Editorial Note: We earn a commission from partner links on Forbes Advisor. Commissions do not affect our editors’ opinions or evaluations.
Countries are quickly changing travel guidelines as concerns grow over the Omicron variant. Currently, U.S. travelers are permitted to travel to the UK whether they’re vaccinated or not. As of Dec. 7, travelers 12 and older must take and show proof of a negative Covid-19 test, taken no later than 48 hours prior to departure, before entering the country. Here’s what else you need to know before your visit to the UK.
Requirements to Enter the UK from the U.S.
U.S. citizens traveling to the UK are allowed to enter the country as long as they haven’t been to a red list country in the 10 days before arriving in the UK. New restrictions that went into effect on Dec. 7 require any passengers aged 12 and over to show a negative PCR or lateral flow test prior to travelling to the UK. The test must be taken within the two days prior to travel.
Entering the UK Fully Vaccinated
Vaccinated U.S. travelers aged 5 and over (children under 5 are exempt from testing and quarantine requirements) entering the UK must do the following before their trip:
- Book and pay for a PCR test before you travel; you have to take the test on or before the second day of your UK trip. You must self-isolate wherever you’re staying until you get your results.
- Complete a passenger locator form in the 48 hours before you travel.
For the test, you must use a private test provider, and you must enter your Covid-19 test booking reference number on your passenger locator form.
If you’re in the UK for less than two days, you’re still required to book and pay for the test.
If your test result is positive or unclear, you must self-isolate for 10 full days. The day you took the test is day zero.
Do You Need a Negative Covid Test for Your Upcoming Trip?
Order your covid-19 pre-flight test & lab report at least 5 days before your flight. Get 30% off your LetsGetChecked order with code FORBES30.
Entering the UK Unvaccinated
If you enter the UK unvaccinated, you must do the following before traveling:
- Take a Covid-19 test three days before you travel to the UK.
- Book and pay for day 2 and day 8 PCR tests before you travel and take them after arrival on the corresponding dates. If you’re in the UK for less than 10 days, you still need to quarantine for the duration of your stay and book second- and eighth-day tests. You’ll only need to take the PCR tests if you’re still in the UK during those days.
- Complete a passenger locator form 48 hours before you arrive.
After arriving in the UK, you must quarantine at the place you’re staying for 10 full days (even if your day 2 test is negative) and take the PCR tests you booked before traveling. You should take the first test on or …….
Source: https://www.forbes.com/advisor/travel-insurance/can-i-travel-to-the-uk-from-the-united-states/