regrettably, continue to publish incorrect information. Ignore it.

Does that 10-year-plus rule apply anywhere else in the world?

No as far as I am aware. The concern around the date of issue is relevant only for travel to the European Union – not for the rest of the world.

For destinations outside EU, the only significant consideration is the expiry date. And for destinations such as Australia, the US and Canada, your passport is valid up to and including this date.

So with that passport expiring on 31 July 2023, you could be in New York until that very day (though you would need to get a daytime flight back to avoid your passport running out en route.

Read the Independent ’s guide to how many months you need left on your passport to travel worldwide

What about children?

Passports for under-16s are typically valid for five years (plus any extra credit). A child’s passport issued for five years and nine months is clearly within the 10-year limit, and there is no possibility of breaching that condition.

(During 2021, the Home Office’s defective passport checker stripped all extra credit, which was both wrong and unhelpful. The online checker has now been switched off.)

But beware of the three-months-remaining-on-exit rule, which children are more likely to fall foul of because of the shorter duration of their passports.

What about this 90/180 day rule?

For trips to the Schengen area (most EU nations plus Switzerland, Norway, Iceland and some small countries) British passport holders can stay a maximum of 90 days in any 180. That’s roughly three months in six.

it is tricky to explain, but I shall do my best. Imagine a calendar that stretches back almost six months from today. What happened more than 180 days ago is irrelevant. What counts is the number of days you were either inside (I) or outside (O) the Schengen Area in the past 180 days.

You can easily keep count on a calendar yourself, either printed or digital.

If “I” hits 90, you must leave that day and stay out for almost three months, to accumulate 90 “Os” in a row. Then you can go back in, for a maximum of 90 days.

During the course of a calendar year, it could work like this (assuming no travel to the EU in the previous six months).

• 1 January: enter the EU and stay for 90 days until the last day of March, when you must leave.
• 1 April: remain outside for 90 days, which takes you to 29 June.
• 30 June: enter the EU and stay for 90 days, until 27 September. Then leave.
• 28 September: remain outside the EU until 26 December.

For longer stays, some countries offer visas that allow British citizens to remain for months on end. If you get one of these, then the time spent in that country does not count towards the “90/180” rule – in other words, you can explore other EU countries with a fresh calendar.

What about non-Schengen EU members?

For British visitors to Ireland , there are no limits on passport validity. Indeed, a passport is not legally mandatory for British travellers to the republic, though some airlines insist on it.

Bulgaria, Cyprus and Romania have identical rules to the Schengen Area: passport issued in the past 10 years, and with three months validity remaining on the day of leaving the country. But time spent in any of these nations does not contribute to the “90/180” day total.

Help! My passport is full of stamps and I have no space left. Will I be turned away?

No, even though Eurostar warns British passport holders : “Check that you have a clear page in your passport as it will need to be stamped with your travel date when you’re travelling to and from the EU.”

The EU’s Practical Handbook for Border Guards is explicit about a “document enabling a third-country national to cross the border [that] is no longer suitable for affixing a stamp, as there are no longer available pages”.

It says: “In such a case, the third-country national should be recommended to apply for a new passport, so that stamps can continue to be affixed there in the future.

“However, as an exception – and particularly in the case of regular cross-border commuters – a separate sheet can be used, to which further stamps can be affixed. The sheet must be given to the third-country national.

“In any case, the lack of empty pages in a passport is not, in itself, a valid and sufficient ground to refuse the entry of a person.”

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NEWS... BUT NOT AS YOU KNOW IT

Hundreds of British tourists with ‘remainer passports’ are getting caught out by a little known 10-year rule

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Be warned: if you still own a red ‘remainer’ passport, you’ll want to pay close attention to this post-Brexit rule.

Before the UK left the EU, UK passport holders were able to transfer up to nine months from an old passport over to a new one, including on 10-year passports.

But, if carrying this over has meant that your passport is now over 10 years old, you could find yourself caught out at the border.

