Guidance

Coronavirus (COVID-19): jobs that qualify for travel exemptions

Updated 30 August 2021

Because of COVID-19 there are rules about what you have to do before you travel to England and after you arrive.

Some people are exempt from some or all COVID-19 travel and entry requirements because of their job.

This guidance lists the jobs that qualify for an exemption and tells you:

• what you need to do, or not do
• any conditions you will need to meet or evidence you will need to show

Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland

Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland have their own rules and exemptions. Read more about:

• exempt jobs in Northern Ireland
• exempt jobs in Scotland 
• exempt jobs in Wales

Jobs that qualify for travel exemptions

If you do one of the following jobs you may qualify for an exemption from one or more of the COVID-related travel restrictions.

Aerospace engineers

Before travel to England

Before you travel to England you need to:

• take a COVID-19 test
• complete the passenger locator form

After arrival in England

Green list countries

Applies if you have only been in a green list country in the 10 days before you arrive in England.

You must take a lateral flow device (LFD) test on or before day 2. If you are travelling internationally on a daily basis, you need to take an LFD test every 3 days.

Amber list countries

Applies if you been in an amber list country, but not a red list country, in the 10 days before you arrive in England.

You must quarantine in the place you are staying for 10 days. You can leave your accommodation when conducting the specific exempt work activity or travelling directly to and from your accommodation and a location for the purposes of this work. You must quarantine at all other times during your stay.

If you are in England for longer than 2 days, you need to take a mandatory workplace, community or home lateral flow device (LFD) test on or before days 2, 5 and 8 after arrival.

If you are travelling every day, you must take a lateral flow test at least once every 3 days.

Fully UK vaccinated – amber list – if you are fully vaccinated under the UK vaccination programme you do not need to quarantine. You only need to take a lateral flow device (LFD) test on day 2. If you are travelling internationally on a daily basis, you need to take an LFD test every 3 days.

Red list countries

Applies if you have been in a red list country in the 10 days before you arrive in England.

You need to quarantine in a government approved hotel and take a COVID-19 test on day 2 and day 8.

Evidence

At the border, you will need to show a letter from your company which includes:

• your personal details, such as name and address
• contact details for your employer
• what work you’ll be doing

If your employer issued you with photo identification, you should bring this with you to the UK.

Applies to:

Specialist aerospace engineers responsible for the continued operation of aviation activities and specialist workers responsible for ensuring the safe operation of aircraft.

Aircraft pilots and crew

Before travel to England

You do not need to take a COVID-19 test before you travel to the UK.

You need to complete the passenger locator form if you travel in any part of the aircraft that is accessible to any passenger for any part of the journey (for example, the aircraft cabin).

You do not need to complete the passenger locator form if you travel in a part of the aircraft that is not accessible to passengers, for example, a fully enclosed cockpit.

After arrival in England

Green list countries

Applies if you have only been in a green list country in the 10 days before you arrive in England.

You must take a lateral flow device (LFD) test on or before day 2. If you are travelling internationally on a daily basis, you need to take an LFD test every 3 days.

Crew do not need to undertake tests while off-duty under the Flight and Duty Time Limitations.

Amber list countries

Applies if you been in an amber list country, but not a red list country, in the 10 days before you arrive in England.

If you live in the UK you do not need to quarantine.

If you live overseas you must quarantine in the place you are staying while in England, except while you are undertaking the exempt activity or travelling as part of your work.

If you are in England for longer than 2 days, you need to take a mandatory workplace, community or home lateral flow device (LFD) test on or before days 2, 5 and 8 after arrival.

If you are travelling every day, you must take a lateral flow test at least once every 3 days.

Crew do not need to undertake tests while off-duty under the Flight and Duty Time Limitations.

Fully UK vaccinated – amber list – if you are fully vaccinated under the UK vaccination programme you do not need to quarantine. You only need to take a lateral flow device (LFD) test on day 2. If you are travelling internationally on a daily basis, you need to take an LFD test every 3 days.

Crew do not need to undertake tests while off-duty under the Flight and Duty Time Limitations.

Red list countries

Applies if you have been in a red list country in the 10 days before you arrive in England.

You do not need to quarantine in a government approved hotel and take a COVID-19 test on day 2 and day 8.

If you live in the UK, you do not need to quarantine.

If you do not live in the UK, you must quarantine in the place you are staying, except while you are undertaking the exempt activity or travelling as part of your work.

If you are in England for longer than 2 days, you need to take a mandatory workplace, community or home lateral flow device (LFD) test on or before days 2, 5 and 8 after arrival.

If you are travelling every day, you must take a lateral flow test at least once every 3 days.

When you are in a red list country you should take additional precautions to minimise contact with others.

Evidence

You should show a crew badge or ID.

Applies to:

Pilots and crew, as defined in paragraph 1 of Schedule 1 to the Air Navigation Order 2016 or other people carried to perform duties assigned by the aircraft operator or pilot in command relating to the safety of passengers or the aircraft, where they have travelled to the United Kingdom in the course of their work or are otherwise required to travel to the United Kingdom for work purposes.

Isolated aircraft workers arriving from green, amber and red list countries are exempt from testing requirements on the condition they:

• travel on an aircraft that does not carry passengers
• travel in a part of the aircraft that is not accessible to passengers, such as a fully enclosed cockpit
• do not disembark the aircraft either upon their arrival in England from another country or, if travelling from England to a country outside the common travel area and returning to England, do not disembark the aircraft while it is abroad

BBC broadcasting transmission network and services

Before travel to England

Before you travel to England you need to:

• take a COVID-19 test
• book tests to take after you arrive in England, if you will be staying for 2 days or longer
• complete the passenger locator form

After arrival in England

Green list countries

Applies if you have only been in a green list country in the 10 days before you arrive in England.

You must take a COVID-19 test on day 2 or earlier after you arrive, if you intend to stay in England for 2 days or longer.

Amber list countries

Applies if you been in an amber list country, but not a red list country, in the 10 days before you arrive in England.

You must quarantine in the place you are staying for 10 days. You can leave your accommodation when conducting the specific exempt work activity (urgent or essential work for the BBC’s broadcasting transmission network and services) or travelling directly to and from your accommodation and a location for the purposes of this work. You must quarantine at all other times during your stay.

You need to take a COVID-19 test on day 2 and day 8 after arrival in the UK, if you are still in the country.

Fully UK vaccinated – amber list – if you are fully vaccinated under the UK vaccination programme you do not need to quarantine or take a COVID-19 test on day 8.

Red list countries

Applies if you have been in a red list country in the 10 days before you arrive in England.

You need to quarantine in a government approved hotel and take a COVID-19 test on day 2 and day 8.

Evidence

At the border, you will need to show a letter from your company which includes:

• your personal details, such as name and address
• contact details for your employer
• what work you’ll be doing

If your employer issued you with photo identification, you should bring this with you to the UK.

Applies to:

People engaged in urgent or essential work for the:

• continued operation of electronic communications network or services
• BBC’s broadcasting transmission network and services
• associated supply chain that maintains the confidentiality, integrity and availability of those networks and services

Border security duties – UK officials and contractors

Before travel to England

Before you travel to the UK you do not need to:

• take a COVID-19 test before you travel to the UK
• complete the passenger locator form

After arrival in England

Green list countries

Applies if you have only been in a green list country in the 10 days before you arrive in England.

You must take a lateral flow device (LFD) test on or before day 2. If you are travelling internationally on a daily basis, you need to take an LFD test every 3 days.

Amber list countries

Applies if you been in an amber list country, but not a red list country, in the 10 days before you arrive in England.

You do not need to quarantine – either in a quarantine hotel or in private accommodation.

You need to:

• take a lateral flow device (LFD) test on or before days 2, 5 and 8 after arrival, if you are in England for longer than 2 days
• take a lateral flow test at least once every 3 days if you are travelling every day

Fully UK vaccinated – amber list – if you are fully vaccinated under the UK vaccination programme you do not need to quarantine. You only need to take a lateral flow device (LFD) test on day 2. If you are travelling internationally on a daily basis, you need to take an LFD test every 3 days.

Red list countries

You do not need to quarantine – either in a quarantine hotel or in private accommodation.

You need to:

• take a lateral flow device (LFD) test on or before days 2, 5 and 8 after arrival, if you are in England for longer than 2 days
• take a lateral flow test at least once every 3 days if you are travelling every day

Evidence

You should use your official photo identification to demonstrate your status.

Applies to:

UK officials and contractors required to work on essential border security duties, who are:

• required to undertake essential government work related to the UK border in the UK during the period which, but for this exemption, you would need to quarantine, or
• undertaking essential government work related to the UK border outside of the UK but required to come back to the UK temporarily before departing the UK to again undertake essential government work related to the border

Border security duties – non-UK officials and contractors

Before travel to England

Before you travel to England you need to:

• book tests to take after you arrive in England, if you will be staying for 2 days or longer

Border security officials who travel to England in order to operate juxtaposed French border controls at St. Pancras, Ebbsfleet, Cheriton, Ashford or Dover do not need to book these tests.

You do not need to:

• take a COVID-19 test before you travel to the UK
• complete the passenger locator form

After arrival in England

Border security officials who travel to England in order to operate juxtaposed French border controls at St. Pancras, Ebbsfleet, Cheriton, Ashford or Dover are exempt from the testing requirements below. Other non-UK border security officials and contractors are subject to testing requirements as set out below.

Green list countries

Applies if you have only been in a green list country in the 10 days before you arrive in England.

You must take a COVID-19 test on day 2 or earlier after you arrive, if you intend to stay in England for 2 days or longer.

Amber list countries

Applies if you been in an amber list country, but not a red list country, in the 10 days before you arrive in England.

You must quarantine in the place you are staying for 10 days. You can leave your accommodation when conducting the specific exempt activity or travelling directly to and from your accommodation and a location for the purposes of this work. You must quarantine at all other times during your stay.

You need to take a COVID-19 test on day 2 and day 8 after arrival in the UK, if you are still in the country.

Fully UK vaccinated – amber list – if you are fully vaccinated under the UK vaccination programme you do not need to quarantine or take a COVID-19 test on day 8.

Red list countries

Applies if you been in a red list country, in the 10 days before you arrive in England.

You must quarantine in the place you are staying. You can leave your accommodation when conducting the specific exempt activity or travelling directly to and from your accommodation and a location for the purposes of this work. You must quarantine at all other times during your stay.

You need to take a COVID-19 test on day 2 and day 8 after arrival in the UK, if you are still in the country.

Evidence

You should use your official photo identification to demonstrate your status.

Applies to:

Non-UK border security officials and contractors who are:

• an official or contractor of a foreign government, required to travel to the UK to undertake essential border security duties
• in possession of a written notice signed by a senior member of your government confirming that you’re required to undertake essential border security duties in the UK during the period which, but for this exemption, you would need to quarantine, and that that work cannot be undertaken while the person is complying with regulation 4
• your deployment is pursuant to a standing bilateral or multilateral agreement with the UK government on the operation of the border controls within the UK

Bus and coach drivers

Before travel to England

Before you travel to England you need to:

• take a COVID-19 test
• book tests to take after you arrive in England, if you will be staying for 2 days or longer
• complete the passenger locator form

After arrival in England

Green list countries

Applies if you have only been in a green list country in the 10 days before you arrive in England.

You must take a COVID-19 test on day 2 or earlier after you arrive, if you intend to stay in England for 2 days or longer.

Amber list countries

Applies if you been in an amber list country, but not a red list country, in the 10 days before you arrive in England.

If you live in the UK you do not need to quarantine.

If you live overseas you must quarantine in your accommodation while in England, except while you are undertaking the exempt activity.

You need to take a COVID-19 test on day 2 and day 8 after arrival in the UK, if you are still in the country.

Fully UK vaccinated – amber list – if you are fully vaccinated under the UK vaccination programme you do not need to quarantine or take a COVID-19 test on day 8.

Red list countries

Applies if you have been in a red list country in the 10 days before you arrive in England.

You need to quarantine in a government approved hotel and take a COVID-19 test on day 2 and day 8.

Evidence

You will need to show that your travel is part of your job, for example, a letter from your employer, a consignment note or your operator’s licence.

