The United Kingdom comprises England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Located in northwestern Europe, the UK is one of the most diverse countries in the world. Home to the world’s most influential finance centre, England is also the site of ancient sites such as Neolithic Stonehenge and Bath’s Roman spa. From centuries-old universities to ancient castles, the UK has something for every visitor. But no trip to the UK would be complete without a trip to London. To help you plan your trip to the UK, here are some tips that should be useful to all British travellers.
Travelling To The UK During Coronavirus Outbreak
The UK has implemented measures to prevent the spread of the coronavirus. Depending on the country you are travelling from, the steps to take may differ. Read the government’s guidance and check with your travelling agency before you make any reservations.
If you are planning to visit the UK in the near future and you have not had the Covid-19 vaccine, it is advised that you take a Covid-19 test before travelling. The requirement is that you undergo this test before departure to ensure that you are not carrying the virus across borders. You should find a private test provider that is accredited to the standards required by the UK. Whether you choose to et a PCR or a lateral flow test, the results will be provided electronically, so you can show your results at any point. Make sure your electronic device is fully charged before travelling.
Choosing the UK Travel Test For Unvaccinated
To travel to the UK, you will have to complete a travel test before departing and another UK travel test on the day of your return. Once you’ve completed the UK travel test, you will be able to enjoy the beautiful streets of London knowing that you are completely healthy and there is no risk of transmitting the virus.
The pre-departure test must be completed before departure, within 48 hours before your flight. If you’re unsure of the exact timing, you can schedule your test for the day you plan to leave. It is important to check the regulations for travelling to the UK before your journey begins. You can’t travel to the UK without taking a pre-departure test as you won’t be allowed to board the plane. This is required for all international travellers aged 12 and over. A Covid-19 PCR test will cost you around £50, and you can also get a lateral flow device test for UK travel which is much cheaper. If you’re unsure which UK travel test you need, you can also visit the travel advice pages on the UK government’s website to learn about the specifics.
What About Vaccinated?
The situation for vaccinated people arriving in England or Scotland from abroad is completely different as they will no longer have to take Covid-19 tests. It is still advised to check whether you have been infected with the virus even though you have had the vaccine; however, it is not required by law.
Final Words
Since the pandemic is hopefully reaching an ending point and more countries are opening their doors to vaccinated travellers, the best way to do this before planning a journey is to get the vaccine. This is for your safety ad for the safety of people surrounding you. But if you’re visiting the UK without proof of immunisation, you should make sure to have a negative UK travel test result.