COVID-19 Travel Update: Which Countries are Open and Closed to UK Citizens

Stay up-to-date with the latest COVID-19 travel restrictions.

The Coronavirus situation feels like it’s constantly changing here in the UK. I guess that might be because it actually is. With national lockdowns and changes to travel corridors, it can be difficult to find out accurate information about what the heck is going on! Thank goodness the UK government makes it all so simple… I jest, of course.

Whether you are looking to plan a holiday later this year, or just want to know what’s happening, here is a complete list of travel restrictions to and from the UK.

COVID-19 Travel from the UK

Please note: The information in this blog applies to UK travellers only. All information provided is up to date as of 8 am on Tuesday 19th January 2020. 

1. As of Monday 18th January, all UK travel corridors will close. Anyone arriving in the UK (including UK nationals) will need to quarantine for a period of up to 14 days. They will also need to provide evidence of a negative Coronavirus test. This test must have been completed within 72 hours of the flight in order to be accepted. 
2. As of 21st December, because of the emergence of the new variant of COVID-19, several European nations have announced temporary bans from the UK.  
3. The Government has introduced a national lockdown which means that all non-essential travel is forbidden. 

Europe

• 

Which European countries have COVID-19 travel restrictions?

Austria

All flights from the UK are banned until 24th January. The situation will be reviewed to see if this ban will be extended.

Azores

Non-essential travellers from the UK are not allowed to enter Portugal. This includes Azores.

The UK has also banned travel into the UK from Portugal. This means any UK nationals arriving from Portugal will have to self-isolate upon return.

Belgium

UK travellers aren’t permitted to enter Belgium for non-essential reasons.

Bulgaria

Those travelling from the UK can only enter Bulgaria for essential reasons.

The Canary Islands

Travel to the Canary Islands from the UK is restricted until 19th January.

Croatia

Those travelling from the UK are not permitted to enter Croatia.

Czech Republic

Only Czech citizens or long-term residents can enter the Czech Republic from the UK.

Denmark

Most people in the UK are banned from entering Denmark.

However, there are examptions for:

• Primary caregivers for children under 18
• Family members of someone who is seriously ill or dying in Denmark
• Freight transporters

If you are arriving into the UK from the Faroe Islands or Greenland on or after 4 am on 18th January, you will be required to self-isolate.

Finland

All passenger flights from the UK are suspended until further notice.

Georgia

UK citizens are not permitted entry into Georgia.

Germany

Travellers from the UK can only enter Germany for essential reasons, or if they are German citizens or residents.

Hungary

Hungary has closed its borders to most foreign nationals, including those from the UK. You may be able to enter for essential reasons.

Iceland

Travel to and from the UK is not permitted for non-essential reasons.

Italy

Only Italian residents and citizens are able to enter Italy from the UK. Essential travel is also permitted.

Latvia

All flights between the UK and Latvia are suspended. 

Liechtenstein

Travellers from the UK are not permitted to enter Liechtenstein unless they are a Liechtenstein or Swiss citizen, have a Swiss residence permit or type D visa, or hold a laisser passer.

Luxembourg

All flights between Luxembourg and the UK are suspended.

Madeira

Travellers from the UK are not permitted to travel to Portugal, except for essential reasons. This includes Madeira.

The UK has also banned travel from Portugal, meaning any UK nationals arriving in the UK from Portugal will have to self-isolate upon return.

Malta

Unauthorised travel from the UK to Malta is not permitted.

Only Maltese nationals and residents are allowed to return to Malta. You will need to self-isolate for 14 days.

Those wanting to travel for an essential reason need permission from the Superintendent of Public Health.

Netherlands

UK nationals are not permitted to enter the Netherlands.

Norway

UK nationals are not permitted to visit Norway unless they meet certain exceptions.

Portugal

Portugal has restricted travel to and from the UK. This excludes Portuguese citizens and residents.

The UK has banned travel from Portugal, meaning any UK nationals arriving in the UK from Portugal will have to self-isolate upon return.

Romania

UK nationals and residents are not currently permitted to enter Romania.

Russia

Flights from the UK to Russia are suspended until at least 1st February.

