The UK is one of Europe’s most popular travel destinations, and while it recently lifted all Covid-19 restrictions currently, it’s currently one of the most restrictive European countries in terms of getting into and out of. For those who want to get over to England, Wales, Northern Ireland or Scotland this summer, here’s what you need to know.
5 days ago, the US State Department issued a ‘do not travel’ advisory, or “Level 4”, to the UK over rising Covid-19 rates, and fears over the Delta variant. Back in May, the UK was reduced to “Level 3”. Currently, Covid-19 cases are rising by more than 50k cases a day and many Britons are isolating.
So what does this mean for Americans hoping to make it across the Atlantic? The UK allows travelers who have recently been in the US., but they are required to quarantine for 10 days upon arrival, and take two mandatory Covid-19 tests. People vaccinated by the NHS are able to skip quarantine, but must take one Covid-19 test.
Currently nearly all non-US citizens who have recently been in the UK within the last 14 days are barred from entering the US. US citizens abroad are exempt from this, and can enter the USA subject to normal entry requirements. Vaccinated travelers are recommended to get a test within 3 days of departure, and another 3 to 5 days after arrival, and unvaccinated travelers are additionally encouraged to self-quarantine for a week upon arrival.
Travel rules and recommendations could change quickly and without warning, so travelers should proceed with caution, and only travel when necessary. When travel resumes, we’re looking forward to getting you to your UK trip quickly, safely and comfortably.