Applies to:

Drivers of public service vehicles and other employees of PSV and community licence holders for the international carriage of passengers by coach and bus.

Business directors bringing significant numbers of jobs and investment to the UK

Before travel to England

Before travel to England you need to:

• take a Covid-19 test
• book tests to take after you arrive in England, if you will be staying for 2 days or longer
• complete the passenger locator form
• notify the UK government that you intend to use the exemption and have written confirmation from the government that you are eligible

After arrival in England:

Green list countries

Applies if you have only been in a green list country in the 10 days before you arrive in England.

You must take a COVID-19 test on day 2 or earlier after you arrive, if you intend to stay in England for 2 days or longer.

Amber list countries

Applies if you been in an amber list country, but not a red list country, in the 10 days before you arrive in England.

You must quarantine in the place you are staying for 10 days. You can leave your accommodation when conducting the specific exempt activity/activities or travelling directly to and from your accommodation and a location for the purposes of this activity. You must quarantine at all other times during your stay.

You need to take a COVID-19 test on day 2 and day 8 after arrival in the UK, if you are still in the country.

Fully UK vaccinated – amber list – if you are fully vaccinated under the UK vaccination programme you do not need to quarantine or take a COVID-19 test on day 8.

Red list countries

Applies if you have been in a red list country in the 10 days before you arrive in England.

You need to quarantine in a government approved hotel and take a COVID-19 test on day 2 and day 8.

Applies to:

Certain senior executives (board level or equivalent) travelling to England who would be more likely than not to bring significant economic benefit to the UK as a result of the exempt activity.

Senior executives are classed as bringing ‘significant economic benefit’ if the work they are doing has a greater than 50% chance of creating or preserving at least 500 UK-based jobs in either:

• an existing UK-based business which has at least 500 employees
• a new UK business within 2 years of the date of their arrival in the UK

Senior executives are only exempt if the business activity requires their physical presence and cannot be done remotely or by anyone who would not need to quarantine.

The senior executive wishing to use the exemption must notify the UK government prior to doing so. They must do this using the business, jobs and investment exemption form.

Only individuals who have received a letter from the UK government confirming that they meet the criteria for the exemption, based on the information provided, will be able to use the exemption. This letter must be obtained before travelling to the UK and presented to Border Force officials upon arrival.

Channel Tunnel system workers

Before travel to England

You do not need to:

• complete the passenger locator form
• take a COVID-19 test

After arrival in England

Green list countries

Applies if you have only been in a green list country in the 10 days before you arrive in England.

You must take a lateral flow device (LFD) test on or before day 2. If you are travelling internationally on a daily basis, you need to take an LFD test every 3 days.

Amber list countries

Applies if you been in an amber list country, but not a red list country, in the 10 days before you arrive in England.

You do not need to quarantine unless you have visited or passed through a red list country in the last 10 days.

If you are in England for longer than 2 days, you need to take a mandatory workplace, community or home lateral flow device (LFD) test on or before days 2, 5 and 8 after your arrival.

If you are travelling every day, you must take a lateral flow test at least once every 3 days.

Fully UK vaccinated – amber list – if you are fully vaccinated under the UK vaccination programme you only need to take a lateral flow device (LFD) test on day 2. If you are travelling internationally on a daily basis, you need to take an LFD test every 3 days.

Red list countries

Applies if you have been in a red list country in the 10 days before you arrive in England.

You need to quarantine in a government approved hotel and take a COVID-19 test on day 2 and day 8.

Evidence

You should show your terminal access pass.

Applies to:

Operational, rail maintenance, security and safety workers working on the Channel Tunnel system.

Isolated workers arriving from green and amber list countries are exempt from testing requirements on the condition they:

• travel on a conveyance/vehicle that does not carry passengers
• travel in a part of a conveyance/vehicle that is not accessible to passengers, such as a fully enclosed cabin, or where passengers do not leave their own vehicles whilst said workers are present
• do not disembark the conveyance/vehicle either upon their arrival in England from another country or, if travelling from England to a country outside the common travel area and returning to England, do not disembark the conveyance/vehicle while it is abroad

Civil aviation inspectors

Before travel to England

You need to:

• book tests to take after you arrive in England, if you will be staying for 2 days or longer
• complete the passenger locator form

You do not need to take a COVID-19 test before you travel to the UK.

After arrival in England

Green list countries

Applies if you have only been in a green list country in the 10 days before you arrive in England.

You must take a COVID-19 test on day 2 or earlier after you arrive, if you intend to stay in England for 2 days or longer.

Amber list countries

Applies if you been in an amber list country, but not a red list country, in the 10 days before you arrive in England.

If you live in the UK you do not need to quarantine.

If you live overseas you must quarantine in the place you are staying while in England, except while you are undertaking the exempt activity.

You need to take a COVID-19 test on day 2 and day 8 after arrival in the UK, if you are still in the country.

Fully UK vaccinated – amber list – if you are fully vaccinated under the UK vaccination programme you do not need to quarantine or take a COVID-19 test on day 8.

Red list countries

Applies if you have been in a red list country in the 10 days before you arrive in England.

You need to quarantine in a government approved hotel and take a COVID-19 test on day 2 and day 8.

In certain limited circumstances, an exemption can be granted (from the need to quarantine in a government approved hotel) if you have been in any country on the travel ban red list in the previous 10 days. This is for workers who undertake essential or emergency work in the UK, or are returning from conducting such work outside of the UK, where a department certifies that the work is necessary to facilitate essential government work or essential state business.

This exemption will only be granted on a case by case basis, in exceptional circumstances, where the work is sufficiently urgent and critical that undertaking a managed quarantine period is not possible.

Evidence

You should show your accreditation from appropriate authority in your home country. For example, the Transport Department or Civil Aviation Authority.

Applies to:

Civil aviation inspectors engaged on inspection duties.

Clinical trials or studies

Before travel to England

Before you travel to England you need to:

• take a COVID-19 test
• book tests to take after you arrive in England, if you will be staying for 2 days or longer
• complete the passenger locator form

After arrival in England

Green list countries

Applies if you have only been in a green list country in the 10 days before you arrive in England.

You must take a COVID-19 test on day 2 or earlier after you arrive, if you intend to stay in England for 2 days or longer.

Amber list countries

Applies if you been in an amber list country, but not a red list country, in the 10 days before you arrive in England.

You must quarantine in the place you are staying for 10 days. You can leave your accommodation when conducting the specific exempt activity or travelling directly to and from your accommodation and a location for the purposes of this work. You must quarantine at all other times during your stay.

You need to take a COVID-19 test on day 2 and day 8 after arrival in the UK, if you are still in the country.

Fully UK vaccinated – amber list – if you are fully vaccinated under the UK vaccination programme you do not need to quarantine or take a COVID-19 test on day 8.

Red list countries

Applies if you have been in a red list country in the 10 days before you arrive in England.

You need to quarantine in a government approved hotel and take a COVID-19 test on day 2 and day 8.

Evidence

You will need to show:

• your staff pass or photo identification
• confirmation from the trial sponsor including
• the date and location of the trial
• what your involvement in the trial is, for example, if you manage, coordinate or administrate trials or medical research

Applies to:

Sponsors and essential persons needed for clinical trials or studies.

Crown servants or government contractors

Before travel to England

You need to complete the passenger locator form before you travel to the UK.

After arrival in England

You need to quarantine in a government approved hotel if you have been in a country on the travel ban red list in the 10 days before you arrive in the UK unless a relevant department of the UK government has certified that you are not required to do so and are:

• a Crown servant or government contractor travelling to the UK for essential government work or returning from such work outside the UK, or
• returning from conducting essential state business outside of the UK, or
• returning to the UK where this is necessary to facilitate the functioning of a diplomatic mission or consular post of Her Majesty or of a military/other official posting on behalf of Her Majesty

Even if you do not need to quarantine in a managed quarantine hotel you may still be required to quarantine in the place where you are staying.

You do not need to quarantine in the place where you are staying if a relevant department of the UK government has certified to that end that you are:

• a Crown servant or government contractor travelling to the UK for essential government work, or
• returning from conducting essential state business outside of the UK, or
• returning to the UK where this is necessary to facilitate the functioning of a diplomatic mission or consular post of Her Majesty or of a military/other official posting on behalf of Her Majesty

The relevant department of the UK government will issue you with a letter certifying that you fall within the relevant category above. You should contact them directly for this and bring it with you to the UK.

You are expected to complete tests on day 2 and day 8 where reasonably practicable, but you will not need to complete the mandatory testing requirements if a relevant department of the UK government has certified that you are:

• a Crown servant or government contractor travelling to the UK for essential government work, or
• returning from conducting essential state business outside of the UK

and you do not need to quarantine in a managed quarantine hotel or the place where you are staying as a result.

Exemption from COVID-19 testing before entering England

Those certified by a department of the UK government as meeting the criteria set out below and not required to comply with the requirement:

• a Crown servant or government contractor travelling to the UK for essential government work in the UK or returning from conducting such work outside the UK, or
• a person returning from conducting essential state business outside of the UK, or
• a person returning from undertaking essential or emergency work outside of the UK, which has been certified by the relevant department as necessary to facilitate essential government work, or essential state business

The relevant department of the UK government will issue you with a letter certifying that you fall within one of the categories above and that you are not required to comply with the requirement. You should contact them directly for this before you depart and bring it with you to the UK. You may be refused boarding without this.

Possession of letters confirming exemption from the requirement to quarantine for 10 days does not exempt the holder from the need to take a COVID-19 test before travelling to the UK.

Data infrastructure maintenance

Before travel to England

Before you travel to England you need to:

• take a COVID-19 test
• book tests to take after you arrive in England, if you will be staying for 2 days or longer
• complete the passenger locator form

After arrival in England

Green list countries

Applies if you have only been in a green list country in the 10 days before you arrive in England.

You must take a COVID-19 test on day 2 or earlier after you arrive, if you intend to stay in England for 2 days or longer.

Amber list countries

Applies if you been in an amber list country, but not a red list country, in the 10 days before you arrive in England.

You must quarantine in the place you are staying for 10 days. You can leave your accommodation when conducting the specific exempt activity or travelling directly to and from your accommodation and a location for the purposes of this work. You must quarantine at all other times during your stay.

You need to take a COVID-19 test on day 2 and day 8 after arrival in the UK, if you are still in the country.

Fully UK vaccinated – amber list – if you are fully vaccinated under the UK vaccination programme you do not need to quarantine or take a COVID-19 test on day 8.

Red list countries

Applies if you have been in a red list country in the 10 days before you arrive in England.

You need to quarantine in a government approved hotel and take a COVID-19 test on day 2 and day 8.

In certain limited circumstances, an exemption can be granted (from the need to quarantine in a government approved hotel) if you have been in any country on the travel ban red list in the previous 10 days. This is for workers who undertake essential or emergency work in the UK, or are returning from conducting such work outside of the UK, where a department certifies that the work is necessary to facilitate essential government work or essential state business.

This exemption will only be granted on a case by case basis, in exceptional circumstances, where the work is sufficiently urgent and critical that undertaking a managed quarantine period is not possible.

Applies to:

A person involved in essential maintenance and repair of data infrastructure required to reduce and resolve outages, or in the provision of goods and services to support these activities

Defence personnel, visiting forces and government contractors

Before travel to England

You do not need to:

• take a COVID-19 test before travel to England, where it is impractical to get a test
• complete a passenger locator form

After arrival in England

Green list countries

Applies if you have only been in a green list country in the 10 days before you arrive in England.

If you are authorised a Defence exemption and if you are in England for 2 days or more, you need to take a mandatory lateral flow device (LFD)/workforce test on or before day 2. This can be accessed from:

• workplace testing programmes available to employers
• at home, by ordering test kits online or by dialling 119

You do not need to quarantine unless the test result is positive.

Amber list countries

Applies if you been in an amber list country, but not a red list country, in the 10 days before you arrive in England.

There are limited Defence exemptions for essential Defence activity that has to be conducted on return to the UK and the default is that people follow the quarantine rules on arrival into the UK (quarantine at home or in the place you are staying for 10 days). You will need to apply for a letter from the Ministry of Defence confirming you are exempt, in accordance with internal MOD guidance. You will need to show this letter to officials at border control on entry to the UK.

