• This updates the news item of 15 March 2022

Opportunities for travel abroad have opened up, but disruption remains a risk, as border closures, movement restrictions or quarantine rules can be introduced at short notice. Travelers should plan carefully and be prepared for changes to their itinerary.

Travelers should be aware that while there are currently no COVID-19 border health measures on arrival in the UK, other countries are at different stages in the pandemic and many still require passengers to comply with requirements.

All travelers, particularly those at higher risk of severe COVID-19 infection, should still carefully consider their personal situation and risks of COVID-19 before travel, and make sure they are up to date with their COVID-19 vaccination course and boosters, as recommended in the UK.

General advice for preventing the spread of COVID-19

• Ensure you are up to date with the COVID-19 vaccination course and booster, as recommended in the UK vaccination programme for adults and children (COVID-19 vaccinations are offered to all children over the age of 5 years in the UK).
• Wash your hands often with soap and running water for at least 20 seconds. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitiser that contains at least 60% alcohol if soap and water are not available. This is particularly important after taking public transport or being in public spaces.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands. Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces in the home and work environment.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in a bin and wash hands with soap and water.
• Open windows/doors to let fresh air in when sharing a space with others.
• The use of face coverings will differ between countries. Check and follow local requirements for the country you are visiting. Face coverings do not replace social distancing and hygiene measures; you must still take all other recommended precautions.
• Physical distancing) will differ between countries. Check and follow the local requirements for the country you are visiting.
• Avoid close contact with anyone who is unwell if possible.

Before Travel

Keep up to date with the latest official advice offered by the country you are departing from and traveling to. All countries may impose travel restrictions without notice.

Most countries worldwide now present a potential risk of exposure to COVID-19 for travelers. Each country has been categorized according to:

• The risk that travel presents to individual travelers.
• The risk that travel presents to UK public health.

If you need travel health advice, vaccines, or malaria medication, speak to your GP, practice nurse, pharmacist, or travel clinic.

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) provides guidance on COVID-19 and other risks overseas. Check FCDO travel advice for your destination. Look at entry restrictions, screening and quarantine requirements on arrival. As requirements can change at short notice, it is sensible to subscribe to email updates for your destination. COVID-19 tests may be required before and/or on arrival in the country you are visiting.

Carry an official record of any test results you have; you may be asked for these at check in, border controls and at other times during your trip.

Obtain proof of COVID-19 vaccination if required for your trip. You may be asked for this at check in, border controls and at other times during your trip. Vaccine documentation needed for international purposes may differ from documentation requirements within a country. Check the FCDO foreign travel advice coronavirus tab for your destination to see which, if any, domestic disease control measures are in place.

Plan for any possible delays to your return home and the financial implications or practical arrangements you may need to make. Ensure you have extra supplies of any medication or medical equipment you need in case of delays such as having to self-isolate overseas. Remember to carry copies of prescriptions and carry medication in your hand luggage. You may also wish to carry a back-up copy of your COVID-19 vaccine or test certificates.

Check any impact COVID-19 may have on your travel insurance, including medical repatriation costs for illness abroad or any travel restrictions. If you need to quarantine or self-isolate, you will be expected to do this in the country you are in. Travel insurance may be compromised if you extend your trip or travel abroad against UK Government advice.

Contact your airline, tour operator, cruise line or other transport and accommodation providers for up-to-date information on your itinerary and travel plans. Check what the rules are for reducing transmission of COVID-19 infection. Guidance measures recommended aboard aircraft have been published.

During travel (and at your destination)

You should follow the COVID-19 requirements of the country you are visiting. There may be enhanced screening/monitoring at entry/exit ports. In some countries, borders may close or you may be required to self-isolate.

Air and cruise ship travel

Air quality on board aircraft is carefully controlled, changed frequently and passed through filters efficient at removing viruses. IATA state that the millions of flights since the start of the pandemic have resulted in a few confirmed cases of in-flight transmission. They describe risk of inflight transmission as low, provided a mask is worn . Whilst there is definitive evidence of in-flight transmission of COVID-19 ,mask-wearing appears to add an extra layer of protection.

If you are planning to fly, do not travel if you are unwell; you may be denied boarding if you have symptoms of COVID-19.

For many airlines, wearing a face covering is mandatory (unless you are exempt) for the duration of your flight. Check with your airline for their individual guidance.

Avoid moving from your seat unnecessarily but continue to exercise your legs (flex and extend the ankles) as much as possible to encourage blood flow from the lower legs.

Follow any instructions provided in your flight about what to do if you feel unwell.

Cruise ships continue to experience COVID-19 outbreaks. Confined settings on board, along with the combination of multiple households, allows COVID-19 to spread faster than on land.

If you have contact with a COVID-19 case while abroad

After contact with a known COVID-19 case, follow relevant public health advice and speak to your healthcare provider/travel insurance company for further guidance if needed. If you are required to quarantine or self-isolate by local authorities, you must do so in the country you are in.

If you become unwell abroad

It may be necessary to self-isolate (stay indoors and avoid contact with other people) and arrange a test locally at your destination if required.

Call your health provider and/or insurance company to discuss what to do.

Remember, if you have been in a malaria risk area in the last year, it is important to check for malaria if you have a high temperature (urgent blood test required).

Follow local public health guidance if available.

If you become unwell at an airport, bus or train station before or during a long trip, seek medical advice and do not start/continue your journey.

If you test positive for COVID-19 abroad, you must follow local public health advice. You may need to quarantine or self-isolate and stay longer than planned. Plan ahead for any possible delays to your return home and entry requirements at your next destination.

Once you have fully recovered, check with your health provider that you are fit to travel, before onward travel.

Following COVID-19 infection, some individuals may have natural immunity shown by a positive COVID-19 PCR test. Travellers needing a pre-departure COVID-19 test who have recently recovered from COVID-19 infection could consider using a lateral flow device (LFD) test (where a choice of tests is allowed under a country’s COVID-19 testing rules relating to travel). LFD tests have a lower sensitivity than PCR tests, so are less likely to test positive from previous infection. Please note that if a LFD tests is allowed, you will need to ensure it meets the specified minimum performance standards.

If you run out of medication

If your return is delayed and you are concerned you may run out of medicines (including antimalarials) or medical equipment, contact your travel health insurance provider for advice about obtaining safe medical supplies at your destination.