Switzerland

UK travellers cannot enter Switzerland unless they are a Swiss or Liechtenstein citizen, have a Swiss residence permit or type D visa, or hold a laisser passer.

Slovakia

UK travellers are not permitted to enter Slovakia. Essential travel is allowed in some circumstances.

Spain

Travel to Spain from the UK is restricted until further notice.

Sweden

There is a travel ban in place until at least 31st January. This means those from the UK cannot enter Sweden unless they are exempt.

Turkey

Turkey has temporarily suspended passenger flights between the UK and Turkey

Which European countries are open to UK visitors? 

Andorra

UK travellers will need a negative PCR or TMA test to enter Andorra. This test must be completed no more than 48 hours before you arrive in the country. You will also need to have a TMA + Rapid Antigen Test upon arrival.

Anyone arriving in Andorra from the UK will also be required to self-isolate until you receive a negative result.

You will also be asked to take more TMA tests on the 5, 10 and 15 days after your date of arrival. Rapid antigen tests also need to be taken on day 2, 4, 6, 10, 12 and 14 of your stay in Andorra.

Albania

All land borders are open apart from the border with Montenegro which remains closed.

Armenia

Foreign nationals are now allowed to enter Armenia. In order to enter the country, you will need to produce a negative Coronavirus test result. This result can be no more than 72 hours old.

If you do not have a test and have no symptoms, you can take a test on arrival. You will then be required to isolate until you get a negative test result.

Azerbaijan

Travel to Azerbaijan is extremely limited. You will need to speak to your travel agent or call Azerbaijan Airlines for more travel information. Hand luggage is not allowed on flights, except for a handbag or briefcase.

You will also need to provide a negative Coronavirus test result before boarding your flight. The test must have been taken within 48 hours of the flight.

Upon landing, you will need to self-isolate for 14 days. Alternatively, you can take a test after six days and come out of isolation if it is negative.

Belarus

All arrivals from the UK must self-isolate for 10 days, regardless of whether they show symptoms or not. Before boarding your flight, you will need to produce a negative Coronavirus test result. The test must have been taken within the 72 hours prior to your arrival in Belarus.

Bosnia and Herzegovina

British nationals can enter Bosnia and Herzegovina if they have a negative COVID-19 (PCR) test result. This test must have been taken no more than 48 hours before your arrival in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Cyprus

Temporary travellers from the UK are banned from entering Cyprus. Those that are permitted to enter will need a PCR test no more than 7 days old. You will also be tested again on arrival and will have to self-isolate for seven days. Another test will be given on day seven. If it is negative, you will then need to self-isolate for another three days.

Estonia

Travellers from the UK will need proof of a negative test. This test must have been taken within 72 hours of departure. You are required to self-isolate for 10 days once you arrive in Estonia.

France

France has restricted travel from the UK. This travel restriction applies to air, car, ferry and train passengers. If you are due to travel to France you should contact your travel operator as soon as possible.

The UK FCDO now advises against all but essential travel to France. Be aware that those going to France have to self-isolate on their return to the UK.

UK travellers also need proof of a negative test before travelling to France. The test must be taken no more than 72 hours before arrival.

France has also introduced a déclaration sur l’honneur. It states those arriving by sea and air are required to complete a form stating they do not have COVID-19 symptoms. The form will also confirm that the traveller in questions hasn’t been in contact with any confirmed cases.

Greece

You are required to complete this form 24 hours before your arrival in Greece. It is also mandatory for any travellers to self-isolate until their Coronavirus test result comes back negative.

You will need to provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test. The test must be taken within the 72 hours prior to your flight.

Travellers will also be required to have a rapid COVID test on arrival and to self-isolate for 10 days in the event of a negative test result. If the result is positive, you will be asked to quarantine until advised otherwise.

Ireland

Anyone entering Ireland from Great Britain needs proof of a negative PCR test. The test should be taken no more than 72 hours prior to your arrival. You are required to self-isolate for 14 days once you get to Ireland.

Lithuania

UK travellers will need to self-isolate for 14 days upon arrival in Lithuania. You will also need to provide proof of a negative Coronavirus test result. This result can be no more than 48 hours old.