If you do not meet the requirements of ‘fully vaccinated amber’, if you have an authorised Defence exemption, and are in England for longer than 2 days, you need to take a mandatory workplace lateral flow device (LFD) test on days 2, 5 and 8 after your arrival. You do not need to quarantine.

If you are travelling every day, or for no more than 2 days at a time, you must take a lateral flow test at least once every 3 days.

Those without a Defence exemption will need to take a PCR COVID-19 tests on day 2 and day 8 after arrival in the UK, if you are still in the country.

Fully UK vaccinated – amber list – if you are fully vaccinated under the UK vaccination programme you do not need to quarantine.

If you are authorised a Defence exemption and are in England for longer than 2 days, you need to take a mandatory workplace lateral flow device (LFD) test on or before day 2 after your arrival.

If you are travelling every day, or for no more than two days at a time, you must take a lateral flow test at least once every 3 days.

Those without a Defence exemption will need to take a PCR COVID-19 test on day 2 after arrival in the UK, if you are still in the country.

Red list countries

Applies if you have been in a red list country in the 10 days before you arrive in England.

There are limited Defence exemptions for essential Defence activity that has to be conducted on return to the UK and the default is that people follow the quarantine rules on arrival into the UK (which for arrivals from red list countries is managed quarantine). You will need to apply for a letter from the Ministry of Defence confirming you are exempt. You will need to show this letter to officials at border control on entry to the UK.

If you are authorised a Defence exemption you are permitted to enter the UK and you do not need to quarantine in a government approved hotel. You will need to take a mandatory workplace lateral flow device (LFD) test on or before days 2, 5 and 8 after your arrival.

If you are travelling every day, or for no more than two days at a time, you must take a lateral flow test at least once every 3 days.

Those without an exemption will be required to enter Managed Quarantine and undertake the PCR COVID-19 tests on day 2 and day 8 included in the package.

Evidence

You will need to request a letter from the Ministry of Defence confirming you are exempt. You will need to show this letter to officials at border control on entry to the UK.

Applies to:

Defence personnel, visiting forces and government contractors who the Ministry of Defence has confirmed are required to deliver essential defence activities.

Diplomatic missions, international organisations and conferences

Before travel to England

You need to take a COVID-19 test before you travel to the UK.

You, your family members and other dependents do not need to complete the passenger locator form and are not subject to mandatory testing. However, for public health reasons, you are strongly encouraged to complete tests on day 2 and day 8 after arrival.

After arrival in England

Neither you nor your family members or other dependents need to quarantine in a managed quarantine hotel.

If you have been in a country on the travel ban red list in the 10 days before you arrive in the UK, you, your family members and other dependents will need to quarantine in the place where you are staying.

For all other arrivals, you do not need to quarantine in the place you are staying if it is confirmed that your work is essential to the functioning of the mission, international organisation or conference and that it cannot be undertaken while self-isolating. If your family members or other dependents travel with you, they will need to quarantine in the place where they are staying after they arrive in the UK.

Before you travel, your mission, international organisation or conference will need to notify the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) or Protocol Directorate, who will acknowledge receipt.

Applies to:

Members of diplomatic missions and consular posts in the UK, officers, servants or representatives of international organisations, representatives at an international or UK conference granted privileges and immunities, and their families or dependents.

Downstream oil facility workers

Before travel to England

Before you travel to England you need to:

• complete the passenger locator form
• take a COVID-19 test

After arrival in England

Green list countries

Applies if you have only been in a green list country in the 10 days before you arrive in England.

You must take a COVID-19 test on day 2 or earlier after you arrive, if you intend to stay in England for 2 days or longer.

Amber list countries

Applies if you been in an amber list country, but not a red list country, in the 10 days before you arrive in England.

You must quarantine in the place you are staying for 10 days. You can leave your accommodation when conducting the specific exempt activity or travelling directly to and from your accommodation and a location for the purposes of this work. You must quarantine at all other times during your stay.

You need to take a COVID-19 test on day 2 and day 8 after arrival in the UK, if you are still in the country.

Fully UK vaccinated – amber list – if you are fully vaccinated under the UK vaccination programme you do not need to quarantine or take a COVID-19 test on day 8.

Red list countries

Applies if you have been in a red list country in the 10 days before you arrive in England.

You need to quarantine in a government approved hotel and take a COVID-19 test on day 2 and day 8.

In certain limited circumstances, an exemption can be granted (from the need to quarantine in a government approved hotel) if you have been in any country on the travel ban red list in the previous 10 days. This is for workers who undertake essential or emergency work in the UK, or are returning from conducting such work outside of the UK, where a department certifies that the work is necessary to facilitate essential government work or essential state business.

This exemption will only be granted on a case by case basis, in exceptional circumstances, where the work is sufficiently urgent and critical that undertaking a managed quarantine period is not possible.

Evidence

At the border, you will need to show a letter from your company which includes:

• your personal details, such as name and address
• contact details for your employer
• what work you’ll be doing

If your employer issued you with photo identification, you should bring this with you to the UK.

Applies to:

Workers with specialist technical skills required for essential or emergency works to ensure the continued safe and secure operations of a downstream oil facility that has a capacity in excess of 20,000 tonnes.

Drivers of goods vehicles

Before travel to England

Before you travel to the UK, you need to complete the passenger locator form. You will need to enter details of your passport, or other travel document. When you travel, make sure you are using the same passport or travel document that you entered on the passenger locator form.

You do not need to take a COVID-19 test before you travel to the UK.

After arrival in England

Green list countries

Applies if you have only been in a green list country in the 10 days before you arrive in England.

If you are staying in England longer than 2 days you will need to take a test on or before day 2.

You do not need to book COVID-19 tests before arrival in England.

You are not required to isolate in-cab or quarantine.

If you are travelling every day, you must take a lateral flow test at least once every 3 days.

Amber list rules

Applies if you have only been in or through an amber list country, but not a red list country (apart from Turkey or Georgia) in the 10 days before you arrive in England.

You must isolate away from other people in your cab during the time you are working in England. If you are a UK resident you are not required to quarantine while not working. If you are a non-UK resident, you must quarantine whilst not working.

You are required to continue to test during this time.

If you are staying in England longer than 2 days you will need to take a test on or before day 2, between days 3 and 5 and between days 6 and 8. If you have been fully vaccinated under the UK vaccination programme, you only need to take a test on or before day 2.

You do not need to book COVID-19 tests before arrival in England.

If you are travelling every day, you must take a lateral flow test at least once every 3 days.

Fully UK vaccinated – amber list – if you are fully vaccinated under the UK vaccination programme you do not need to isolate in-cab or quarantine on arrival in England. You must take an LFD test on day 2, but are not required to take further tests. If you are travelling internationally on a daily basis you need to take an LFD test every 3 days.

Red list rules

Applies if you have been in a red list country (except Turkey, Georgia or Montenegro) in the 10 days before you arrive in England.

You need to quarantine in a government approved hotel.

Georgia, Montenegro and Turkey

If the only red list countries that you have been in or through in the 10 days before you arrive in the UK are Georgia, Montenegro or Turkey, you do not need to quarantine in a hotel on arrival.

If you are staying in the UK longer than 2 days you will need to take a test on or before day 2, between days 3 and 5 and between days 6 and 8.

If you are travelling internationally every day, you must take a lateral flow test at least once every 3 days. You must also follow the stay-in-cab guidance in the UK.

Evidence

You will need to show that your travel is part of your job, for example a letter from your employer, a consignment note or your operator’s licence.

Applies to:

Drivers of goods vehicles and other employees of community licence holders for the international carriage of goods.

Electronic communications networks

Before travel to England

Before you travel to England you need to:

• take a COVID-19 test
• book tests to take after you arrive in England, if you will be staying for 2 days or longer
• complete the passenger locator form

After arrival in England

Green list countries

Applies if you have only been in a green list country in the 10 days before you arrive in England.

You must take a COVID-19 test on day 2 or earlier after you arrive, if you intend to stay in England for 2 days or longer.

Amber list countries

Applies if you been in an amber list country, but not a red list country, in the 10 days before you arrive in England.

You must quarantine in the place you are staying for 10 days. You can leave your accommodation when conducting the specific exempt work activity (urgent or essential work for the UK’s electronic communications networks) or travelling directly to and from your accommodation and a location for the purposes of this work. You must quarantine at all other times during your stay.

You need to take a COVID-19 test on day 2 and day 8 after arrival in the UK, if you are still in the country.

Fully UK vaccinated – amber list – if you are fully vaccinated under the UK vaccination programme you do not need to quarantine or take a COVID-19 test on day 8.

Red list countries

Applies if you have been in a red list country in the 10 days before you arrive in England.

You need to quarantine in a government approved hotel and take a COVID-19 test on day 2 and day 8.

In certain limited circumstances, an exemption can be granted (from the need to quarantine in a government approved hotel) if you have been in any country on the travel ban red list in the previous 10 days. This is for workers who undertake essential or emergency work in the UK, or are returning from conducting such work outside of the UK, where a department certifies that the work is necessary to facilitate essential government work or essential state business.

This exemption will only be granted on a case by case basis, in exceptional circumstances, where the work is sufficiently urgent and critical that undertaking a managed quarantine period is not possible.

Evidence

At the border, you will need to show a letter from your company which includes:

• your personal details, such as name and address
• contact details for your employer
• what work you’ll be doing

If your employer issued you with photo identification, you should bring this with you to the UK.

Applies to:

People engaged in urgent or essential work on electronic communications networks.

Elite sportspersons – domestic

Before travel to England

Before you travel to the UK, you need to:

• take a COVID-19 test
• book any COVID-19 tests you will need to take after arrival - required if you will be staying in England for longer than 2 days
• complete the passenger locator form

After arrival in England

Green list countries

Applies if you have only been in a green list country in the 10 days before you arrive in England.

You must take a COVID-19 test on day 2 or earlier after you arrive, if you intend to stay in England for 2 days or longer.

Amber list countries

Applies if you been in an amber list country, but not a red list country, in the 10 days before you arrive in England.

You must quarantine in the place you are staying, apart from when you are:

• competing in or training for an elite sports event, or
• providing essential support to a domestic elite sportsperson in their competition or training, or
• providing essential operational support to the running of an elite sports event

You may leave quarantine to travel directly to or between the locations of elite sports events or training where you are undertaking your duties as an elite sportsperson.

If you are staying in England for longer than 2 days, you need to take a COVID-19 test on day 2 and day 8  if you are still in the country.

Fully UK vaccinated – amber list – if you are fully vaccinated under the UK vaccination programme you do not need to quarantine or take a COVID-19 test on day 8.

Red list countries

Applies if you have been in a red list country in the 10 days before you arrive in England.

You must quarantine in a government approved hotel and take a COVID-19 test on day 2 and day 8 unless you are participating in a significant sporting event which is listed in Schedule 11 of The Health Protection (Coronavirus, International Travel and Operator Liability) (England) Regulations 2021.

Evidence

You should provide written evidence from a UK or English national governing body for your sport confirming both your status as an elite sportsperson who has travelled overseas to participate in an elite sports event, and that you will be continuing those activities on your return, or your status as a UK elite sportsperson who is based abroad and is returning to England to participate in elite sport training or competition.

Applies to:

Domestic elite sportspersons and essential operational or support staff returning from an elite sports event or training for the Olympic and Paralympic Games to continue their competition or training in England, or UK sportspersons who are based abroad returning to England for an elite sports event or training.

Elite sportspersons – international

Before travel to England

Before you travel to the UK, you need to:

• take a COVID-19 test
• book any COVID-19 tests you will need to take after arrival - required if you will be staying in England for longer than 2 days
• complete the passenger locator form

After arrival in England

Green list countries

Applies if you have only been in a green list country in the 10 days before you arrive in England.

You must take a COVID-19 test on day 2 or earlier after you arrive, if you intend to stay in England for 2 days or longer.

Amber list countries

Applies if you been in an amber list country, but not a red list country, in the 10 days before you arrive in England.