What is the 10-year passport rule?

Before Brexit , the UK Passport Office’s policy was that passport holders that had time left on their existing documents could effectively transfer the balance to a new one.

So, if a document had three months remaining, those three months could be added to a new passport.

Under these rules, up to nine months could be carried over to a new passport, bringing the total for updated 10-year passports to 10 years and nine months.

However, as a result of this rule, data from the Home Office suggests that up to 32 million people could have passports that are now over 10 years old – which EU nations do not accept.

These rules also apply in the wider Schengen Area, including in Iceland, Norway and Switzerland, though UK visitors entering Ireland aren’t impacted by this rule.

Are red passports still valid?

The red remainer passports are no longer being issued after Brexit – the UK passport is now blue.

Red passports are still valid, though, as long as they’ve not expired.

Nonetheless, if you do still own a red passport, you’ll need to double check the expiry date.

Many countries require your passport to be valid for another six months before you leave for international travel – another rule that’s been slipping countless Brits up post-Brexit.

Countries and their passport rules...

70 countries that have a six-month passport rule: 

Afghanistan, Algeria, Anguilla, Bahrain, Bhutan, Botswana, British Virgin Islands, Brunei, Cambodia, Cameroon, Cayman Islands, Central African Republic, Chad, Comoros, Curacao, Cote D’Ivoire, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Equatorial Guinea, Fiji, Gabon, Guinea Bissau, Guyana., Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Kenya, Kiribati, Laos, Madagascar, Malaysia, Marshall Islands, Micronesia, Myanmar, Namibia, Nicaragua, Nigeria, Oman, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Qatar, Rwanda, Saint Lucia, Samoa, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Solomon Islands, Somalia, Somaliland, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Suriname, Taiwan, Tanzania, Thailand, Timor-Leste, Tokelau, Tonga, Tuvalu, Uganda, United Arab Emirates, Vanuatu, Venezuela, Vietnam, Yemen, Zimbabwe

41 countries that have a three-month passport rule: 

Albania, Austria, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Czechia, Estonia, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Honduras, Iceland, Italy, Jordan, Kuwait, Latvia, Lebanon, Liechtenstein., Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Moldova, Monaco, Montenegro, Nauru, Netherlands, New Zealand, North Macedonia, Norway, Panama, Poland, Portugal, Senegal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland.

Countries with other validity rules:

Bermuda (45 days upon entry), Eritrea (three months on arrival), Hong Kong (three months on arrival), Lebanon (three months on arrival), Macau (three months on arrival), Micronesia (four months on arrival), South Africa (three months on arrival), The Maldives (three months on arrival), and Zambia (four months on arrival).

Also known as the  ‘six-month validity rule’ , lots of people using old red passports (issued before  Brexit ) may run a risk of their documents not having long enough left – and being refused entry to certain countries.

According to  VisaGuide.World , there are 70 countries that follow the six-month passport rule, including the likes of  Thailand ,  United Arab Emirates  and many countries in Central America.

While another 41 apply the three-month passport validity rule – including lots of spots in Europe.

How long does it take to renew a passport?

Fear you’ll be caught out by the 10-year passport rule? Don’t worry: there’s plenty of time to renew before the summer holidays.

According to Gov UK, you’ll typically receive your new passport within 3 weeks. Take note: the processing time starts from when your documents are received – not sent off.

If the Passport Office needs more information from you, it could take longer – but they’ll let you know within the 3-week timeframe if they do.

However, if you are heading abroad this summer and need a new passport, you might want to allow extra time just in case. Better safe than sorry.

Do you have a story to share?

Get in touch by emailing [email protected] .

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Politics latest: 'Arrogant' PM has 'big questions' to answer over Easter honours, Labour says

Fallout continues after a major Tory donor and four MPs are awarded honours on the recommendation of Rishi Sunak. Listen to the latest episode of the Electoral Dysfunction podcast as you scroll.

