Where can I travel to now? Your travel questions answered

This page was last updated on Monday 29 November 2021 and will be kept up to date as and when the government makes further announcements about international travel in light of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The below applies until early 2022 when there will be a further review to give clearer certainty to the international travel policy for Spring/Summer 2022. Please check back later for more information.

Given that the current situation is subject to change, often at short notice, it is important to keep up to date with all of the latest travel information on the UK Government website.

What are the current restrictions around international travel?

How does the government's red list work?

Does London Stansted Airport offer a hotel quarantine and testing package?

Does London Stansted Airport offer a PCR testing package?

What countries are on the government’s ‘red’ banned travel list?

Can I book my holiday now, given the government’s plans for international travel may change?

Will I need to quarantine when I get to my holiday destination?

Do I still need to complete any health checks or forms to travel?

What do I do if I think I’ve developed COVID-19 symptoms before travelling?

Do the rules for England also apply to Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland?

When will the government be reviewing and updating on international travel?

What are the current restrictions around international travel?

As of Tuesday 30 November 2021, all UK arrivals must take a RT PCR test on or before day 2 of arrival into the country from a government-approved provider.

Vaccinated passengers can end quarantine after receiving a negative result. Unvaccinated passengers require pre-departure tests, day 2 and day 8 RT PCR tests, and must quarantine for 10 days.

Some countries have been added to the red list. If you have visited a country from the red list, you must book a 10 day hotel quarantine package. Manchester Airport does not currently accept passengers from red list countries.

The next government update for travel is due in early 2022.

How does the government’s red list work?

The UK Government updated the red list to curb the spread of new COVID-19 variants.

Here are the steps involved in travelling to a red list country and the rules for testing and quarantine:

Red – for those countries posing a high risk

Arrivals to England must:

• Fill in a passenger locator form (including details of quarantine package)

• Take a pre-departure test and get a negative result in the three days before travel

• Book a quarantine package – including a managed quarantine hotel, quarantine transport and the travel test package – from a government-approved provider before travel

• Quarantine for 10 days in a managed quarantine hotel

• Take a PCR test on day 2 and day 8 of your return (with no option for early release)

Does London Stansted Airport offer a hotel quarantine and testing package?

London Stansted Airport is not currently on the list of government-approved ports of entry from red list countries.

Does London Stansted Airport offer a PCR testing package?

London Stansted Airport has onsite testing facilities for those returning from countries not on the red list. We offer the RT PCR tests required for fully vaccinated travellers to be done on day 2.

Find out more about the arrivals testing facilities at London Stansted Airport

What countries are on the government’s ‘red’ banned travel list?

The UK Government is operating a single ‘red list’ of travel ban countries, which can be changed at short notice.

The following countries are on the red list:

• Angola

• Botswana

• Eswatini

• Lesotho

• Malawi

• Mozambique

• Namibia

• South Africa

• Zambia

• Zimbabwe

Can I book my holiday now, given the government’s plans for international travel may change?

Travel plans in 2022 could be subject to change, so for your peace of mind, at London Stansted Airport we’re offering free cancellation on all parking bookings.

Many holiday providers are offering similar terms, with speedy refunds and COVID-19 insurance in case your travel plans have to change at the last minute.

When planning your travel for 2022, it will be important to look out for good cancellation or amendment terms.

Will I need to quarantine when I get to my holiday destination?

Testing before you travel is vital as entry requirements can change at short notice. It is your responsibility to check the entry requirements of your chosen destination before you book travel. For the latest information, see the UK Government's travel advice page.

Do I still need to complete any health checks or forms to travel?

You must complete a passenger locator form 48 hours before your arrival to the UK, and show either a printed or electronic copy at the UK border. This information will allow the government to inform passengers if they’ve come into contact with someone while travelling who has developed COVID-19 symptoms.

What do I do if I think I’ve developed COVID-19 symptoms before travelling?

If you think you may have developed COVID-19 symptoms you should not travel. If you develop symptoms while travelling, please inform airport or cabin staff.

Do the rules for England also apply to Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland?

The quarantine and testing systems explained on this page relate to England only. Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland will be publishing their own guidance on international travel.

When will the government be reviewing and updating on international travel?

The government has said that it plans to review international travel in early 2022 with the hopes of relaxing further restrictions.