Entry rules in response to COVID-19

Testing before arrival

COVID-19 entry requirements may change at short notice, and travellers to the UAE are strongly encouraged to check the specifics, including the time frames for undertaking COVID-19 PCR tests, before departure with their airline before they travel. Further details are available on British Airways, Emirates and Etihad websites including information about what these airlines accept as proof of a negative test.

Residents, tourists and visitors travelling from or through the UK and arriving in the UAE must have a negative COVID-19 PCR test before departure and present the certificate at check in. The PCR test needs to be taken no more than 48 hours prior to departure. Travellers arriving in Abu Dhabi will also be required to undertake a COVID-19 PCR test on arrival. Travellers arriving in Dubai may be required to undertake a further COVID-19 PCR test on arrival and will have to isolate pending the result of the COVID-19 PCR test.

If you test positive for COVID-19 on arrival, depending on your symptoms and your accommodation plans, you may be required to self-isolate in a government facility, a hospital, your hotel or privately arranged accommodation for at least 10 days.

If you are transiting through the UAE to a country that requires a COVID-19 PCR test on arrival, then you must obtain a negative COVID-19 PCR test before travelling.

In all circumstances, the test must be a COVID-19 PCR. Other test results including antibody tests are not accepted.

Further information about COVID-19 updates is available on the UAE Coronavirus (COVID-19) Updates webpage. Children under the age of 12 and those with severe and moderate disabilities will be exempted from the test requirement. Those entering the country may also be asked to take a further COVID-19 PCR test on arrival and to complete a period of self-isolation or quarantine.

Entry to Abu Dhabi

With effect from 3 January 2022 vaccinated travellers from the UK to Abu Dhabi will be required to have a COVID-19 PCR test on arrival, on day four and on day eight but will not be required to quarantine. Unvaccinated travellers from the UK will be required to have a COVID-19 PCR test on arrival, quarantine for 10 days and have a COVID-19 PCR test on day nine. Further information is available on the UAE Government Portal and Etihad Airways website

With effect from 19 December 2021, Abu Dhabi Emergency, Crisis and Disasters Committee has updated the procedure to enter Abu Dhabi emirate from within the UAE and approved the use of ‘EDE scanners’ at entry points. Potential positive COVID-19 cases will be referred to an on-site testing centre, where they will be given a free antigen test. More information is available on the Abu Dhabi Media Office website. With effect from 30 December, the Abu Dhabi Emergency, Crisis and Disasters Committee has also updated the procedure to enter Abu Dhabi from within the UAE by requiring a ‘green pass’ on the AlHosn app for vaccinated individuals and a negative PCR test result received within 96 hours for those who are not vaccinated. More information is available on the Abu Dhabi Media Officer website.

The rules for entering and remaining in Abu Dhabi may change at short notice. You should check the current requirement from the Abu Dhabi Media Office website and on the Emirates News Agency website.

Visitors must register via the ICA Smart Travel Service prior to travel and take a COVID-19 PCR test up to 48 hours before they fly. Vaccination is not a condition of entry. Visitors will also need to take a PCR test upon arrival at Abu Dhabi International airport without the need to quarantine, download the Al Hosn App and take further PCR tests if staying in the emirate. Children under 12 years and individuals with official exemptions do not need to take a PCR test upon arrival. Further information is available on the Visit Abu Dhabi website.

Arrivals from certain countries as listed on the Visit Abu Dhabi Green List will not be required to isolate regardless of their vaccine status. The UK was removed from this list on 3 January 2022. The Abu Dhabi Emergency, Crisis and Disasters Committee has approved home quarantine without the use of wristbands for international travellers and those in contact with positive cases with effect from 19 September 2021. Positive cases must still wear a wristband.

More information about quarantine and testing requirements for travellers to Abu Dhabi is available on the UAE Government Portal and on the Etihad Airlines website including a guide for arrivals in Abu Dhabi.

Entry rules in response to COVID-19

Entry to Egypt

The Egyptian authorities have advised that all arrivals into Egypt will be subject to health measures. Passengers from all countries will be required to complete a paper health declaration (issued by your airline or on arrival) with personal details, and will need to provide confirmation of valid health insurance policy to airport authorities. Passengers arriving from countries where C19 variants of concern have been identified may be required to undertake a rapid COVID-19 test (ID NOW) on arrival, which if positive will lead to a subsequent PCR test to determine if isolation at a government hospital is necessary.