You must quarantine in the place you are staying. However, you can leave your accommodation to travel directly to and attend any specified competition (as listed in Schedule 5 in the The Health Protection (Coronavirus, International Travel and Operator Liability) (England) Regulations 2021)) you are participating in with other elite sportspersons and essential operational or support staff. Travelling between multiple venue locations for the sports event is also permitted.

If you are staying in England for longer than 2 days, you need to take a COVID-19 test on day 2 and day 8  if you are still in the country.

Fully UK vaccinated – amber list – if you are fully vaccinated under the UK vaccination programme you do not need to quarantine or take a COVID-19 test on day 8.

Red list countries

Applies if you have been in a red list country in the 10 days before you arrive in England.

You must quarantine in a government approved hotel and take a COVID-19 test on day 2 and day 8, unless you are participating in a significant sporting event which is listed in Schedule 11 of The Health Protection (Coronavirus, International Travel and Operator Liability) (England) Regulations 2021.

Evidence

You’ll need to provide written evidence from a UK or English national governing body for your sport of your status as an international elite sportsperson or essential operational or support staff attending the specified competition.

Applies to:

International elite sportspersons and essential operational and support staff participating in a UK specified competition listed in the Health Protection (Coronavirus, International Travel) (England) Regulations 2020 (as amended).

Environment Agency relating to flood and coastal erosion risk management

Before travel to England

Before you travel to the UK, you need to:

• take a COVID-19 test
• book any COVID-19 tests you will need to take after arrival - required if you will be staying in England for longer than 2 days
• complete the passenger locator form

After arrival in England

Green list countries

Applies if you have only been in a green list country in the 10 days before you arrive in England.

You must take a COVID-19 test on day 2 or earlier after you arrive, if you intend to stay in England for 2 days or longer.

Amber list countries

Applies if you been in an amber list country, but not a red list country, in the 10 days before you arrive in England.

You must quarantine in the place you are staying for 10 days. You can leave your accommodation when conducting the specific exempt activity or travelling directly to and from your accommodation and a location for the purposes of this work. You must quarantine at all other times during your stay.

You need to take a COVID-19 test on day 2 and day 8 after arrival in the UK, if you are still in the country.

Fully UK vaccinated – amber list – if you are fully vaccinated under the UK vaccination programme you do not need to quarantine or take a COVID-19 test on day 8.

Red list countries

Applies if you have been in a red list country in the 10 days before you arrive in England.

You need to quarantine in a government approved hotel and take a COVID-19 test on day 2 and day 8.

In certain limited circumstances, an exemption can be granted (from the need to quarantine in a government approved hotel) if you have been in any country on the travel ban red list in the previous 10 days. This is for workers who undertake essential or emergency work in the UK, or are returning from conducting such work outside of the UK, where a department certifies that the work is necessary to facilitate essential government work or essential state business.

This exemption will only be granted on a case by case basis, in exceptional circumstances, where the work is sufficiently urgent and critical that undertaking a managed quarantine period is not possible.

Evidence

You should show a letter from your company at the border which includes:

• your personal details, such as name and address
• contact details for your employer
• detail of what work you’ll be doing and its location
• contact details for the Environment Agency or lead local flood authority in England, which you’ll be completing work for in the UK or, alternatively, a letter issued to you by the Environment Agency or lead local flood authority confirming that you are a worker engaged in essential or emergency flood and coastal erosion risk management works on their behalf

If your employer has issued you with photo identification, you should bring this with you to the UK.

Applies to:

Workers engaged in essential or emergency works on behalf of the Environment Agency relating to flood and coastal erosion risk management.

Eurostar International workers

Before travel to England

You do not need to take a COVID-19 test before you travel to the UK.

You need to complete the passenger locator form before you travel to the UK if you travel in part of the train that is accessible to any passenger for any part of the journey.

You do not need to complete the passenger locator form if you travel in a part of the train that is not accessible to passengers.

After arrival in England

Green list countries

Applies if you have only been in a green list country in the 10 days before you arrive in England.

You must take a lateral flow device (LFD) test on or before day 2. If you are travelling internationally on a daily basis, you need to take an LFD test every 3 days.

Amber list countries

Applies if you been in an amber list country, but not a red list country, in the 10 days before you arrive in England.

If you live in the UK you do not need to quarantine.

If you live overseas you must quarantine in the place you are staying while in England, except while you are undertaking the exempt activity.

If you are in England for longer than 2 days, you need to take a mandatory workplace, community or home lateral flow device (LFD) test on or before days 2, 5 and 8 after your arrival.

If you are travelling every day, you must take a lateral flow test at least once every 3 days.

Fully UK vaccinated – amber list – if you are fully vaccinated under the UK vaccination programme you do not need to quarantine. You only need to take a lateral flow device (LFD) test on day 2. If you are travelling internationally on a daily basis, you need to take an LFD test every 3 days.

Red list countries

Applies if you have been in a red list country in the 10 days before you arrive in England.

You need to quarantine in a government approved hotel and take a COVID-19 test on day 2 and day 8.

Evidence

If you’re Eurostar staff, you should show a Eurostar staff pass, or letter from Eurostar, or train driving licence.

Applies to:

Drivers and crew of trains operated by Eurostar International Limited, essential cross-border workers working for Eurostar International Limited.

Isolated workers arriving from green and amber list countries are exempt from testing requirements on the condition they:

• travel on a train that does not carry passengers
• travel in a part of a train that is not accessible to passengers, such as a fully enclosed cabin
• do not disembark the train either upon their arrival in England from another country or, if travelling from England to a country outside the common travel area and returning to England, do not disembark the train while it is abroad

Eurotunnel workers

Before travel to England

You do not need to take a COVID-19 test before you travel to the UK.

You need to complete the passenger locator form before you travel to the UK if you travel in part of the train that is accessible to any passenger for any part of the journey, unless passengers remain in their vehicles in that area. For example, on the Channel Tunnel passenger shuttle.

You do not need to complete the passenger locator form if you travel in a part of the train that is not accessible to passengers or, in the case of freight trains, the train does not carry passengers.

After arrival in England

Green list countries

Applies if you have only been in a green list country in the 10 days before you arrive in England.

You must take a lateral flow device (LFD) test on or before day 2. If you are travelling internationally on a daily basis, you need to take an LFD test every 3 days.

Amber list countries

Applies if you been in an amber list country, but not a red list country, in the 10 days before you arrive in England.

You do not need to quarantine unless you have visited or passed through a red list country in the last 10 days.

If you are in England for longer than 2 days, you need to take a mandatory workplace, community or home lateral flow device (LFD) test on or before days 2, 5 and 8 after your arrival.

If you are travelling every day, you must take a lateral flow test at least once every 3 days.

Fully UK vaccinated – amber list – if you are fully vaccinated under the UK vaccination programme you do not need to quarantine. You only need to take a lateral flow device (LFD) test on day 2. If you are travelling internationally on a daily basis, you need to take an LFD test every 3 days.

Red list countries

Applies if you have been in a red list country in the 10 days before you arrive in England.

You need to quarantine in a government approved hotel and take a COVID-19 test on day 2 and day 8.

Evidence

If you’re Eurotunnel staff, you should show a terminal access pass, or train driving licence.

If you’re a freight train driver, you should show your staff pass.

Applies to:

Eurotunnel train drivers and crew, Eurotunnel Shuttle drivers, freight train drivers, crew and essential cross-border rail freight workers operating through the Channel Tunnel.

Isolated workers arriving from green and amber list countries are exempt from testing requirements on the condition they:

• travel on a conveyance/vehicle that does not carry passengers
• travel in a part of a conveyance/vehicle that is not accessible to passengers, such as a fully enclosed cabin, or where passengers do not leave their own vehicles whilst said workers are present
• do not disembark the conveyance/vehicle either upon their arrival in England from another country or, if travelling from England to a country outside the common travel area and returning to England, do not disembark the conveyance/vehicle while it is abroad

High Speed 2 rail workers

Before travel to England

Before you travel to England you need to:

• take a COVID-19 test
• complete the complete the passenger locator form

After arrival in England

Green list countries

Applies if you have only been in a green list country in the 10 days before you arrive in England.

You must take a lateral flow device (LFD) test on or before day 2. If you are travelling internationally on a daily basis, you need to take an LFD test every 3 days.

Amber list countries

Applies if you been in an amber list country, but not a red list country, in the 10 days before you arrive in England.

If you are in England for longer than 2 days, you need to take a mandatory workplace, community or home lateral flow device (LFD) test on or before days 2, 5 and 8 after your arrival.

If you are travelling every day, you must take a lateral flow test at least once every 3 days.

You must quarantine in the place you are staying for 10 days. You can leave your accommodation when conducting the specific exempt activity or travelling directly to and from your accommodation and a location for the purposes of this work. You must quarantine at all other times during your stay.

To be eligible for this exemption the Department for Transport must issue a letter certifying that you are:

• travelling for business reasons related to essential construction and/or safety work on Phase One of the future high-speed rail network, and
• required to be present in person for the essential work

If you meet these criteria, your request for an exemption letter should go through your respective HS2 Ltd business manager who will review and contact the Department for Transport as necessary.

Fully UK vaccinated – amber list – if you are fully vaccinated under the UK vaccination programme you do not need to quarantine. You only need to take a lateral flow device (LFD) test on day 2. If you are travelling internationally on a daily basis, you need to take an LFD test every 3 days.

Red list countries

Applies if you have been in a red list country in the 10 days before you arrive in England.

You need to quarantine in a government approved hotel and take a COVID-19 test on day 2 and day 8.

In certain limited circumstances, an exemption can be granted (from the need to quarantine in a government approved hotel) if you have been in any country on the travel ban red list in the previous 10 days. This is for workers who undertake essential or emergency work in the UK, or are returning from conducting such work outside of the UK, where a department certifies that the work is necessary to facilitate essential government work or essential state business.

This exemption will only be granted on a case by case basis, in exceptional circumstances, where the work is sufficiently urgent and critical that undertaking a managed quarantine period is not possible.

Evidence

You’ll need to request a letter from the Department for Transport confirming you are exempt. This is separate from the letter needed to avoid the 10 day quarantine during the exempt activity for countries not on the red list. You will need to show this letter to officials at border control on entry to the UK.

Applies to:

Workers who the Department for Transport has confirmed are required to deliver essential construction and/or safety work on Phase One of the future high-speed network.

In-flight security officers

Before travel to England

Before you travel to England you need to:

• take a COVID-19 test
• book COVID-19 tests to take after you arrive in England
• complete the complete the passenger locator form

After arrival in England

Green list countries

Applies if you have only been in a green list country in the 10 days before you arrive in England.

You must take a COVID-19 test on day 2 or earlier after you arrive, if you intend to stay in England for 2 days or longer.

You do not need to quarantine unless the result of your test is positive.

Amber list countries

Applies if you been in an amber list country, but not a red list country, in the 10 days before you arrive in England.

You must quarantine in the place you are staying for 10 days. You can only leave your accommodation when travelling to depart England, as long as you do so directly. You must quarantine at all other times during your stay.

You need to take a COVID-19 test on day 2 and day 8 after arrival in the UK, if you are still in the country.

Fully UK vaccinated – amber list – if you are fully vaccinated under the UK vaccination programme you do not need to quarantine or take a COVID-19 test on day 8.

Red list countries

Applies if you have been in a red list country in the 10 days before you arrive in England.

You must quarantine in the place you are staying. You can only leave your accommodation when travelling to depart England, as long as you do so directly. You must quarantine at all other times during your stay.

You need to take a COVID-19 test on day 2 and day 8 after arrival in the UK, if you are still in the country.

You do not have to quarantine in a managed hotel

Evidence

You should use your official photo identification to demonstrate your status.

Applies to:

In-flight security officers who are an official or contractor of a foreign government, whose travel to and from England is pursuant to a standing bilateral agreement with the UK government on the deployment of IFSOs.

IT and telecoms workers

Before travel to England

Before you travel to England you need to:

• take a COVID-19 test
• book tests to take after you arrive in England, if you will be staying for 2 days or longer
• complete the passenger locator form

After arrival in England

Green list countries

Applies if you have only been in a green list country in the 10 days before you arrive in England.

You must take a COVID-19 test on day 2 or earlier after you arrive, if you intend to stay in England for 2 days or longer.

