NOTE: Be a responsible traveller! All info in this blog is accurate from the time of writing. Rules, regulations, and guidelines in the UK are updated frequently and may change without Klook’s prior notice. For your safety, check with the respective destination directly before your travels.
Last update 7 March 2022
Fancy a holiday in the UK?
A trip to the British Isles is becoming more and more within reach thanks to the easing of UK travel restrictions. You don’t have to wait much longer to wander around palaces, explore museums, and discover historical monuments. Before you book that flight, we’ve done the work and gathered all the info you need for a stress-free and seamless travel experience.
1. Who is allowed to travel into the UK?
All fully vaccinated Australians can travel to the UK without restrictions. To qualify as a fully vaccinated individual, you must have:
- Received an approved one dose vaccine (the Janssen vaccine), or
- Received your final dose of the vaccine at least 14 days before you arrive in England. The day of your final dose does not count as one of the 14 days.
All of the vaccines approved for use in Australia (AstraZeneca, Pfizer, Moderna, and Novavax) are accepted in the UK.
On the other hand, people who are not fully vaccinated must:
- Take a COVID-19 test two days before travelling to the UK. PCR, antigen, and LAMP tests are accepted.
- Book and take a COVID-19 test upon arrival
2. Do I need to get a booster jab to enter the UK?
The third jab of the vaccine is not required for travellers to be considered fully vaccinated. If you’re heading from Australia to the UK, all you need is the second jab for 2-dose vaccines or a single dose of the Janssen vaccine.
3. Do I need to show proof of COVID-19 vaccination?
While most UK travel restrictions have been lifted, one of the remaining requirements for travellers is the proof of vaccination. Your vaccine certificate must show the following information:
- your forename and surname(s)
- your date of birth
- vaccine brand and manufacturer
- date of vaccination for every dose
- country or territory of vaccination and/or certificate issuer
4. Do I still need to quarantine after my arrival?
The requirement to quarantine has been removed for fully vaccinated travellers. However, if you’re not fully vaccinated or unvaccinated, you will need to self-isolate and follow the local UK travel restrictions if your day 2 PCR test result is positive.
5. How do I fill in the passenger locator form?
The passenger locator form is a requirement for all travellers, whether fully vaccinated or not. It must be submitted within three days before your arrival in the UK. In the form, you must provide the following information:
- Your passport details
- Your travel details (time and dates)
- UK address where you’ll stay upon arrival (if applicable)
- Proof of vaccination
- Booking reference of your day 2 COVID-19 test if you’re unvaccinated/not fully-vaccinated
Once you’ve submitted the form, you’ll receive a QR code via email which you can present as proof of completion.
6. Can I travel to other parts of the Common Travel Area?
If you’re planning to visit Ireland, Scotland, and other parts of the UK and Common Travel Area, you’re in luck. There are no UK travel restrictions, so you can move freely. There’s no need to fill up the form or take the test if you’re travelling within those areas.
Make the most out of your trip away from home and discover other parts of the continent! Check out this helpful guide on train travel in Europe.
7. What to do in the UK?
Now that we’ve covered all the nitty-gritty deets, it’s time for the fun stuff!
If you’ve been waiting for the time to visit England, Scotland, and the rest of the territory, there’s no better time than the present. Thanks to the lifting of UK travel restrictions, it’s easier and more affordable to explore the region ! Check out our picks of the best things to do in the UK:
Harry Potter Tour
Trade your phones for wands for a fun day on the Warner Bros. Studio Tour. Channel your inner witch or wizard as you take a stroll down Diagon Alley, ride the Hogwarts Express at Platform 9 3/4, and spend time at the Gryffindor Common Room. Make sure to bring your camera to capture all the magical moments.
London Eye Ride
Whether you’re a first time visitor or a longtime regular, the London Eye is a must-ride. It’s not enough to see the iconic monument in the UK, which is also the tallest observation wheel in Europe. During your ride, you can get a whole new perspective of Westminster Abbey, Big Ben, Buckingham Palace, and more.
Stonehenge Day Trip
No visit to England is complete without a stop at one of its oldest and most famous monuments, Stonehenge. The 5,000-year-old structure is a testament to the achievements of ancient societies and must be seen to be believed. It’s also located near Windsor Castle and Bath, making it a convenient day trip from London.
Edinburgh Hop-On Hop-Off Tour
Take some time out to explore Scotland. A visit to Edinburgh, its capital city, will transport you to the mediaeval times because of its cobblestone streets and well-preserved architecture. The UNESCO Heritage city boasts the stunning Edinburgh Castle, Arthur's Seat, and Palace of Holyroodhouse, to name a few. Get a front row seat to these epic scenes onboard the Edinburgh Hop-on Hop-off bus tour.