All persons (including those who hold Egyptian nationality) arriving from overseas must have proof of one of the following:

• A full course of COVID-19 vaccination (completed at least 14 days prior to arrival in Egypt); or
• A negative PCR test (taken within 72 hours prior to departure)

Vaccination Certificates

The Egyptian authorities have advised that COVID-19 vaccination certificates must be issued by an accredited laboratory in the country of issue and linked with a QR code. Vaccinated passengers must have received the full course of either the Pfizer, Moderna, AstraZeneca, Sinopharm, Sinovac, Sputnik V, and Janssen (Johnson and Johnson) vaccines at least 14 days prior to arrival in Egypt. Passengers arriving from countries where COVID-19 variants of concern have been identified may still be required to undertake a rapid COVID-19 test (ID NOW) on arrival, which if positive will lead to a subsequent PCR test to determine if isolation at a government hospital is necessary.

Demonstrating your COVID-19 status

Egypt will accept the UK’s proof of COVID-19 vaccination record. Your NHS appointment card from vaccination centres is not designed to be used as proof of vaccination and should not be used to demonstrate your vaccine status.

Travel between the UK and France

People travelling from the UK to France will no longer have to self-isolate on arrival or show proof that their trip is essential from Friday 14 January 2022, tourism minister Jean-Baptiste Lemoyne has announced.

However, the requirement for a negative COVID test, conducted 24 hours before their visit, remains in place.

Those who provide a negative result will also need to be fully-vaccinated.

If you’re fully vaccinated

Germany uses a two-tier system of risk categories (virus variant areas and high-risk areas), with distinct rules on entry and quarantine for each tier. See the complete list of designated areas.

The UK is designated as a ‘high-risk area’. You may enter Germany from the UK for any travel purpose if you are fully vaccinated.

Proof of vaccination status

From 11pm GMT on 3 January 2022 travellers aged six or over entering Germany from abroad must possess either proof of vaccination, proof of recovery or a negative COVID-19 test prior to arrival and present this proof on request to carriers or authorities.

Germany will accept the UK’s proof of COVID-19 recovery and vaccination record. Your NHS appointment card from vaccination centres is not designed to be used as proof of vaccination and should not be used to demonstrate your vaccine status.

Evidence of your COVID-19 vaccination status can be provided digitally (through the NHS app or NHS website) or as a printout (this can be requested from the NHS by calling 119). However, a screenshot or photo is not sufficient. Further details can be found (in English) on the German Embassy website.

The German government has published a checklist of acceptable proof of vaccination for entry purposes (under “What constitutes proof of vaccination?”). Such proof must demonstrate that a full course of vaccination against COVID-19 has been completed. The vaccination must be comprised of one or more of the listed vaccines. It must comprise the number of vaccine doses necessary to provide full protection, and at least 14 days must have elapsed since the last required single vaccination. For recovered persons, the vaccination may consist of the administration of one dose.

The proof must be provided in German, English, French, Italian or Spanish and include:

• The personal data of the vaccinated person (at least surname, first name and date of birth)
• Date of vaccination, number of vaccinations
• Vaccine name
• Name of the disease vaccinated against

Demonstrating your COVID-19 status

Italy will accept the UK’s proof of COVID-19 recovery and vaccination record as the equivalent to a green pass. If you are travelling with a printed PDF proof of vaccination status, it must date from 1 November 2021 to ensure that the certificate can be scanned successfully. Your NHS appointment card from vaccination centres is not designed to be used as proof of vaccination and should not be used to demonstrate your vaccine status.

If you can demonstrate that you are fully vaccinated

If you travel from the UK and can demonstrate that you are fully vaccinated, you can enter Italy without needing to self-isolate. In addition:

You must fill in the passenger locator form (EU PLF) before you enter Italy to get a QR code to show to your travel provider and Border Police. You can ask for paper form if you do not have an electronic device.

You must show evidence of a negative PCR test taken within 48 hours before entering Italy OR a negative antigen test taken within 24 hours before entering Italy.

Other regional requirements may apply.