Amber list countries

Applies if you been in an amber list country, but not a red list country, in the 10 days before you arrive in England.

You must quarantine in the place you are staying for 10 days. You can leave your accommodation when conducting the specific exempt work activity (urgent or essential work related to IT and telecoms) or travelling directly to and from your accommodation and a location for the purposes of this work. You must quarantine at all other times during your stay.

You need to take a COVID-19 test on day 2 and day 8 after arrival in the UK, if you are still in the country.

Fully UK vaccinated – amber list – if you are fully vaccinated under the UK vaccination programme you do not need to quarantine or take a COVID-19 test on day 8.

Red list countries

Applies if you have been in a red list country in the 10 days before you arrive in England.

You need to quarantine in a government approved hotel and take a COVID-19 test on day 2 and day 8.

In certain limited circumstances, an exemption can be granted (from the need to quarantine in a government approved hotel) if you have been in any country on the travel ban red list in the previous 10 days. This is for workers who undertake essential or emergency work in the UK, or are returning from conducting such work outside of the UK, where a department certifies that the work is necessary to facilitate essential government work or essential state business.

This exemption will only be granted on a case by case basis, in exceptional circumstances, where the work is sufficiently urgent and critical that undertaking a managed quarantine period is not possible.

Evidence

At the border, you will need to show a letter from your company which includes:

• your personal details, such as name and address
• contact details for your employer
• what work you’ll be doing

If your employer issued you with photo identification, you should bring this with you to the UK.

Applies to:

Information technology or telecommunications professionals whose expertise is required to provide an essential or emergency response to threats and incidents relating to the security of any network and information system and ensure the continued operation of any network and information system.

Medical evacuation

You do not need to take a COVID-19 test before you travel to the UK.

Applies to:

Patient and accompanying medics.

Medical treatment

Before travel to England

Before you travel to England you need to:

• take a COVID-19 test
• book tests to take after you arrive in England, if you will be staying for 2 days or longer
• complete the passenger locator form

After arrival in England

Green list countries

Applies if you have only been in a green list country in the 10 days before you arrive in England.

You must take a COVID-19 test on day 2 or earlier after you arrive, if you intend to stay in England for 2 days or longer.

Amber list countries

Applies if you been in an amber list country, but not a red list country, in the 10 days before you arrive in England.

You will be able to travel to and from your healthcare provider and the place you are staying in the UK. You will otherwise be required to quarantine.

You need to take a COVID-19 test on day 2 and day 8 after arrival in the UK, if you are still in the country.

Fully UK vaccinated – amber list – if you are fully vaccinated under the UK vaccination programme you do not need to quarantine or take a COVID-19 test on day 8.

Red list countries

Applies if you have been in a red list country in the 10 days before you arrive in England.

You need to quarantine in a government approved hotel and take a COVID-19 test on day 2 and day 8.

Evidence

You should show a letter or S2 certificate from your healthcare provider explaining your treatment.

Healthcare means all forms of healthcare including mental and physical health. There are also exemptions for live donors and those accompanying the individual, for example a carer or a child.

If you’re bringing a carer or care companion with you to the UK, they should show a letter from your care provider or their employer confirming that they’re providing care so they will also not need to quarantine.

Applies to:

Individuals arriving to attend pre-arranged treatment, when receiving that treatment in the UK.

Urgent medical treatment

You do not need to take a COVID-19 test before you travel to the UK.

You do not need to take a COVID-19 test on day 2 and day 8 after arrival in the UK.

You will be able to travel to and from your healthcare provider and the place you’re staying in the UK. You will otherwise be required to quarantine.

Applies to:

Individuals arriving to attend urgent, non-pre arranged treatment, when receiving that treatment in the UK.

Medicines – human and veterinary

Before travel to England

Before you travel to England you need to:

• take a COVID-19 test
• book tests to take after you arrive in England, if you will be staying for 2 days or longer
• complete the passenger locator form

After arrival in England

Green list countries

Applies if you have only been in a green list country in the 10 days before you arrive in England.

You must take a COVID-19 test on day 2 or earlier after you arrive, if you intend to stay in England for 2 days or longer.

Amber list countries

Applies if you been in an amber list country, but not a red list country, in the 10 days before you arrive in England.

You must quarantine in the place you are staying for 10 days. You can leave your accommodation when conducting the specific exempt activity or travelling directly to and from your accommodation and a location for the purposes of this work. You must quarantine at all other times during your stay.

You need to take a COVID-19 test on day 2 and day 8 after arrival in the UK, if you are still in the country.

Fully UK vaccinated – amber list – if you are fully vaccinated under the UK vaccination programme you do not need to quarantine or take a COVID-19 test on day 8.

Red list countries

Applies if you have been in a red list country in the 10 days before you arrive in England.

You need to quarantine in a government approved hotel and take a COVID-19 test on day 2 and day 8.

Evidence

You will need to show:

• your staff pass or photo identification
• confirmation from the trial sponsor including
• the date and location of the trial
• what your involvement in the trial is, for example, if you manage, coordinate or administrate trials or medical research

Applies to:

Qualified persons and responsible persons for human and veterinary medicines, clinical trials, clinical investigations and pharmacovigilance.

Network Rail workers

Before travel to England

Before you travel to England you need to:

• complete the passenger locator form
• take a COVID-19 test

After arrival in England

Green list countries

Applies if you have only been in a green list country in the 10 days before you arrive in England.

You must take a lateral flow device (LFD) test on or before day 2. If you are travelling internationally on a daily basis, you need to take an LFD test every 3 days.

Amber list countries

Applies if you been in an amber list country, but not a red list country, in the 10 days before you arrive in England.

If you are in England for longer than 2 days, you need to take a mandatory workplace, community or home lateral flow device (LFD) test on or before days 2, 5 and 8 after your arrival.

If you are travelling every day, you must take a lateral flow test at least once every 3 days.

You must quarantine in the place you are staying for 10 days. You can leave your accommodation when conducting the specific exempt activity or travelling directly to and from your accommodation and a location for the purposes of this work. You must quarantine at all other times during your stay. You must be either:

• working on automated ballast cleaning and track re-laying systems
• a specialist rail maintenance technicians maintaining or commissioning industrial machinery for use on national rail infrastructure

Fully UK vaccinated – amber list – if you are fully vaccinated under the UK vaccination programme you do not need to quarantine. You only need to take a lateral flow device (LFD) test on day 2. If you are travelling internationally on a daily basis, you need to take an LFD test every 3 days.

Red list countries

Applies if you have been in a red list country in the 10 days before you arrive in England.

You need to quarantine in a government approved hotel and take a COVID-19 test on day 2 and day 8.

In certain limited circumstances, an exemption can be granted (from the need to quarantine in a government approved hotel) if you have been in any country on the travel ban red list in the previous 10 days. This is for workers who undertake essential or emergency work in the UK, or are returning from conducting such work outside of the UK, where a department certifies that the work is necessary to facilitate essential government work or essential state business.

This exemption will only be granted on a case by case basis, in exceptional circumstances, where the work is sufficiently urgent and critical that undertaking a managed quarantine period is not possible.

Evidence

You should show a letter from your company at the border which includes:

• your personal details, such as name and address
• contact details from your employer
• what work you’ll be doing

If your employer issued you with photo identification (sentinel card), you should bring this with you to the UK.

Applies to:

Workers engaged in essential or emergency works to the rail network as part of a specialist team with or for Network Rail.

Nuclear personnel

Before travel to England

Before you travel to England you need to:

• take a COVID-19 test
• book tests to take after you arrive in England, if you will be staying for 2 days or longer
• complete the passenger locator form

After arrival in England

Green list countries

Applies if you have only been in a green list country in the 10 days before you arrive in England.

You must take a COVID-19 test on day 2 or earlier after you arrive, if you intend to stay in England for 2 days or longer.

Amber list countries

Applies if you been in an amber list country, but not a red list country, in the 10 days before you arrive in England.

You must quarantine in the place you are staying for 10 days. You can leave your accommodation when conducting the specific exempt activity or travelling directly to and from your accommodation and a location for the purposes of this work. You must quarantine at all other times during your stay.

You need to take a COVID-19 test on day 2 and day 8 after arrival in the UK, if you are still in the country.

Fully UK vaccinated – amber list – if you are fully vaccinated under the UK vaccination programme you do not need to quarantine or take a COVID-19 test on day 8.

Red list countries

Applies if you have been in a red list country in the 10 days before you arrive in England.

You need to quarantine in a government approved hotel and take a COVID-19 test on day 2 and day 8.

In certain limited circumstances, an exemption can be granted (from the need to quarantine in a government approved hotel) if you have been in any country on the travel ban red list in the previous 10 days. This is for workers who undertake essential or emergency work in the UK, or are returning from conducting such work outside of the UK, where a department certifies that the work is necessary to facilitate essential government work or essential state business.

This exemption will only be granted on a case by case basis, in exceptional circumstances, where the work is sufficiently urgent and critical that undertaking a managed quarantine period is not possible.

Evidence

At the border, you will need to show a letter from your company which includes:

• your personal details, such as name and address
• contact details for your employer
• what work you’ll be doing

If your employer issued you with photo identification, you should bring this with you to the UK.

Applies to:

Nuclear personnel who are essential to the safe and secure operations of a licensed nuclear site.

Nuclear emergency responder

Before travel to England

Before you travel to England you need to:

• take a COVID-19 test
• book tests to take after you arrive in England, if you will be staying for 2 days or longer
• complete the passenger locator form

After arrival in England

Green list countries

Applies if you have only been in a green list country in the 10 days before you arrive in England.

You must take a COVID-19 test on day 2 or earlier after you arrive, if you intend to stay in England for 2 days or longer.

Amber list countries

Applies if you been in an amber list country, but not a red list country, in the 10 days before you arrive in England.

You must quarantine in the place you are staying for 10 days. You can leave your accommodation when conducting the specific exempt activity or travelling directly to and from your accommodation and a location for the purposes of this work. You must quarantine at all other times during your stay.

You need to take a COVID-19 test on day 2 and day 8 after arrival in the UK, if you are still in the country.

Fully UK vaccinated – amber list – if you are fully vaccinated under the UK vaccination programme you do not need to quarantine or take a COVID-19 test on day 8.

Red list countries

Applies if you have been in a red list country in the 10 days before you arrive in England.

You need to quarantine in a government approved hotel and take a COVID-19 test on day 2 and day 8.

In certain limited circumstances, an exemption can be granted (from the need to quarantine in a government approved hotel) if you have been in any country on the travel ban red list in the previous 10 days. This is for workers who undertake essential or emergency work in the UK, or are returning from conducting such work outside of the UK, where a department certifies that the work is necessary to facilitate essential government work or essential state business.

This exemption will only be granted on a case by case basis, in exceptional circumstances, where the work is sufficiently urgent and critical that undertaking a managed quarantine period is not possible.

Evidence

At the border, you will need to show a letter from your company which includes:

• your personal details, such as name and address
• contact details for your employer
• what work you’ll be doing

If your employer issued you with photo identification, you should bring this with you to the UK.

Applies to:

A person providing assistance to the UK in accordance with the Convention on Assistance in the Case of a Nuclear Accident or Radiological Emergency.

Nurses from red list countries coming to take up NHS employment

Before travel to England

Before you travel to England you need to:

• complete the passenger locator form
• take a COVD-19 test
• book a managed quarantine hotel, unless you will be staying in compliant NHS Trust arranged accommodation
• book a COVID-19 test to take in England if you will be staying in NHS Trust accommodation

After arrival in England

You need to you need to quarantine in either:

• a managed quarantine hotel
• compliant NHS Trust arranged accommodation

As part of your quarantine you need to take a COVID-19 test on day 2 and day 8.

Evidence

At the border, you will need to show your passport, visa and a letter from your Trust which includes the following details:

• your personal details, including name, date of birth passport number and certificate of sponsorship number
• the name of your employing Trusts and contact details for your Trust
• the date of your arrival and airport at which you will be arriving

The details of your letter from the Trust must correspond with your passport and visa details.

Applies to:

Nurses coming from or travelling through red-list countries to take up immediate NHS employment in England.

Read more about quarantine arrangements for exempt nurses arriving from overseas.

