Are the UK’s borders closed?

No, the UK’s borders are not closed, but all arrivals to England (arrivals to other parts of the UK must abide by different rules) must follow the requirements outlined below

  1. Check whether the country from which you will be arriving is on the “red list” or not.  The rules for testing and quarantine when you arrive in England are different for “red list” countries.
  2. Check if you are fully vaccinated – the rules for fully vaccinated travellers are different to non-vaccinated
  3. Book any COVID-19 tests or quarantine hotel packages you need for your arrival

If you are arriving from a country NOT on the red list and are fully vaccinated, you must do the following before entering the UK:

  1. Book and pay for a day 2 COVID-19 test – to be taken at the end of day 2 after arrival in England (the day of arrival is day zero)
  2. Complete a passenger locator form.

If you are arriving from a country NOT on the red list and are unvaccinated, you must do the following before entering the UK:

  1. Take a COVID-19 test in the 3 days before you travel– children aged 10 and under do not need to take this test.
  2. Book and pay for a day 2 COVID-19 test – to be taken after arrival in England.
  3. Complete a passenger locator form
  4. When you arrive in the UK, you must quarantine at home or in the place you are staying for 10 full days, and take your Covid PCR tests on days 2 and 8

If you are unvaccinated but you are taking part or have taken part in a formally approved UK COVID-19 vaccine clinical trial for COVID-19 vaccine or a US trial,  or you are resident in the UK, and either under 18 or are medically exempt from the vaccine for a reason approved by a clinician you can follow the rules for fully vaccinated travellers, .

If you are arriving from a red list country, you must do the following before entering the UK (the same rules apply to vaccinated and non-vaccinated travellers):

  1. Take a COVID-19 test in the 3 days prior to travel  – children aged 10 and under do not need to take this test.
  2. Book a quarantine hotel package, including 2 COVID-19 tests.
  3. Complete a passenger locator form.
  4. On arrival to England, you must quarantine in a managed hotel, including 2 COVID-19 tests.

If you are a child studying at boarding school and have arrived from a red list country, you can isolate at accommodation provided by your school.

Please note that currently only British and Irish citizens or those with residence rights in this country can enter the UK from a red list country.

There are certain medial, compassionate and job-sector specific exemption to isolating, please see gov.uk for details

Speak to an expert