Friday 29 March 2024 09:40, UK

• 'Arrogant' PM has 'big questions' to answer over Easter honours, Labour says
• Tory peer dismisses talk of summer election
• Gove predicts it will be in November, but claims 'no inside knowledge'
• Could Tory instability bounce Sunak into a summer election
• Explained: How Tory MPs can get rid of PM - and who could replace him
• Live reporting by Faith Ridler

A full list of candidates who will be running in the London mayoral race has been published. 

They include Sadiq Khan for Labour and Susan Hall for the Conservatives.

Other candidates include Rob Blackie for the Lib Dems and Zoe Garbett for the Greens.

Also in the running is another well known election night figure, Count Binface.

The full list is below: 

• Amin, Femy  - Animal Welfare Party - People, Animals, Environment
• Binface, Count  - Count Binface for Mayor of London
• Blackie, Rob  - Liberal Democrat
• Campbell, Natalie Denise  - Independent
• Cox, Howard  - Reform - London Deserves Better
• Gallagher, Amy  - Social Democratic Party
• Garbett, Zoe  - The Green Party
• Ghulati, Tarun  - Independent
• Hall, Susan Mary  - The Conservative Party Candidate
• Khan, Sadiq  - Labour Party
• Michli, Andreas Christoffi  - Independent
• Rose, Brian Benedict  - Transform London
• Scanlon, Nick  - Britain First – No To Immigration

Voting will take place on Thursday 2 May.

By  Alexandra Rogers , political reporter

Angela Rayner has said she will not publish the "personal tax advice" she received on the sale of her council house despite a police development over her living arrangements.

Labour's deputy leader told BBC Radio 4's Today programme she was "confident" she had done "absolutely nothing wrong" with regards to the sale of her council house and whether she should have paid capital gains tax on it.

Ms Rayner said she had been "very clear on my advice that I've received" - but asked why she would not put that legal advice into the public domain, she said: "Because that's my personal tax advice. But I'm happy to comply with the necessary authorities that want to see that."

Sir Keir Starmer later threw his support behind his deputy at the launch of Labour's local election campaign in Dudley, telling the audience that she had not broken any rules and was right not to publish the legal advice.

Asked if his deputy should resign if found to have done wrong, Sir Keir said: "Angela has answered I don't know how many questions about this. She has not broken any rules, she has in fact taken legal and tax advice which has satisfied her, and us, and me about the position."

Although Ms Rayner has resisted putting her tax advice in the public domain, she has committed to hand over the information to the police and HMRC - something Sir Keir agreed with.

Read more here:

Over a year ago, Rishi Sunak made five pledges for voters to judge him on.

The prime minister met his promise to halve inflation by the end of 2023.

But with the general election approaching, how is Mr Sunak doing on delivering his other promises?

You can see the progress for yourself below.

Dame Esther Rantzen has hailed "historic" assisted dying legislation that has been introduced at Holyrood on Thursday.

The veteran broadcaster, who has revealed she is considering travelling to Switzerland for an assisted death after being diagnosed with stage four lung cancer, said those who are terminally ill should have the "right to choose".

Liberal Democrat MSP Liam McArthur has published a bill at the Scottish parliament that, if passed, will allow people living in Scotland with a terminal illness to be given help to end their life.

Dame Esther said: "I want to congratulate the Scottish parliament for prioritising this debate so that they can carefully consider this crucial issue and scrutinise this historic assisted dying bill.

"The current law is cruel, complicated and causes terrible suffering to vulnerable people."

You can read more from Sky News below:

Anneliese Dodds, the Labour Party chair, says Easter honours could be an indication of "an incredibly arrogant prime minister" who "doesn't care what the public thinks".

She is reacting to news that a major Tory donor - Mohamed Mansour - and four Conservative MPs have been given honours.

Mr Mansour, who donated £5m to the Tory party last year, will be awarded a knighthood.

