Arriving back in the UK: What you need to know

The latest change to travel restrictions now means that returning home from a holiday abroad is now much easier to do – like it used to be!
Here’s what you need to know about arriving back in the UK from a trip away.
- Are there UK arrival quarantine rules?
- Is COVID-19 testing mandatory for UK arrivals?
- What sort of test do you need to take?
- Will my travel insurance cover the costs of a test abroad?
- Do I need to complete a passenger locator form?
Are there UK arrival quarantine rules?
You are no longer required to self-isolate at home or in a quarantine hotel when you arrive into the UK. This applies to all arrivals, regardless of vaccination status, or the country you have been visiting.
Is COVID-19 testing mandatory for UK arrivals?
Testing is not required of passengers, vaccinated or not, arriving in the UK after 4am, 18 March 2022.
Mandatory COVID-19 testing is still a part of many other countries’ entry rules.
What sort of test do you need to take?
Arrivals to the UK do not need to arrange or pay for any COVID-19 tests when returning to the UK. This latest change now means that unvaccinated travellers can travel back to the UK free of COVID testing.
Keep up to date with the latest travel news in our blog and on the FCDO travel advice pages.
Will my travel insurance cover the costs of a test abroad?
Travel insurance only covers the cost of unexpected events and emergencies. COVID-19 testing has become a routine procedure for many countries, so it isn’t covered by your travel insurance.
You can get 10% off COVID-19 tests from Randox Health* with new travel insurance policies, though.
Do I need to complete a passenger locator form?
UK arrivals are no longer required to fill in the lengthy passenger locator form (PLF) when returning to the UK.
It’s a welcome change for all travellers and was the last remaining Covid-related barrier to travel for the fully vaccinated returning to the UK.
*Please note, offers can be changed and/or retracted at Randox’s discretion. Discount applies to home delivered COVID-19 tests only. This offer excludes tests bought for click and collect.
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