The United Kingdom has seen one of the highest number of deaths from Covid-19 in the world, resulting in multiple lockdowns. Earlier in 2022, the Omicron coronavirus variant spread rapidly across the UK.
Covid restrictions have since been mostly removed across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. See more detail below.
There are currently no Covid-related restrictions on international travel to the UK.
In London, the UK has one of the world's greatest cities. But beyond the architectural marvels and nightlife of the capital, there is much to explore -- the rugged peaks of the Scottish Highlands, distant Welsh lakes and the wide sweep of Cornish beaches, for starters, plus historic towns and cities such as Bath, Oxford and Harrogate.
Anyone can enter the UK without any additional testing or quarantine requirements, regardless of vaccination status.
There are currently no Covid-related restrictions on international travel to the UK.
Arrivals no longer need to fill out a Passenger Locator Form before arriving in the UK.
Red list countries
The UK divides destinations into "red" and "green" destinations. At present, there are no countries on the "red" list.
Previously, certain arrivals from red list countries were required to quarantine in designated hotels, but the infrastructure for hotel quarantine was "fully stood down" at the end of March 2022.
The UK government said it will "maintain a range of contingency measures in reserve" which could be activated if concerning coronavirus variants emerge.
The UK government had previously said if red list restrictions needed to be reintroduced, home isolation would likely be the preferred option.
Green list countries
Any destination not on the red list is considered green -- so currently all destinations are green, but some green destinations don't currently permit nonessential travel from the UK.
Anyone -- regardless of vaccination status -- from green list countries can enter the UK without any additional testing or quarantine requirements.
For full UK government guidance on traveling to the UK, see here.
Other developments:
International and domestic cruising is operational in the UK -- see government guidance here and check the specific cruise line for regulations.
If you test positive for Covid-19 while in the UK, you are not legally required to self-isolate but England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland all recommend self-isolation.
Some airlines flying into England no longer require passengers or crew to wear masks, but it depends on the specific route so you should check before boarding.
The UK has suffered considerably during Covid-19 and cases peaked earlier in this year following the emergence of Omicron. Cases have since fallen.
There have been over 22.3 million Covid cases and more than 177,000 deaths in the UK as of May 10. Over 73.3% of the population has been fully vaccinated.