Ms Dodds says: "This seems to be either the action of an incredibly arrogant prime minister who just doesn't care what the public thinks, or somebody who is effectively happy not thinking he's going to stay in that role as prime minister."

She says the public will likely be "appalled" by the news.

Asked why, Ms Dodds adds: "Labour has been clear, we believe that actually honours should be there to reward people who have made that contribution to our public life.

"I think the concern here is we have a man who I think at the time last January had given the biggest ever donation to the Conservative Party."

She says Rishi Sunak has "big questions" to answer.

By Tim Baker and Alexandra Rogers , political reporters

Rishi Sunak looks to have seen off his backbenchers - at least for now.

The nascent rebellions have gone quiet in the past few weeks and the Commons is in its Easter recess, with MPs returning to Westminster on 15 April.

Time away from parliament normally strengthens - or at least prevents the further collapse - of a prime minister, as MPs disperse back to their constituencies and away from the plot-heavy fug of Westminster.

But a potential flashpoint is looming: May's local elections.

A particularly bad performance by the Tories could lead to fresh pressure on the PM's leadership and prove to be the catalyst for a concrete move to oust Mr Sunak.

Sky News explains how Tory MPs could get rid of the PM and - if they are successful - who would likely be in the running to replace him.

Read more below: 

Turning to the situation in Israel and Gaza, Foreign Office minister Andrew Mitchell admits the number of aid trucks reaching Palestinians is "not sufficient".

He was asked if he agrees with the International Court of Justice, which has ordered Israel to take all "necessary and effective action" to make sure "basic food supplies" reach the region.

Mr Mitchell says: "Britain has been arguing the same.

"Britain has been arguing that it is essential that we get aid into Gaza in much larger amounts.

"There has been an increasing number of trucks getting in, but its not sufficient.

"That's why the Royal Air Force has been dropping food from the air. We've got a number of maritime initiatives coming down from Cyprus."

He reiterates: "Britain is making the argument very strongly that we need to get more aid into Gaza, and we continue to make that argument."

By Tim Baker , political reporter

The government has been accused of "abandoning" its pledge to ban no fault evictions by the time of the next general election.

Housing minister Jacob Young sent a letter to Conservative MPs dated 27 March which said the power under Section 21 of the Housing Act would remain in place until an assessment had been made of the legal system to see if it could handle the changes.

A Section 21 order allows landlords to evict tenants without providing a reason for doing so.

The Conservative 2019 manifesto pledged to abolish the mechanism, and was planning to do so through the Renters Reform Bill.

You can read more from Sky News below: 

Foreign Office minister Andrew Mitchell has described the situation in Sudan as "catastrophic" as "clear evidence of famine conditions" emerge.

It comes as the UK has pledged additional aid for Sudan, doubling the funding as a humanitarian crisis in the region escalates.

Mr Mitchell says: "The situation inside Sudan is catastrophic

"What has happened is these two generals are using heavy weapons in built up areas, and the result is that millions of people are internally displaced.

"And they're moving across borders of surrounding countries, including Chad where I am, which is one of the poorest countries in the world and one of the least able to cope with this influx and flood of refugees."

He adds that there is now "clear evidence" of "famine conditions" and even "ethnic cleansing" in some regions.

Lord Hayward, the Conservative peer, has noted that the UK's electorate is "volatile" as we head towards local elections on 2 May.

He says the results will be "very complex", and it "won't be very easy to determine who the winners are".

Turning to the matter of the general election, Lord Hayward adds: "The polls show that people are not committed to different political parties.

"Therefore, the chances of them changing is quite high, but all the indications are that the problems for the Conservatives get larger as we go on."

Asked if there could be a summer election, he says: "There's all the speculation, people have always got their own theories.

"I still think it will be October or November."

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• Entering and staying in the UK
• Immigration adviser services

Immigration Rules

Immigration rules appendix visitor: visa national list.

