Last Updated on: March 7, 2023 at 9:26 am
Start travelling again as border restrictions around the world continue to ease 🌏
The United Kingdom (UK) has introduced an updated green and red list that makes it easier for international travel from most countries. All Asian countries are now on the green list which reduces travel restrictions and removes quarantine for travel to the UK.
67% of the UK’s population have been fully vaccinated against Covid-19 as of 9 October 2021.
Other welcome news in the Southeast Asian region is Singapore’s quarantine-free vaccinated travel lanes which includes the UK. If you are travelling from the UK (or other VTL countries) to Singapore, follow this complete how-to guide.
But if you are planning a trip to the UK soon, read on for a step-by-step guide and be prepared for a smooth journey
In this article, we'll take a look at:
First, you’ll need to know if the country you are travelling from is listed on the green or red list. If your country is on the red list, stricter testing and quarantine rules may apply. As of 29 November 2021, South Africa and 9 neighbouring countries have been added to the red list due to the Omicron Covid-19 strain that was first detected in South Africa.
As long as the country where you were vaccinated is listed here, your vaccination is probably recognised by the UK government.
Travellers are considered fully vaccinated if they have completed the full dosage of the following vaccines at least 14 days before arrival:
AstraZeneca Covishield, AstraZeneca Vaxzevria and Moderna Takeda, and other formulations of the above are also approved.
If you were vaccinated in a country that is not on the green list or with a vaccine that is not listed, you will need to follow a different set of rules. The Sinovac vaccine, for example, is still being reviewed by the UK government.
You will need to have a Covid-19 vaccine certificate that shows you have completed the full course of an approved vaccine. If you were vaccinated in a European Union member country, you’ll need to show your EU Digital Covid Certificate.
Depending on where in the UK you are travelling to, different testing and quarantine rules may apply. Read on for what you need to do if you are travelling to England.
For Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland, click to find out more or you could use Covid Entry Check for up-to-date information on your travel route.
Here’s what you need to do if you are travelling to England:
You will be tested for COVID-19 on arrival. As such, you need to book a Day 2 Covid-19 test here before you travel and allow enough time for your testing kit to be delivered to your address in England.
Typically, you will get your test results back in 24 to 36 hours. Go through this list of test providers and choose one that best suits your price and standard of service.
You do not need to take a Covid-19 test before departing to England if you are considered fully vaccinated.
Once you have booked your Day 2 test, fill in the Passenger Locator Form within 48 hours before you arrive in England. You’ll be asked to show this form when boarding your flight to the UK.
It is important that you book your Covid-19 Day 2 test, flights and accommodation first as you’ll need to enter these details on your Passenger Locator Form online.
You’ll need to provide the following information in the form:
Yes, if you have been vaccinated in a green list country but your vaccine is not on UK’s approved list, you can still travel to the UK. However, you will be required to:
You can also opt for the Test to Release scheme and end your quarantine earlier if you test negative for Covid-19 on Day 2 and Day 5. You can book your Test to Release at the same time as your Day 2 and Day 8 tests which are still compulsory.
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