Offshore oil and gas

Before travel to England

Before you travel to England you need to:

• take a COVID-19 test
• book tests to take after you arrive in England, if you will be staying for 2 days or longer
• complete the passenger locator form

After arrival in England

Green list countries

Applies if you have only been in a green list country in the 10 days before you arrive in England.

You must take a COVID-19 test on day 2 or earlier after you arrive, if you intend to stay in England for 2 days or longer. If you cannot wait to receive this result before leaving for the installation, you should also take an LFD test.

Amber list countries

Applies if you been in an amber list country, but not a red list country, in the 10 days before you arrive in England.

You must quarantine in the place you are staying for 10 days. You can leave your accommodation when conducting the specific exempt activity or travelling directly to and from your accommodation and a location for the purposes of this work. You must quarantine at all other times during your stay.

You must take a COVID-19 test on day 2 or earlier after you arrive, if you intend to stay in England for 2 days or longer. If you cannot wait to receive this result before leaving for the installation, you should also take an LFD test.

If you return from the offshore installation less than 8 days after you travelled to England, you must take a day 8 test.

While on the offshore installation, you should take an LFD test at least once every 3 days for the 10 days after you arrive in England.

Fully UK vaccinated – amber list – if you are fully vaccinated under the UK vaccination programme you must take a COVID-19 test on day 2 or earlier after you arrive, if you intend to stay in England for 2 days or longer. If you cannot wait to receive this result before leaving for the installation, you should also take an LFD test.

Red list countries

Applies if you have been in a red list country in the 10 days before you arrive in England.

You need to quarantine in a government approved hotel and take a COVID-19 test on day 2 and day 8.

In certain limited circumstances, an exemption can be granted (from the need to quarantine in a government approved hotel) if you have been in any country on the travel ban red list in the previous 10 days. This is for workers who undertake essential or emergency work in the UK, or are returning from conducting such work outside of the UK, where a department certifies that the work is necessary to facilitate essential government work or essential state business.

This exemption will only be granted on a case by case basis, in exceptional circumstances, where the work is sufficiently urgent and critical that undertaking a managed quarantine period is not possible.

Evidence

At the border, you will need to show a letter from your company which includes:

• your personal details, such as name and address
• contact details for your employer
• what work you’ll be doing

If your employer issued you with photo identification, you should bring this with you to the UK.

Applies to:

Workers coming into England required to undertake or commence:

• activities on or in relation to an offshore installation
• activities on or in relation to upstream petroleum infrastructure
• critical safety work on an offshore installation or well being decommissioned or preserved pending demolition or reuse
• activities for the provision of workers, goods, materials or equipment or other essential services required to support the safe operation of the activities referred to above

OPCW and IAEA inspectors

Before travel to England

Before you travel to England you need to:

• take a COVID-19 test
• book tests to take after you arrive in England, if you will be staying for 2 days or longer
• complete the passenger locator form

After arrival in England

Green list countries

Applies if you have only been in a green list country in the 10 days before you arrive in England.

You must take a COVID-19 test on day 2 or earlier after you arrive, if you intend to stay in England for 2 days or longer.

Amber list countries

Applies if you been in an amber list country, but not a red list country, in the 10 days before you arrive in England.

You must quarantine in the place you are staying for 10 days. You can leave your accommodation when conducting the specific exempt activity or travelling directly to and from your accommodation and a location for the purposes of this work. You must quarantine at all other times during your stay.

You need to take a COVID-19 test on day 2 and day 8 after arrival in the UK, if you are still in the country.

Fully UK vaccinated – amber list – if you are fully vaccinated under the UK vaccination programme you do not need to quarantine or take a COVID-19 test on day 8.

Red list countries

Applies if you have been in a red list country in the 10 days before you arrive in England.

You need to quarantine in a government approved hotel and take a COVID-19 test on day 2 and day 8.

In certain limited circumstances, an exemption can be granted (from the need to quarantine in a government approved hotel) if you have been in any country on the travel ban red list in the previous 10 days. This is for workers who undertake essential or emergency work in the UK, or are returning from conducting such work outside of the UK, where a department certifies that the work is necessary to facilitate essential government work or essential state business.

This exemption will only be granted on a case by case basis, in exceptional circumstances, where the work is sufficiently urgent and critical that undertaking a managed quarantine period is not possible.

Evidence

At the border, you will need to show a letter issued by the relevant department to your sponsoring organisation – either the IAEA or the OPCW.

If your organisation issues you with identification or travel documentation, you should bring this with you to the UK.

Applies to:

International nuclear safeguards and chemical industry inspectors, representing the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).

Port workers (specialist technical) supporting ferry services

Before travel to England

You do not need to take a COVID-19 test before you travel to England.

You need to complete the passenger locator form, if you travel in a part of the vessel that is accessible to any passenger for any part of the journey.

You do not need to complete the passenger locator form if you travel in a part of the vessel that is not accessible to passengers or you travel on a vessel that does not carry passengers.

After arrival in England

Green list countries

Applies if you have only been in a green list country in the 10 days before you arrive in England.

You must take a lateral flow device (LFD) test on or before day 2. If you are travelling internationally on a daily basis, you need to take an LFD test every 3 days.

Amber list countries

Applies if you been in an amber list country, but not a red list country, in the 10 days before you arrive in England.

If you are in England for longer than 2 days, you need to take a lateral flow device (LFD) test on or before days 2, 5 and 8 after arrival.

If you are travelling every day, you must take a lateral flow test at least once every 3 days.

If you live in the UK you do not need to quarantine.

If you live overseas you must quarantine in the place you are staying while in England, except while you are undertaking the exempt activity or travelling as part of your work.

Fully UK vaccinated – amber list – if you are fully vaccinated under the UK vaccination programme you do not need to quarantine. You only need to take a lateral flow device (LFD) test on day 2. If you are travelling internationally on a daily basis, you need to take an LFD test every 3 days.

Red list countries

Applies if you have been in a red list country in the 10 days before you arrive in England.

You need to quarantine in a government approved hotel and take a COVID-19 test on day 2 and day 8.

Evidence

At the border, you will need to show a letter from your company which includes:

• your personal details, such as name and address
• contact details for the business or organisation you’ll be completing work for
• what work you’ll be doing
• the duration the exempt activity is to be carried out for
• a certification that the work is essential and that it cannot be done remotely

If your employer issued you with photo identification, you should bring this with you to the UK.

Applies to:

Workers with specialist technical skills for essential work at a port to ensure the continued operation of existing ferry routes and the start-up of new freight routes.

Postal workers

Before travel to England

Before you travel to England you need to:

• take a COVID-19 test
• book tests to take after you arrive in England, if you will be staying for 2 days or longer
• complete the passenger locator form

After arrival in England

Green list countries

Applies if you have only been in a green list country in the 10 days before you arrive in England.

You must take a COVID-19 test on day 2 or earlier after you arrive, if you intend to stay in England for 2 days or longer.

Amber list countries

Applies if you been in an amber list country, but not a red list country, in the 10 days before you arrive in England.

You do not need to quarantine.

You need to take a COVID-19 test on day 2 and day 8 after arrival in the UK, if you are still in the country.

Fully UK vaccinated – amber list – if you are fully vaccinated under the UK vaccination programme you do not need to quarantine or take a COVID-19 test on day 8.

Red list countries

Applies if you have been in a red list country in the 10 days before you arrive in England.

You need to quarantine in a government approved hotel and take a COVID-19 test on day 2 and day 8.

Evidence

At the border, you will need to show a letter from your company which includes:

• your personal details, such as name and address
• contact details for your employer
• what work you’ll be doing

If your employer issued you with photo identification, you should bring this with you to the UK.

Applies to:

Postal workers involved in the transport of mail into and out of the UK.

Prison escorts (international)

Before travel to England

Before you travel to England you need to:

• complete the complete the passenger locator form
• take a COVID-19 test

After arrival in England

Green list countries

Applies if you have only been in a green list country in the 10 days before you arrive in England.

You must take a lateral flow device (LFD) test on or before day 2. If you are travelling internationally on a daily basis, you need to take an LFD test every 3 days.

Amber list countries

Applies if you been in an amber list country, but not a red list country, in the 10 days before you arrive in England.

If you are in England for longer than 2 days, you need to take a mandatory workplace, community or home lateral flow device (LFD) test on or before days 2, 5 and 8 after your arrival.

If you are travelling every day, you must take a lateral flow test at least once every 3 days.

If you live in the UK, you do not need to quarantine.

If you live overseas, you must quarantine in the place you are staying while in England, except while you are undertaking the exempt activity.

Fully UK vaccinated – amber list – if you are fully vaccinated under the UK vaccination programme you do not need to quarantine. You only need to take a lateral flow device (LFD) test on day 2. If you are travelling internationally on a daily basis, you need to take an LFD test every 3 days.

Red list countries

You do not need to quarantine – either in a quarantine hotel or in private accommodation.

If you are in England for longer than 2 days, you need to take a mandatory workplace, community or home lateral flow device (LFD) test on or before days 2, 5 and 8 after arrival.

If you are travelling every day, you must take a lateral flow test at least once every 3 days.

Evidence

If you’re travelling internationally to escort prisoners, you’ll receive a letter from HMPPS. This letter will include your unique ID number linked to your prison service warrant card. You should present this letter and your warrant card (which also includes your photograph) on arrival in the UK.

Applies to:

International prison escorts, designated by the relevant Minister under section 5(3) of the Repatriation of Prisoners Act 1984(a).

Quality assurance inspectors for human and veterinary medicines

Before travel to England

Before you travel to England you need to:

• take a COVID-19 test
• book tests to take after you arrive in England, if you will be staying for 2 days or longer
• complete the passenger locator form

After arrival in England

Green list countries

Applies if you have only been in a green list country in the 10 days before you arrive in England.

You must take a COVID-19 test on day 2 or earlier after you arrive, if you intend to stay in England for 2 days or longer.

Amber list countries

Applies if you been in an amber list country, but not a red list country, in the 10 days before you arrive in England.

You must quarantine in the place you are staying for 10 days. You can leave your accommodation when conducting the specific exempt activity or travelling directly to and from your accommodation and a location for the purposes of this work. You must quarantine at all other times during your stay.

You need to take a COVID-19 test on day 2 and day 8 after arrival in the UK, if you are still in the country.

Fully UK vaccinated – amber list – if you are fully vaccinated under the UK vaccination programme you do not need to quarantine or take a COVID-19 test on day 8.

Red list countries

Applies if you have been in a red list country in the 10 days before you arrive in England.

You need to quarantine in a government approved hotel and take a COVID-19 test on day 2 and day 8.

Evidence

If you’re conducting quality assurance assessments/inspections for any category of medicine, medical product or substance of human origin, You will need to show:

• your staff pass or photo identification
• confirmation of the date and location of your quality assurance assessment or inspection

Applies to:

Quality assurance inspectors for human and veterinary medicines.

Regular work abroad

Before travel to England

Before you travel to England, you need to:

• book tests to take after you arrive in England, if you will be staying for 2 days or longer
• complete the passenger locator form

You do not need to take a COVID-19 test before travel.

After arrival in England

Green list countries

Applies if you have only been in a green list country in the 10 days before you arrive in England.

You must take a COVID-19 test on day 2 or earlier after you arrive, if you intend to stay in England for 2 days or longer.

Amber list countries

Applies if you been in an amber list country, but not a red list country, in the 10 days before you arrive in England.

You must quarantine in the place you are staying for 10 days. You can leave your accommodation when conducting work activity in England or travelling directly to and from your accommodation and a location for the purposes of this work. You must quarantine at all other times during your stay.

You need to take a COVID-19 test on day 2 and day 8 after arrival in England, if you are still in the country.

Fully UK vaccinated – amber list – if you are fully vaccinated under the UK vaccination programme you do not need to quarantine or take a COVID-19 test on day 8.

