FAQS
Update: In force from 22 February. In compliance with Order SND/133/2021, as of 22 February, persons coming from the Federative Republic of Brazil and the Republic of South Africa must remain in quarantine for 10 days after their arrival in Spain, or for the duration of their stay if it is shorter than that. This period may end earlier, if on the seventh day the person is tested for acute infection with negative results.
Update January 19.
All travel corridors to close and you must self-isolate after arriving in the UK, even if you have tested negative. Most people travelling to the UK from abroad need proof of a negative coronavirus (COVID-19) test result. You need to have taken the test in the 3 days before you travel.
Update: Now on January 18.
If you are arriving in England before 4am on 18 January 2021, you are under no legal obligation to get a test before you travel. You should not be denied boarding for failing to provide proof of a negative test result, and will not be fined on arrival into England.
We still encourage you to comply with this guidance and get a test if possible.
From 4am on 18 January 2021, if you do not present proof of a negative test result, you may not be able to board and could be fined £500 on arrival into England.
Update: 13/01/21
Test providers and type of test
You will need to find a test provider. You must make sure that the test provider can meet the standards for pre-departure testing.
The test must:
meet performance standards of ≥97% specificity, ≥80% sensitivity at viral loads above 100,000 copies/ml
this could include tests such as:
a nucleic acid test, including a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test or derivative technologies, including loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) tests
an antigen test, such as a test from a lateral flow device
It is your responsibility to ensure the test meets the minimum standards for sensitivity, specificity and viral load details so you must check with your test provider that it meets those standards.
You may not be able to travel if the test does not meet these standards. It is your responsibility to ensure you get the right test that meets the above requirements.
Test providers and type of test:
You will need to find a test provider. You must make sure that the test provider can meet the standards for pre-departure testing.
The test must:
meet performance standards of ≥97% specificity, ≥80% sensitivity at viral loads above 100,000 copies/ml
this could include tests such as:
a nucleic acid test, including a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test or derivative technologies, including loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) tests
an antigen test, such as a test from a lateral flow device
It is your responsibility to ensure the test meets the minimum standards for sensitivity, specificity and viral load details so you must check with your test provider that it meets those standards.
You may not be able to travel if the test does not meet these standards. It is your responsibility to ensure you get the right test that meets the above requirements.
From 15 January, if you intend to travel to England or Scotland, including UK nationals returning home from travel abroad, you must provide evidence of a negative COVID-19 test result taken up to 3 days before departure. If you do not comply (and you do not have a valid exemption) your airline or carrier may refuse you boarding and/or you may be fined on arrival.
All other current entry requirements and restrictions continue to apply.If you are legally permitted to travel, check our advice for the country you are visiting. Some other countries have closed borders, and may further restrict movement or bring in new rules including testing requirements with little warning. Before you return to the UK you must provide your journey and contact details. Also check if you need to self-isolate.