Coronavirus (COVID-19): jobs that qualify for travel exemptions
Updated 19 May 2021
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If you are travelling to England, you must:
- book any coronavirus (COVID-19) tests or quarantine hotel you will need after arrival
- provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test before you travel
- provide contact details by completing the online passenger locator form
- follow the testing and quarantine rules on arrival in England
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:
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:
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 in England for 2 days or more, you need to take a mandatory workforce test on or before day 2. This can be accessed from:
- workplace testing programmes available to employers
- community testing programmes offered by all local councils in England
- at home, by collecting lateral flow self-test kits at community sites, ordering test kits online or by dialling 119
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.
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.
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.
If you are in England for 2 days or more, you need to take a mandatory workforce test on or before day 2. This can be accessed from:
- workplace testing programmes available to employers
- community testing programmes offered by all local councils in England
- at home, by collecting lateral flow self-test kits at community sites, ordering test kits online or by dialling 119
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 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.
Red list countries
Applies if you have been in a red list country in the 10 days before you arrive in England.
You are permitted to enter the UK and you do not need to quarantine in a government approved hotel or take a COVID-19 test on day 2 and day 8, even if you have been in a country on the red list in the previous 10 days.
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 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.
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. 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.
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.
If you are in England for 2 days or more, you need to take a mandatory workforce test on or before day 2. This can be accessed from:
- workplace testing programmes available to employers
- community testing programmes offered by all local councils in England
- at home, by collecting lateral flow self-test kits at community sites, ordering test kits online or by dialling 119
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 mandatory workplace, community or home 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
Red list countries
You do not need to quarantine – either in a quarantine hotel or in private accommodation.
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 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:
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 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. 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.
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.
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.
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.
If you are in England for 2 days or more, you need to take a mandatory workforce test on or before day 2. This can be accessed from:
- workplace testing programmes available to employers
- community testing programmes offered by all local councils in England
- at home, by collecting lateral flow self-test kits at community sites, ordering test kits online or by dialling 119
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.
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.
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 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.
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. 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.
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. 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.
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
- community testing programmes offered by all local authorities in England
- at home, by collecting lateral flow self-test kits at community sites, 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. You will need to show this letter to officials at border control on entry to the UK.
If you are authorised a Defence exemption and 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.
Those without a Defence exemption will need to take PCR COVID-19 tests on day 2 and day 8 after arrival in the UK, if you are still in the country.
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.
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, 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.
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.
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:
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. 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.
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 or amber list countries
Applies if you been in or through a green or amber list country, but not a red list country, in the 10 days before you arrive in England.
You must isolate away from other people in your cab during the time you are in England.
If you are a UK resident, you can quarantine at home for 10 days while not working.
You are still 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.
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.
Red list countries
Applies if you have been in a red list country (except Turkey) 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.
Turkey only
Drivers who have been in or through Turkey in the 10 days before arrival in the UK do not need to quarantine in a hotel. 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 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. 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.
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, 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 self-isolation 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.
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 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. However, you can leave your accommodation to travel directly to and attend any specified competition (as listed in Schedule 3 in the Health Protection (Coronavirus, International Travel) (England) Regulations 2020 (as amended)) 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.
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’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. 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.
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.
If you are in England for 2 days or more, you need to take a mandatory workforce test on or before day 2. This can be accessed from:
- workplace testing programmes available to employers
- community testing programmes offered by all local councils in England
- at home, by collecting lateral flow self-test kits at community sites, ordering test kits online or by dialling 119
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.
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.
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.
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.
If you are in England for 2 days or more, you need to take a mandatory workforce test on or before day 2. This can be accessed from:
- workplace testing programmes available to employers
- community testing programmes offered by all local councils in England
- at home, by collecting lateral flow self-test kits at community sites, ordering test kits online or by dialling 119
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.
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.
High Speed 2 rail workers
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.
If you are in England for 2 days or more, you need to take a mandatory workforce test on or before day 2. This can be accessed from:
- workplace testing programmes available to employers
- community testing programmes offered by all local councils in England
- at home, by collecting lateral flow self-test kits at community sites, ordering test kits online or by dialling 119
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. 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.
If the Department for Transport has certified 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
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. 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.
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. 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.
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.
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. 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.
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:
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 in England for 2 days or more, you need to take a mandatory workforce test on or before day 2. This can be accessed from:
- workplace testing programmes available to employers
- community testing programmes offered by all local councils in England
- at home, by collecting lateral flow self-test kits at community sites, ordering test kits online or by dialling 119
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 your accommodation. 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, or
- a specialist rail maintenance technicians maintaining or commissioning industrial machinery for use on national rail infrastructure
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. 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.
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. 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.
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.
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. 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.
You are required to take a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test for international arrivals before travelling to the offshore installation. This should take place on or before day 2.
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.
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. 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.
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).
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 must quarantine. 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.
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.
If you are in England for 2 days or more, you need to take a mandatory workforce test on or before day 2. This can be accessed from:
- workplace testing programmes available to employers
- community testing programmes offered by all local councils in England
- at home, by collecting lateral flow self-test kits at community sites, ordering test kits online or by dialling 119
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 your accommodation while in England, except while you are undertaking the exempt activity.
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. 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.
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:
- take a COVD-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 England, if you are still in the country.
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.
If you are in England for 2 days or more, you need to take a mandatory workforce test on or before day 2. This can be accessed from:
- workplace testing programmes available to employers
- community testing programmes offered by all local councils in England
- at home, by collecting lateral flow self-test kits at community sites, ordering test kits online or by dialling 119
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 your accommodation while in England, except while you are undertaking the exempt activity or travelling as part of your work.
Red list countries
Applies if you have been in a red list country in the 10 days before you arrive in England.
You are permitted to enter the UK and you do not need to quarantine in a government approved hotel or take a COVID-19 test on day 2 and day 8, even if you have been in a country on the red list in the previous 10 days, unless you are working on a cruise ship.
If you live in the UK you do not need to quarantine in the place you are staying. If you live overseas you must quarantine in your accommodation while in England, except while you are undertaking the exempt activity or travelling as part of your work. Cruise ship workers cannot leave quarantine to work until the full 10 days of quarantine has been completed.
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.
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.
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.
Seasonal agricultural workers
Before travel to England
Before you travel to England you need to:
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 rapid lateral flow tests on day 2, day 5 and day 8 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.
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 must quarantine. You can leave your accommodation when conducting the specific exempt work activity (urgent or essential work related to subsea 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.
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.
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. 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.
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. 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.
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. 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.
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. 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.
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.
If you are in England for 2 days or more, you need to take a mandatory workforce test on or before day 2. This can be accessed from:
- workplace testing programmes available to employers
- community testing programmes offered by all local councils in England
- at home, by collecting lateral flow self-test kits at community sites, ordering test kits online or by dialling 119
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. 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.
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.
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. 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.
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.