Alternatively, you can register to have a test upon arrival. Regardless of your test result, you will need to self-isolate for the full 14 day period. There is a chance of getting out of isolation early if you take another test (and test negative) after ten days.

Everyone travelling to Lithuania will need to fill out a registration form before travelling.

Moldova

Flights have now resumed. All travellers from the UK will need to self-isolate for 14 days.

Montenegro

UK travellers can enter Montenegro with no restrictions in place.

Poland

UK travellers are allowed to enter Poland. You may need to self-isolate for ten days on arrival. 

San Marino

The FCDO now advises against all but essential travel to San Marino. If you are returning to the UK from San Marino on or after 4 am on 18th October, you will need to self-isolate upon your return.

There are no longer any COVID-19 related restrictions on entry into San Marino. However, you will need to travel through Italy to get to San Marino, so bear in mind you will need to follow Italy’s entry regulations.

Serbia

All visitors to Serbia must arrive with a negative PCR test taken in the 48 hours before arrival.

Slovenia

The UK is on Slovenia’s red list. This means anyone arriving in Slovenia from the UK will need to quarantine for 10 days upon arrival. Alternatively, travellers will need to provide a negative PCR test that no more than 48 hours old, or a negative antigen test no more than 24 hours old.

The FCDO advises against all non-essential travel to Slovenia. This means that if you return from Slovenia to the UK you will need to self-isolate.

Ukraine

On arrival in Ukraine, you will need proof of health insurance that covers COVID-19. The UK is on Ukraine’s red list, which means you will be required to self-isolate for 14 days. 

North America

• 

Which North American places have COVID-19 travel restrictions? 

USA

Travellers who have been to the UK, Ireland, Schengen Zone, Iran, Brazil or China within the last 14 days will be denied entry to the USA. US citizens and permanent residents of the USA, certain specified close family members and certain other limited categories of visas holders (such as UN staff and diplomats) are exempt. They will still be able to enter the USA, subject to normal entry requirements.

Canada

The Canadian authorities are barring entry to Canada, including at its border with the US, to most foreign nationals. Unfortunately, this includes UK nationals.

The FCDO advises against all but essential travel to Canada. Those returning to the UK from Canada need to self-isolate. 

Which North American countries are open to visitors? 

Mexico

Commercial flights are operating to and from Mexico. You are advised to check for any updates or regulation changes with your travel company or airline before travelling. 

Central and South America

Which Central and South America Countries have COVID-19 travel restrictions? 

Be aware that due to a new strain of Coronavirus, the UK government has banned entry to the UK from many countries in South America. UK nationals will be permitted entry but will be required to self-isolate for 14 days along with their families. 

Argentina

Direct flights between Argentina and the UK have been suspended.

Bolivia

Flights from Europe have been suspended until at least 15th February.

Brazil

Direct flights between Brazil and the UK are banned.

Colombia

Colombia has suspended all flights to and from the UK.

Chile

Travellers from the UK are banned from entering Chile.

El Salvador

Travellers from the UK are currently banned from entering El Salvador.

Guatemala

Guatemala has temporarily banned UK travellers from entering the country.

Guyana

To visit Guyana, you will need to produce a negative test result. The result must be no more than 7 days old. If your test is taken within the 72 hours prior to your arrival, you will be allowed to enter Guyana with no restrictions. If your test was taken between four and seven days before arrival, you will need to take a second test on arrival. You will then have to isolate until you get the results.

UK travellers returning from Guyana to the UK will need to isolate for 14 days.

Honduras

Honduras has bannded all travellers from the UK.

Panama

Panama is closed to all travellers from the UK. This does not include residents or citizens of Panama.

Suriname

Suriname has closed its borders to UK travellers.

Uruguay

Only Uruguayan nationals and legal residents are allowed to enter Uruguay. Uruguay has been removed from the UK’s travel corridor. UK travellers need to self-isolate for 14 days if returning from Uruguay. 

Venezuela

There are currently no flights from the UK to Venezuela.  

Which South American countries are open to visitors?

Costa Rica

UK travellers are allowed to visit Costa Rica. To enter, you are required to purchase specific Costa Rican insurance for the duration of your trip. You also need to complete an epidemiological form in advance.

