Omicron: What Covid tests do I need to travel abroad?

Covid testing rules have now been relaxed for some people travelling to the UK.

The new rules apply to fully vaccinated passengers (two doses) and under-18s, who no longer need to take a pre-departure test two days before travelling.

However, within 48 hours of arrival in the UK, they must take a lateral flow test (LFT) or a more expensive PCR test.

The test must be bought from a private test provider – free NHS tests cannot be used.

If they take an LFT and it is positive, they must self-isolate and take an NHS PCR test to confirm the result.

Vaccinated travellers also have to fill in and submit an online passenger locator form no more than 48 hours before arriving, even if they are just passing through the UK.

The government’s announcement does not change the travel rules for all other travellers who are not fully vaccinated:

Before departure: All unvaccinated travellers to the UK aged 12 and over must show proof of a negative test.

This can be an LFT or PCR test, and must have been taken in the two days before departure for the UK.

You’ll need to find a private test provider for this – free NHS tests cannot be used.

The test can be taken either in the country where you start your journey, or in another country en route to the UK.

If you test positive, you must follow the rules in the country you’re in, and not travel onwards to the UK.

After arriving in the UK: You have two days to take another test – which must be a PCR.

While you are waiting for a result, you must self-isolate, but can stop self-isolating if your test is negative.

Everyone aged five and over (11 and over in Scotland) must take these tests.

The testing rules do not apply to travellers from Ireland, the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man, unless they have been in another country in the 10 days before their departure for the UK.

Digital Covid passes showing your vaccination status can be downloaded to your phone, whether you’re in England, Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland.

Test results can be in the form of a printed document, or an email or text on your phone. They must be in English, French or Spanish.

European Union residents can use the EU Digital Covid Certificate to show their vaccination status or test results.

You’ll need to check the UK Foreign Office website for entry requirements of any other countries you visit. These can change quickly.

Covid passes issued in the UK can be used throughout the EU to show proof of vaccination – either digitally, or as a printed download (as long as it is dated later than 1 November 2021).

When the Omicron variant emerged some countries introduced travel restrictions.