List of nationalities requiring entry clearance prior to travel to the UK as a Visitor, or for any other purpose for less than six months

• Afghanistan
• Bosnia Herzegovina
• Burkina Faso
• Central African Republic
• People’s Republic of China*
• Côte d’Ivoire (formerly Ivory Coast)
• Democratic Republic of the Congo
• Dominican Republic
• El Salvador
• Equatorial Guinea
• Eswatini (formerly Swaziland)
• Guinea Bissau
• Korea (North)
• Myanmar (formerly Burma)
• North Macedonia (formerly Macedonia)
• Philippines
• São Tomé and Principe
• Sierra Leone
• South Africa*
• South Sudan
• Timor-Leste
• Turkmenistan
• (b) stateless people; and
• (c) people travelling on any document other than a national passport, or, in the case of a person to whom paragraphs 11A and 11B of these rules apply, a national identity card, regardless of whether the document is issued by or evidences nationality of a state not listed in VN 1.1. (a), except where that document has been issued by the UK.

Exceptions to the list of visa nationals

Holders of specified travel documents.

• VN 2.1. It is not necessary for a Transit Visitor to hold an entry clearance before they travel to the UK if they are travelling on an emergency travel document issued by, and evidencing the nationality of, a country not listed in VN 1.1.(a) and the purpose of their transit is to travel to the country in which they are ordinarily resident.
• (a) nationals or citizens of the People’s Republic of China who hold a passport issued by the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region; or
• (b) nationals or citizens of the People’s Republic of China who hold a passport issued by the Macao Special Administrative Region; or
• (c) nationals or citizens of Taiwan who hold a passport issued by Taiwan that includes in it the number of the identification card issued by the competent authority in Taiwan; or
• (d) people who hold a Service, Temporary Service or Diplomatic passport issued by the Holy See; or
• (e) DELETED
• (f) DELETED
• (g) DELETED
• (h) nationals or citizens of Turkey who hold a diplomatic passport issued by Turkey; or
• (i) DELETED
• (j) DELETED
• (k) nationals or citizens of South Africa who hold a diplomatic passport issued by South Africa; or
• (l) nationals or citizens of Vietnam who hold a diplomatic passport issued by Vietnam; or
• (m) nationals or citizens of Indonesia who hold a diplomatic passport issued by Indonesia.
• (n) DELETED
• (o) nationals or citizens of Dominica, Honduras, Namibia, Timor-Leste, and Vanuatu, who hold confirmed bookings to the UK made on or before 15:00 BST 19 July 2023 where arrival in the UK is no later than 16 August 2023.
• (a) visiting the UK to marry or to form a civil partnership, or to give notice of marriage or civil partnership, unless they are a “relevant national” as defined in section 62 of the Immigration Act 2014; or
• (b) seeking to visit the UK for more than 6 months.

Exception where the applicant holds an Electronic Visa Waiver (EVW) Document (Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Saudi Arabia and United Arab Emirates nationals or citizens only)

• VN 3.1. DELETED
• VN 3.2. DELETED
• VN 3.3. DELETED

Obtaining an Electronic Visa Waiver Document

• VN 4.1. DELETED
• VN 4.2. DELETED
• VN 4.3. DELETED

Validity Requirements for an Electronic Visa Waiver Document

• VN 5.1. DELETED
• VN 5.2. DELETED
• VN 5.3. DELETED
• VN 5.4. DELETED
• VN 5.5. DELETED
• VN 5.6. DELETED
• VN 5.7. DELETED

Use of the Electronic Visa Waiver Document

• VN 6.1. DELETED
• VN 6.2. DELETED
• VN 6.3. TDELETED
• VN 6.4. DELETED
• VN 6.5. DELETED

Exception where the Visitor is a person aged 18 or under on an organised trip from a school in France

• VN 7.0. Nationals or citizens of any country who are aged 18 or under, studying at a school or educational institution in France registered with the French Ministry of Education and seeking to enter the UK as part of a school party of 5 or more pupils organised by that school or institution, do not need entry clearance before they travel to the UK as a Visitor.

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