Cuba

Cuban airports are open for commercial flights.

From 10th January, anyone travelling to Cuba will need proof of a negative test. You will also need to take a COVID-19 test on arrival and self-isolate until a negative test is confirmed. Results are usually confirmed within 48 hours of the test being taken.

Ecuador

Ecuador has resumed all international flights from the UK. If you plan on visiting Ecuador, you will need to sign a declaration form on arrival. This will declare your itinerary and local contact details.

You are able to enter the country without a test, but if you can provide a negative PCR test result that is less than 10 days old, you will not be required to self-isolate.

On your return to the UK, you will need to self-isolate for 14 days.

Paraguay

Non-resident foreign nationals arriving by air are now allowed to enter Paraguay. On arrival, you will need to complete this form.

You also need to have international health insurance that covers COVID-19 and a negative test result that is no more than 72 hours old. Those who do not have a test need to self-isolate for 14 days.

UK travellers need to self-isolate for 14 days when returning from Paraguay

Peru

International travel to Peru has resumed. You will need proof of a negative test before catching your flight. This test should have been taken no more than 72 hours before your arrival in Peru.

If you show Coronavirus symptoms, you will need to self-isolate for 14 days on arrival in Peru.

UK travellers returning from Peru need to self-isolate for 14 days.

Asia 

Which Asian countries have COVID-19 travel restrictions?

Bhutan

Bhutan is closed to all foreign visitors.

Brunei

Entry to Brunei is severely restricted. Anyone who wants to visit will need a permit from the Prime Minister’s office. You will also need to provide a negative test on arrival that is no more than 72 hours old.

All foreign visitors will have to pay 350 BND for a Coronavirus test on arrival. You will also need to be able to cover the cost of a stay in a quarantine facility for 15 days. It is encouraged you download the BruHealth app on arrival.

China

Entry into China has been suspended for all non-Chinese nationals.

Hong Kong

Hong Kong has suspended all travel from the UK.

India

Flights from the UK to India resume tomorrow. On arrival, you will need to go into state quarantine at a designated hotel. After seven days, you will be tested for COVID-19. If your test results are negative, you will only have to self-isolate at a home-quarantine for a further 7 days.

Indonesia

All foreign nationals are barred from entering and transiting through Indonesia. Exceptions have been made for some essential travellers.

Israel

Israel is in full lockdown meaning all international travel is banned.

Japan

Japan is closed to all British nationals and anyone travelling with a British passport.

Jordan

Jordan has suspended all flights from the UK.

Kazakhstan

Most foreign nationals, including those from the UK, are prohibited from travelling to Kazakhstan.

Laos

Laos has suspended the visa on arrival service for UK travellers.

The country is also exempt from the FCO advice against all non-essential international travel.

Iran

Travel from the UK is currently banned until at least 19th January.

Kuwait

Anyone who has spent time in the UK in the last 14 days cannot enter Kuwait.

Malaysia

Entry to Malaysia is now prohibited to almost all British nationals. If you want to enter Malaysia, you will need permission from the Malaysian Embassy/High Commission or the Immigration Directorate.

Mongolia

British nationals without long-stay visas, residence, or business permits cannot travel to or from Mongolia. All international flights and rail are suspended until at least 31st March.

Myanmar (Burma)

All commercial flights are suspended until at least 31st January.

Nepal

Nepal is closed to British nationals.

Philippines

All flights from the UK are suspended until further notice.

Qatar

Travel to Qatar is currently not possible unless you are a Qatari national, permanent resident, or specific family member.

British nationals with a Qatar residence permit are allowed to enter Qatar. Returning residents must take a COVID-19 test on arrival and self-isolate at a government approved hotel for seven days.

A second test must be taken on day six at one of the dedicated health centres.

The FCDO advises against all but essential travel to Qatar.

Saudi Arabia

Those travelling from the UK will need to spend 14 days in a country outside the affected area of the new strain before being able to enter Saudi Arabia.

You must have a valid visa and a PCR test certificate with results no more than 72 hours old.

Singapore

Anyone who has been to the UK in the last 14 days will not be allowed to enter Singapore.

South Korea

Flights from the UK to South Korea are suspended until further notice.