In order to qualify for the regular work abroad exemption from self-isolation in England you will need to:

• work in a country that is not on the red list
• travel to and from that country on a minimum of a weekly basis

You may only use this exemption if:

• you cannot do your work remotely
• it is viewed as critical

Evidence of qualification:

You will need to show evidence that you reside in England or Wales but work in a different country and you must also be able to demonstrate your minimum of a weekly travel between the two countries, for example, a season ticket. If you are residing in England, you must also demonstrate your work is of a critical nature which cannot be done remotely. At the border, you should do this by showing a letter from your employer which includes:

• your personal details, such as name and address
• contact details for your employer
• what work you do
• a certification that the work is critical and that it cannot be done remotely

Work will be considered critical where it is defined as such (or in equivalent terms) in legislation or guidance in use in the country you work in, or, if the country has no such definition, if the work concerned matches one of the exemptions for work if it was being carried out in the UK.

Red list countries

Applies if you have been in a red list country in the 10 days before you arrive in England.

You need to quarantine in a government approved hotel and take a COVID-19 test on day 2 and day 8.

Applies to:

People who live in England or Wales but who work in another country and who travel between England or Wales and their country of work at least once a week. In addition, for England – the work in the other country must be critical and not possible to be carried out remotely.

Representatives of a foreign country or territory or British overseas territories

Before travel to England

You do not need to complete the passenger locator form.

After arrival in England

Where applicable, you do not need to quarantine in a managed quarantine hotel if it is confirmed that you are travelling to the UK for official business with the UK and are not required to do so. Where these conditions are met, any family members or other dependents travelling with you will not need to quarantine in a managed quarantine hotel if it is also confirmed that they are not required to do so.

Even if you do not need to quarantine in a managed quarantine hotel, you may still be required to quarantine in the place where you are staying. You do not need to quarantine in the place you are staying if it is confirmed that you are travelling to the UK for official business that cannot be undertaken while self-isolating.

If your family members or other dependents travel with you, they will need to quarantine in the place where they are staying after they arrive in England.

You need to take a COVID-19 test on day 2 and day 8 after arrival in England unless you are issued with an exemption by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO).

If you are in England for less than 2 days, you do not need to book tests before your arrival.

If you are in England for less than 8 days, you must have booked a test for day 2 and take that test.

If you intend to stay for 8 days or longer, you must have booked tests for day 2 and day 8 and take those tests.

Exemptions from mandatory testing may apply in limited circumstances to representatives of a foreign country or territory, and representatives of the government of a British overseas territory, travelling to the UK to conduct official business with the UK. But for public health reasons, you are strongly encouraged to take tests on days 2 and 8 after arrival.

Before you travel, your mission or a representative of your country or territory will need to notify the FCDO, who will issue an exemption letter to show at the border.

Exemption from COVID-19 testing before entering England

Applies, in exceptional circumstances, to:

Representatives of a foreign country or territory and representatives of the British overseas territories, travelling to the UK to undertake official business with the UK.

Before you travel, your mission or a relevant representative of your country or territory will need to notify the FCDO. The FCDO will assess your circumstances on a case by case basis. If applicable the FCDO will issue you an exemption letter to confirm it has received the necessary confirmation, that you are travelling to the UK to conduct official business with the UK and that you are not required to comply with this regulation.

Possession of letters confirming exemption from the requirement to complete the passenger locator form or the requirement to quarantine for 10 days does not exempt the holder from presenting a negative COVID-19 test result prior to departure.

Seamen and masters and inspectors and surveyors of ships

Before travel to England

You need to complete the passenger locator form before you travel to the UK, if you travel in a part of the vessel that is accessible to any passenger for any part of the journey.

You do not need to complete the passenger locator form if you travel in a part of the vessel that is not accessible to passengers or you travel on a vessel that does not carry passengers, for example, fishing boats.

You do not need to take a COVID-19 test before you travel to England if you are a seafarer or fisherman, inspector or surveyor of ships due to work on a vessel or need to transit the UK to join or leave a vessel. You should show a valid SID if you have one.

After arrival in England

Green list countries

Applies if you have only been in a green list country in the 10 days before you arrive in England.

You must take a lateral flow device (LFD) test on or before day 2. If you are travelling internationally on a daily basis, you need to take an LFD test every 3 days.

Amber list countries

Applies if you been in an amber list country, but not a red list country, in the 10 days before you arrive in England.

If you are in England for more than 2 days, you are required to undertake lateral flow tests (LFTs) on days 2, 5 and 8.

Constant travellers who enter and leave England on a daily basis, or at intervals of no greater than 2 days should undertake an LFT at least once every 3 days.

LFTs can be accessed and made available at the workplace, in the community or at home.

If you live in the UK you do not need to quarantine.

If you live overseas you must quarantine in the place you are staying while in England, except while you are undertaking the exempt activity or travelling as part of your work.

Fully UK vaccinated – amber list – if you are fully vaccinated under the UK vaccination programme you do not need to quarantine. You only need to take a lateral flow device (LFD) test on day 2. If you are travelling internationally on a daily basis, you need to take an LFD test every 3 days.

Red list countries

Applies if you have been in a red list country in the 10 days before you arrive in England.

If you are in England for longer than 2 days, you need to take a mandatory workplace, community or home lateral flow device (LFD) test on or before days 2, 5 and 8 after arrival.

If you are travelling every day, you must take a lateral flow test at least once every 3 days.

You do not need to quarantine in a government approved hotel or take a COVID-19 test on day 2 and day 8, unless you are working on a cruise ship.

If you live in the UK you do not need to quarantine. If you live overseas you must quarantine in the place you are staying while in England, except while you are undertaking the exempt activity or travelling as part of your work.

If you are travelling to the UK to work on a cruise ship, or are returning to the UK from working on a cruise ship, you need to quarantine in a government approved hotel and take a COVID-19 test on day 2 and day 8. Cruise ship workers cannot leave quarantine to work until the full 10 days of quarantine has been completed.

When you are in a red list country you should take additional precautions to minimise contact with others.

Evidence

If you work on a ship, including fishermen, you should show a Seafarer’s Identification Document (SID) if you have one.

If you don’t have a SID, you can show your joining papers, seafarer’s employment agreement or a seafarer’s discharge book (Continuous Certificate of Discharge) instead. Alternatively, you could show a basic training certificate or declaration from the registered owners of the vessel that you are a crew member.

Applies to:

Seamen and masters as defined in section 313(1) Merchant Shipping Act 1995, maritime pilots as defined in para 22(1) of schedule 3A of the Merchant Shipping Act 1995 where they have travelled to the United Kingdom in the course of their work or been repatriated, and inspectors and surveyors of ships appointed under section 256 of the Merchant Shipping Act 1995 or by a government of a relevant British possession as defined in section 313(1) of that Act where they have travelled to the United Kingdom in the course of their work.

Isolated maritime workers arriving from green, amber and red list countries are exempt from testing requirements on the condition they:

• travel on a vessel that does not carry passengers
• travel in a part of a vessel that is not accessible to passengers, such as a fully enclosed cabin, or where passengers do not leave their own vehicles whilst said workers are present
• do not disembark the vessel either upon their arrival in England from another country or, if travelling from England to a country outside the common travel area and returning to England, do not disembark the vessel while it is abroad

Seasonal agricultural workers

Before travel to England

Before you travel to England you need to:

• complete the passenger locator form
• take a COVID-19 test

After arrival in England

Green list countries

Applies if you have only been in a green list country in the 10 days before you arrive in England.

You do not have to quarantine.

You must take a rapid lateral flow test on day 2 after your arrival.

Amber list countries

Applies if you been in an amber list country, but not a red list country, in the 10 days before you arrive in England.

You must go directly to the farm where you are working. You can start work immediately but you must quarantine on the farm for 10 days. You’ll then need to follow advice for seasonal agricultural workers coming to England to work on farms.

If you are in England for longer than 2 days, you need to take a mandatory workplace, community or home lateral flow device (LFD) test on or before days 2, 5 and 8 after your arrival.

If you are travelling every day, you must take a lateral flow test at least once every 3 days.

Fully UK vaccinated – amber list – if you are fully vaccinated under the UK vaccination programme you do not need to quarantine. You only need to take an LFD test on day 2.

Red list countries

Applies if you have been in a red list country in the 10 days before you arrive in England.

You need to quarantine in a government approved hotel and take a COVID-19 test on day 2 and day 8.

Seasonal agricultural workers with EU settled or pre-settled status

You should provide documentation that verifies your EU settled or pre-settled status when you arrive at the UK border, and show a letter or email from your employer confirming you will be employed as a seasonal agricultural worker.

The letter should include:

• your name
• your date of birth
• your employer in the UK
• your start date
• the address of the farm where you’ll be living
• contact details of your employer and/or farm

Seasonal agricultural workers under the Seasonal Workers Pilot

You should present your visa at the border as usual if you’re travelling as a seasonal agricultural worker under the Seasonal Workers Pilot and provide contact details and the address of the farm where you’ll work and live on the Passenger Locator Form.

Specialist technical workers – sub-sea telecommunications infrastructure

Before travel to England

Before you travel to England you need to:

• take a COVID-19 test
• book tests to take after you arrive in England, if you will be staying for 2 days or longer
• complete the passenger locator form

After arrival in England

Green list countries

Applies if you have only been in a green list country in the 10 days before you arrive in England.

You must take a COVID-19 test on day 2 or earlier after you arrive, if you intend to stay in England for 2 days or longer.

Amber list countries

Applies if you been in an amber list country, but not a red list country, in the 10 days before you arrive in England.

You need to take a COVID-19 test on day 2 and day 8 after arrival in the UK, if you are still in the country.

If you live in the UK, you do not need to quarantine.

If you live overseas you must quarantine in the place you are staying while in England, except while you are undertaking the exempt activity (urgent or essential work related to sub-sea telecommunications infrastructure) or travelling directly to and from your accommodation and a location for the purposes of this work. You must quarantine at all other times during your stay.

Fully UK vaccinated – amber list – if you are fully vaccinated under the UK vaccination programme you do not need to quarantine or take a COVID-19 test on day 8.

Red list countries

Applies if you have been in a red list country in the 10 days before you arrive in England.

You need to quarantine in a government approved hotel and take a COVID-19 test on day 2 and day 8.

In certain limited circumstances, an exemption can be granted (from the need to quarantine in a government approved hotel) if you have been in any country on the travel ban red list in the previous 10 days. This is for workers who undertake essential or emergency work in the UK, or are returning from conducting such work outside of the UK, where a department certifies that the work is necessary to facilitate essential government work or essential state business.

This exemption will only be granted on a case by case basis, in exceptional circumstances, where the work is sufficiently urgent and critical that undertaking a managed quarantine period is not possible.

Evidence

You will need to show that you are covered by this exemption. The best way to do this is to provide a letter from your company or other legal entity or the company or other legal entity you work for at the border which states:

• your personal details, such as name and address, position, and employment status
• contact details for your company or other legal entity or employer
• details of the purpose of your travel and the work you’ll be doing

You should provide as much detail as you can.

If your employer, company or other legal entity issues you with photo identification, you should also bring this with you to the UK.

Applies to:

Sub-sea telecommunications infrastructure personnel who are engaged in or whose role directly supports the installation, maintenance or repair of subsea fibre optic telecommunications infrastructure who have travelled to the UK in the course of their work.

Specialist technical workers – goods and services

Before travel to England

Before you travel to England you need to:

• take a COVID-19 test
• book tests to take after you arrive in England, if you will be staying for 2 days or longer
• complete the passenger locator form

After arrival in England

Green list countries

Applies if you have only been in a green list country in the 10 days before you arrive in England.

You must take a COVID-19 test on day 2 or earlier after you arrive, if you intend to stay in England for 2 days or longer.

Amber list countries

Applies if you been in an amber list country, but not a red list country, in the 10 days before you arrive in England.

You must quarantine in the place you are staying for 10 days. You can leave your accommodation when conducting the specific exempt work activity or travelling directly to and from your accommodation and a location for the purposes of this work. You must quarantine at all other times during your stay.

You need to take a COVID-19 test on day 2 and day 8 after arrival in the UK, if you are still in the country.

Fully UK vaccinated – amber list – if you are fully vaccinated under the UK vaccination programme you do not need to quarantine or take a COVID-19 test on day 8.

Red list countries

Applies if you have been in a red list country in the 10 days before you arrive in England.

You need to quarantine in a government approved hotel and take a COVID-19 test on day 2 and day 8.

