Covid-19 Update and Travel Guideline for US travelers who plan to visit Britain

From August 2, fully vaccinated travelers from the US are able to enter the UK without having to quarantine. 

Testing requirements remain in place, so regardless of vaccination status all US arrivals are required to complete a pre-departure test before traveling, alongside a PCR test on or before day 2 after arrival. PCR tests for day 2 must be booked in advance, before visitors travel to Britain. Those vaccinated in the US will also need to provide proof of US residency and complete a passenger locator form. 

Announced on September 17, testing requirements will be reduced for eligible fully vaccinated travelers from non-red list countries, who will no longer need to take a Pre Departure Test when traveling to England from October 4. Additionally, from the end of October, eligible fully vaccinated passengers will be able to replace their day 2 test with a cheaper lateral flow test, reducing the cost of tests on arrival into England. Full details on the major changes to international travel are outlined here.

Public health and safety remains the UK Government’s first priority, so these rules remain subject to review. Additionally, each country within the UK – including England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland– continues to follow its own roadmap to recovery and may have different rules in place. Visitors are encouraged to check ahead for restrictions and read requirements carefully.

Government information and advice

For the latest government information and specific advice on travel in each of the four nations, please visit:

• England – https:gov.uk/guidance/covid-19-coronavirus-restrictions-what-you-can-and-cannot-do
• Scotland – https://www.gov.scot/
• Wales – https://gov.wales/coronavirus
• Northern Ireland – https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/campaigns/coronavirus-covid-19

What counts as fully vaccinated

You may not be considered to be fully vaccinated for the purpose of entering the UK even if you’re considered to be fully vaccinated in your country of origin.

In the UK, ‘fully vaccinated’ means you’ve had either:

• 2 doses of an approved 2 dose vaccine (such as Pfizer or AstraZeneca)
• One dose of an approved single dose vaccine (such as Janssen)
• You must have had your final dose at least 14 whole days before you arrive in the UK. The day you had your final dose does not count as one of the 14 days.

2 dose vaccines

If you were vaccinated with a 2 dose vaccine (such as Moderna or Pfizer) you must have had both doses to be considered fully vaccinated. This applies in all cases, even if you have recently recovered from COVID-19 and have natural immunity. Those who have had COVID-19 and have only had one dose of a 2 dose vaccine must follow the rules for unvaccinated arrivals.

Each dose must be with the same (MHRA, EMA, Swissmedic or FDA) approved vaccine. For example, if your first dose was Moderna your second dose must also be Moderna.

Showing your vaccination status

You need to show your travel operator proof that you’ve been fully vaccinated with one of the authorized vaccines before you travel.

This proof should be:

• an EU Digital COVID Certificate (EU DCC) for Europe
• a CDC card for the USA – you’ll also need to show proof of USA residency, such as your USA passport, visa or Green Card

If you cannot show an EU DCC or CDC card you must follow the rules for those who are not fully vaccinated in the country you are visiting (please see the links at the bottom of this section).

Children from the USA and Europe

Children under 18 who are residents of the USA or the listed European countries also do not need to quarantine or take a day 8 test.

They must follow the same rules as children and young people from the UK, as outlined by England, Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland (depending on the country they are visiting).