Sri Lanka

Entry to Sri Lanka is prohibited to all non-nationals, according to the FCO. Sri Lanka is exempt from the FCO advice against all non-essential international travel.

Taiwan

Foreign nationals are not permitted to enter Taiwan.

Tajikistan

The government of Tajikistan has imposed temporary restrictions on the entry of all foreign nationals through all checkpoints into Tajikistan.

Thailand

Most foreign nationals are barred from entering Thailand.

Turkmenistan

All international scheduled commercial flights to and from Turkmenistan have been suspended. Entry to Turkmenistan is prohibited for tourists.

Uzbekistan

Anyone who has been in the UK in the last 14 days is not allowed to enter Uzbekistan.

Vietnam

Flights from the UK are suspended. 

Which Asian countries are open to visitors? 

Bangladesh

UK visitors need to complete Health Declaration Forms and Passenger Locator Forms while on the flight.

On arrival in Bangladesh, all foreign nationals need to show a medical certificate issued within 72 hours of travel as proof of a negative test.

Those arriving from the UK will need to quarantine at a government facility or government-approved hotel for 14 days. You will be given a test after four days, and if negative, will be able to finish your quarantine at a ‘home quarantine’.

Bahrain

Bahrain has reopened to UK visitors. You will need to pay for enhanced testing at the airport and will have to self-isolate until the test results come back.

If you stay in Bahrain for more than ten days, you need to take another test. You also need to download the BeAware app.

If you are arriving from Saudi Arabia via the King Fahd Causeway, you will need to provide a negative PCR result from up to 72 hours before arrival.

Cambodia

Travellers from all countries can now enter Cambodia.

You must have a negative COVID-19 test that is no more than 72 hours old to prove you are COVID-19 free. It is also required that you have proof of insurance that includes a minimum of US$50,000 for medical cover and have a visa before arrival. You will also need to take a Coronavirus test on arrival.

Cambodia has introduced a $2,000 (USD) deposit for the COVID-19 service. Fees will be deducted for the test, an overnight stay in a waiting centre, plus meals at the waiting centre. The remainder will be paid back. If you test positive you will have to self-isolate for 14 days at a government facility. If you test negative, you will need to self-isolate at your own accommodation. However, if someone on your flight tests positive, you will need to isolate for 14 days. All travellers need to take a test on the thirteenth day of quarantine.

Kyrgyzstan

Kyrgyzstan is now open to British passport holders. There are no government quarantine measures in place but be aware that if you are showing symptoms, you may be asked to isolate at home. You will need proof of a negative test that is no more than 72 hours old.

Lebanon

All passengers travelling to Lebanon must fill this health declaration form online. Coronavirus testing is in place at the airport. You will need to take two PCR tests, one before arriving and one on arrival. You will be asked to self-isolate until you get a negative result.

The Maldives

The Maldives has reopened its borders. It has also lifted its ban for anyone who has left or transited through the UK in the last 14 days.

You will need to fill in this form 24 hours before you travel to the Maldives. All visitors must present a negative PCR test for COVID-19 on arrival. The test and negative PCR certificate must be issued no more than 96 hours prior to departure.

Oman

British nationals with valid residence, tourist, business and family visit visas can enter Oman.

To enter, you will need to download the Tarassud+ track and trace app. You will also need proof of a negative test no more than 72 hours old.

Proof of accommodation is also required, as is a letter from your sponsor to confirm you have accommodation and health insurance for the length of your stay.

You will have your temperature checked on arrival and if you show symptoms, you may be taken to a quarantine facility. You will need to self-isolate for seven days.

UAE

Currently visitors and tourists from the UK can only visit Dubai and Abu Dhabi. 

UK travellers arriving in Dubai need proof of a negative COVID-19 test before they arrive. This test must be taken 96 hours before your arrival in Dubai.

Those travelling to Abu Dhabi will need a negative test that is no more than 72 hours old. You may also need to take a second test on arrival. It is required that you wear a government wristband while in Abu Dhabi and you will need to self-isolate for ten days. You will have further Coronavirus tests on day 6 and day 12 of your trip.

If departing from Abu Dhabi to the UK, you will need a negative test is no more than 96 hours old.