In certain limited circumstances, an exemption can be granted (from the need to quarantine in a government approved hotel) if you have been in any country on the travel ban red list in the previous 10 days. This is for workers who undertake essential or emergency work in the UK, or are returning from conducting such work outside of the UK, where a department certifies that the work is necessary to facilitate essential government work or essential state business.

This exemption will only be granted on a case by case basis, in exceptional circumstances, where the work is sufficiently urgent and critical that undertaking a managed quarantine period is not possible.

Evidence

At the border, you will need to show a letter from your company which includes:

• your personal details, such as name and address
• contact details for your employer
• contact details for the business or organisation you’ll be completing work for in the UK
• what work you’ll be doing

If your employer issued you with photo identification, you should bring this with you to the UK.

Applies to:

Workers with specialist technical skills for essential or emergency works or services (including construction, commissioning, installation, maintenance, and repairs and safety checks) to ensure the continued production, supply, movement, manufacture, storage or preservation of goods.

Specialist technical workers – waste

Before travel to England

Before you travel to England you need to:

• take a COVID-19 test
• book tests to take after you arrive in England, if you will be staying for 2 days or longer
• complete the passenger locator form

After arrival in England

Green list countries

Applies if you have only been in a green list country in the 10 days before you arrive in England.

You must take a COVID-19 test on day 2 or earlier after you arrive, if you intend to stay in England for 2 days or longer.

Amber list countries

Applies if you been in an amber list country, but not a red list country, in the 10 days before you arrive in England.

You must quarantine in the place you are staying for 10 days. You can leave your accommodation when conducting the specific exempt work activity or travelling directly to and from your accommodation and a location for the purposes of this work. You must quarantine at all other times during your stay.

You need to take a COVID-19 test on day 2 and day 8 after arrival in the UK, if you are still in the country.

Fully UK vaccinated – amber list – if you are fully vaccinated under the UK vaccination programme you do not need to quarantine or take a COVID-19 test on day 8.

Red list countries

Applies if you have been in a red list country in the 10 days before you arrive in England.

You need to quarantine in a government approved hotel and take a COVID-19 test on day 2 and day 8.

In certain limited circumstances, an exemption can be granted (from the need to quarantine in a government approved hotel) if you have been in any country on the travel ban red list in the previous 10 days. This is for workers who undertake essential or emergency work in the UK, or are returning from conducting such work outside of the UK, where a department certifies that the work is necessary to facilitate essential government work or essential state business.

This exemption will only be granted on a case by case basis, in exceptional circumstances, where the work is sufficiently urgent and critical that undertaking a managed quarantine period is not possible.

Evidence

At the border, you will need to show a letter from your company which includes:

• your personal details, such as name and address
• contact details for your employer
• contact details for the waste management business or organisation you’ll be completing work for in the UK
• detail of what work you’ll be doing

If your employer has issued you with photo identification, you should bring this with you to the UK.

Applies to:

Workers with specialist technical skills required for essential or emergency works (including construction, commissioning, installation, maintenance, repairs and safety checks) or to fulfil contractual obligations or warranty specifications in, or in connection with, waste management facilities used for the management, sorting, treatment, recovery, or disposal of waste (including energy from waste).

Specialist technical workers – power infrastructure

Before travel to England

Before you travel to England you need to:

• take a COVID-19 test
• book tests to take after you arrive in England, if you will be staying for 2 days or longer
• complete the passenger locator form

After arrival in England

Green list countries

Applies if you have only been in a green list country in the 10 days before you arrive in England.

You must take a COVID-19 test on day 2 or earlier after you arrive, if you intend to stay in England for 2 days or longer.

Amber list countries

Applies if you been in an amber list country, but not a red list country, in the 10 days before you arrive in England.

You must quarantine in the place you are staying for 10 days. You can leave your accommodation when conducting the specific exempt work activity or travelling directly to and from your accommodation and a location for the purposes of this work. You must quarantine at all other times during your stay.

You need to take a COVID-19 test on day 2 and day 8 after arrival in the UK, if you are still in the country.

Fully UK vaccinated – amber list – if you are fully vaccinated under the UK vaccination programme you do not need to quarantine or take a COVID-19 test on day 8.

Red list countries

Applies if you have been in a red list country in the 10 days before you arrive in England.

You need to quarantine in a government approved hotel and take a COVID-19 test on day 2 and day 8.

In certain limited circumstances, an exemption can be granted (from the need to quarantine in a government approved hotel) if you have been in any country on the travel ban red list in the previous 10 days. This is for workers who undertake essential or emergency work in the UK, or are returning from conducting such work outside of the UK, where a department certifies that the work is necessary to facilitate essential government work or essential state business.

This exemption will only be granted on a case by case basis, in exceptional circumstances, where the work is sufficiently urgent and critical that undertaking a managed quarantine period is not possible.

Evidence

At the border, you will need to show a letter from your company which includes:

• your personal details, such as name and address
• contact details for your employer
• what work you’ll be doing

If your employer issued you with photo identification, you should bring this with you to the UK.

Applies to:

Workers with specialist technical skills required for essential or emergency works to ensure the continued safe and secure operations of generating stations, gas or electricity transmission or distribution networks, electricity interconnectors, gas terminals or district or communal heat networks.

Specialist technical workers – space infrastructure

Before travel to England

Before you travel to England you need to:

• take a COVID-19 test
• book tests to take after you arrive in England, if you will be staying for 2 days or longer
• complete the passenger locator form

After arrival in England

Green list countries

Applies if you have only been in a green list country in the 10 days before you arrive in England.

You must take a COVID-19 test on day 2 or earlier after you arrive, if you intend to stay in England for 2 days or longer.

Amber list countries

Applies if you been in an amber list country, but not a red list country, in the 10 days before you arrive in England.

You must quarantine in the place you are staying for 10 days. You can leave your accommodation when conducting the specific exempt work activity or travelling directly to and from your accommodation and a location for the purposes of this work. You must quarantine at all other times during your stay.

You need to take a COVID-19 test on day 2 and day 8 after arrival in the UK, if you are still in the country.

Fully UK vaccinated – amber list – if you are fully vaccinated under the UK vaccination programme you do not need to quarantine or take a COVID-19 test on day 8.

Red list countries

Applies if you have been in a red list country in the 10 days before you arrive in England.

You need to quarantine in a government approved hotel and take a COVID-19 test on day 2 and day 8.

In certain limited circumstances, an exemption can be granted (from the need to quarantine in a government approved hotel) if you have been in any country on the travel ban red list in the previous 10 days. This is for workers who undertake essential or emergency work in the UK, or are returning from conducting such work outside of the UK, where a department certifies that the work is necessary to facilitate essential government work or essential state business.

This exemption will only be granted on a case by case basis, in exceptional circumstances, where the work is sufficiently urgent and critical that undertaking a managed quarantine period is not possible.

Evidence

At the border, you will need to show a letter from your company which includes:

• your personal details, such as name and address
• contact details for your employer
• what work you’ll be doing

If your employer issued you with photo identification, you should bring this with you to the UK.

Applies to:

Workers with specialist technical skills required for essential or emergency works to ensure the continued safe and secure operations of space infrastructure.

Transiting through the UK (layovers)

Read the guidance on transiting through the UK.

Transporting human cells or blood

Before travel to England

Before you travel to the UK you need to complete the passenger locator form.

After arrival in England

Green list countries

Applies if you have only been in a green list country in the 10 days before you arrive in England.

You must take a lateral flow device (LFD) test on or before day 2. If you are travelling internationally on a daily basis, you need to take an LFD test every 3 days.

Amber list countries

Applies if you been in an amber list country, but not a red list country, in the 10 days before you arrive in England.

If you are in England for longer than 2 days, you need to take a mandatory workplace, community or home lateral flow device (LFD) test on or before days 2, 5 and 8 after your arrival.

If you are travelling every day, you must take a lateral flow test at least once every 3 days.

You do not need to book COVID-19 tests before arrival in England.

You must quarantine in the place you are staying for 10 days. You can leave your accommodation when conducting the specific exempt activity or travelling directly to and from your accommodation and a location for the purposes of this work. You must quarantine at all other times during your stay.

Fully UK vaccinated – amber list – if you are fully vaccinated under the UK vaccination programme you do not need to quarantine. You only need to take a lateral flow device (LFD) test on day 2. If you are travelling internationally on a daily basis, you need to take an LFD test every 3 days.

Red list countries

Applies if you have been in a red list country in the 10 days before you arrive in England.

You do not need to quarantine in a government approved quarantine hotel.

You must quarantine in the place you are staying. You can leave your accommodation when conducting the specific exempt activity or travelling directly to and from your accommodation and a location for the purposes of this work. You must quarantine at all other times during your stay. When you are in a red list country you should take additional precautions to minimise contact with others.

If you are in England for longer than 2 days, you need to take a mandatory workplace, community or home lateral flow device (LFD) test on or before days 2, 5 and 8 after arrival.

If you are travelling every day, you must take a lateral flow test at least once every 3 days.

Evidence

You will need to show:

• your staff pass or photo identification
• confirmation from a healthcare provider explaining:
  • the address of where the material was or is to be collected from, and the date on which the material was or is to be collected
  • the address of where the material is to be transported to, the name of the healthcare provider that is to receive the material, and the date on which the material is to be delivered to the healthcare provider
  • what material you are or will be carrying
  • why you need to carry it

If you’re transporting a controlled drug, You will need to show a Home Office import licence.

Exemption from COVID-19 testing before entering England

You do not need to present a negative coronavirus result test prior to departure.

You will need to show:

• your staff pass or photo identification
• confirmation from a healthcare provider explaining:
  • the address of where the material was or is to be collected from, and the date on which the material was or is to be collected
  • the address of where the material is to be transported to, the name of the healthcare provider that is to receive the material, and the date on which the material is to be delivered to the healthcare provider
• what material you are or will be carrying
• why you need to carry it

Applies to:

People who have travelled to the UK for the purpose of transporting material which consists of, or includes, human cells or blood and which is to be used for the provision of healthcare by a healthcare provider.

Water supplies and sewerage services workers

Before travel to England

Before you travel to England you need to:

• take a COVID-19 test
• book tests to take after you arrive in England, if you will be staying for 2 days or longer
• complete the passenger locator form

After arrival in England

Green list countries

Applies if you have only been in a green list country in the 10 days before you arrive in England.

You must take a COVID-19 test on day 2 or earlier after you arrive, if you intend to stay in England for 2 days or longer.

Amber list countries

Applies if you been in an amber list country, but not a red list country, in the 10 days before you arrive in England.

You must quarantine in the place you are staying for 10 days. You can leave your accommodation when conducting the specific exempt work activity or travelling directly to and from your accommodation and a location for the purposes of this work. You must quarantine at all other times during your stay.

You need to take a COVID-19 test on day 2 and day 8 after arrival in the UK, if you are still in the country.

Fully UK vaccinated – amber list – if you are fully vaccinated under the UK vaccination programme you do not need to quarantine or take a COVID-19 test on day 8.

Red list countries

Applies if you have been in a red list country in the 10 days before you arrive in England.

You need to quarantine in a government approved hotel and take a COVID-19 test on day 2 and day 8.

In certain limited circumstances, an exemption can be granted (from the need to quarantine in a government approved hotel) if you have been in any country on the travel ban red list in the previous 10 days. This is for workers who undertake essential or emergency work in the UK, or are returning from conducting such work outside of the UK, where a department certifies that the work is necessary to facilitate essential government work or essential state business.

This exemption will only be granted on a case by case basis, in exceptional circumstances, where the work is sufficiently urgent and critical that undertaking a managed quarantine period is not possible.

Evidence

You will need to show a letter from your company or the company you are coming to work for. Those bodies authorised to issue a letter are either:

• Water UK
• the relevant water undertaker, sewerage undertaker, water supply license, sewerage licensee or local authority that you’re carrying out the work for

The letter must include:

• your personal details, such as name and address
• contact details for your employer
• what work you’ll be doing

If your employer issued you with photo identification, you should bring this with you to the UK.

Applies to:

Workers engaged in essential or emergency works, related to water supplies and sewerage services.

Legislation

This guidance provides a high level summary of the international travel regulations.