In August 2021, England, Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales lifted their quarantine requirements for vaccinated American tourists. Americans who want to go for a glorious European vacation can take advantage of this. However there are still some rules to follow and that is why we have put this article together.
Since the pandemic, the United Kingdom has recorded one of the highest numbers of deaths from COVID-19 in the world which resulted to multiple lock-downs. In early 2022, the Omicron coronavirus variants rapidly spread across the UK.
COVID-19 restrictions across England, Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales have been removed on international travel. Tourists and others entering the UK do not need to show proof of vaccination from a vaccine authorized by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to enter the UK.
Anyone without any additional testing or quarantine requirement, regardless of vaccination status can enter the United Kingdom. UK arrivals will no longer need to fill out a Passenger Locator Form before entering the UK.
Red List Countries
The United Kingdom divides destinations into two, “red” and “green” destination and due to the removal of the COVID-19 restrictions there are currently no countries on the “red” list.
Prior to the COVID-19 restrictions removal, certain arrivals from “red” list countries were mandated to quarantine in designated hotels. But the UK government has said it will maintain a range of contingency measures in reserve that could be activated if concerning COVID-19 variants emerge.
Green List Countries
Destinations that were not on the “red” list are considered to be on the “green” list but after the removal all destinations are green. However, some green destinations do not currently permit nonessential travel from the UK.
International and domestic flights has fully recommenced in the UK, if you test positive for COVID-19 while in the country you are not legally required to self-isolate, however, England, Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales recommend self-isolation.
Some Airlines flying to England no longer require crew members and passengers to wear masks. However this depends on specific routes so it’s better you check properly before boarding.
England
There are no legal COVID-19 restrictions in England. Face covering or wearing of masks are no longer legally mandatory anywhere whether it’s a public place or in a bus. However, Transport for London said they strongly encourage passengers to wear masks or face covers.
At the London Heathrow Airport, face masks mandate has been removed. However, in a press release, the airport said, Heathrow strongly encourages people at the airport to continue wearing face masks especially when they are in close contact with others. This is no longer a firm requirement.
Places with large number of people like nightclubs, theaters and concert venues no longer require proof of vaccination or a negative test. However, international travelers or tourists should be able to show a UK-accepted proof of vaccination or a recent Covid test to enter these venues.
Scotland
On April 18, the legal requirement to wear face masks was removed although it continues to be strongly recommended. Venues in Scotland like nightclubs, theaters no longer require proof of vaccination, negative PCR test or negative rapid lateral flow test. However, individual venues may decide to enforce proof of vaccination if they wish so it’s better to check the website of a specific venue you are going to.
In Scotland, people must show they have had a booster jab for them to be considered fully vaccinated if they last vaccine dose was more than four months ago
International travelers should be able to show a UK-accepted proof of vaccination or a recent COVID-19 test to enter these venues.
Wales
Face masks are no longer legally mandatory in Wales. Venues like nightclubs, theater and concerts venues are no longer legally mandated to wear face masks or show proof of vaccination, a negative PCR test or negative rapid lateral flow test. However, individual venues may decide to enforce proof of vaccination if they wish so it’s better you check the website of the specific venue you are visiting.
International travels or tourists should be able to show a UK-accepted proof of vaccination or a recent COVID-19 test to enter these venues.
Northern Ireland
In Northern Ireland, wearing of face masks is no longer legally mandatory. Although it is strongly recommended in places where you come in contact with people you do not usually meet such as public transport.
In public places like nightclubs, theaters and concerts venues, proof of vaccination, negative PCR test or negative rapid lateral flow test are no longer required. However, international travelers or tourists should be able to show a UK-accepted proof of vaccination or a recent COVID-19 test to enter these venues.
Individual venues may decide to enforce proof of vaccination if they wish to and this is why it’s important to check the website of the specific venue before visiting.