If you’re fully vaccinated

Fully vaccinated UK nationals who can provide acceptable proof of vaccination, which includes the NHS COVID Pass, are allowed to enter the Netherlands.

Fully vaccinated travellers aged 12 and over arriving in the Netherlands from the UK via aeroplane, ferry, passenger car, train or bus must show one of the following:

A negative PCR test result (taken no more than 48 hours before departure), or;

A negative antigen test result (taken no more than 24 hours before departure).

Proof of vaccination status

Dutch authorities will accept the UK’s proof of COVID-19 vaccination record and proof of COVID-19 vaccination issued in the Crown Dependencies, in paper or digital form. Your final vaccine dose must have been administered at least 14 days prior to travel, and 28 days in the case of the Janssen (Johnson & Johnson) vaccine. Your NHS appointment card from vaccination centres is not designed to be used as proof of vaccination and should not be used to demonstrate your vaccine status. In addition, you should also be prepared to show a completed vaccine declaration form.

Vaccinated Visitors

Fully vaccinated visitors travelling from a red listed country must have a pre-departure PCR test within 72 hours of their arrival in Qatar, with a negative result. You will be required to undergo a 2 day hotel quarantine (including unvaccinated children aged 11 or under), where a PCR test will be conducted. You may be released from quarantine early depending on the availability of your test results. All hotel quarantine packages need to be booked through the Discover Qatar website.

Fully vaccinated visitors travelling from an exceptional red listed country must undergo a PCR test with a negative result within 72 hours of arrival into Qatar and enter hotel quarantine for 2 days. A further PCR test or serology antibody test (if vaccinated outside of Qatar) will be taken at the quarantine hotel. All hotel quarantine packages need to be booked through the Discover Qatar website. Visit the Ministry of Public Health website for further guidance on your specific requirement. You can also check with your travel provider.

Demonstrating your COVID-19 status

Although we understand that the UK’s proof of COVID recovery and vaccination status is being accepted in practice, Qatar has not yet officially confirmed this. We therefore recommend that you contact your nearest Qatari embassy for advice on entry requirements. Your NHS appointment card from vaccination centres is not designed to be used as proof of vaccination.

Entry to Singapore

There are entry restrictions into Singapore from third countries, see Singapore’s Safe Travel website for updated information.

Only Singapore citizens and permanent residents can enter Singapore without prior permission. See Entry permission guidelines.

If you’re a long-term resident (holder of an employment pass, S Pass, work permit, foreign domestic work permit, long-term visit pass, or student pass), you may enter Singapore without travelling on a Vaccinated Travel Lane if you are fully vaccinated and if the Singapore government has approved your application to enter. See Singapore’s Safe Travel website for updated information.

Singapore has introduced varying entry permissions depending on your vaccination status, country of origin, and purpose of visit (such as on compassionate/medical grounds). You should use the self-help tool on the Safe Travel website to see which permissions you need. Sign up to the Safe Travel Concierge to create a travel checklist and get updates on any changes.

Demonstrating your COVID-19 status

Singapore will accept the UK’s proof of COVID-19 vaccination record. Your NHS appointment card from vaccination centres is not designed to be used as proof of vaccination and should not be used to demonstrate your vaccine status.

Those aged 12 to 15 years old who have received only one dose are not recognised as vaccinated by Singapore and cannot travel on a Vaccinated Travel Lane flight.

Please note that from 14 February 2022 onwards, Singapore will consider everyone aged 18 years old and above as fully vaccinated only up to 270 days after completing a primary course of vaccination, unless they have also received a booster dose.

The digital vaccination certificates issued by certain countries are also accepted.

Entry using the Vaccinated Travel Lane

Vaccinated travellers can enter Singapore from some countries without the need to quarantine by using a Vaccinated Travel Lane (VTL) flight.

No new bookings can be made for VTL travel between 23rd December 2021 and 20th January 2022. The availability of VTL flights may be subject to sudden changes.

Land entry from Malaysia on VTL buses is currently only open to Malaysian and Singaporean citizens. There are specific guidelines and documents needed for travel to Singapore on a VTL flight.

Read the VTL pages on SafeTravel, including the checklists and FAQs, very carefully before submitting an application.

You must be fully vaccinated and have a valid proof of vaccination.

Make sure that you are booked on a VTL flight. If you’re issued a Vaccinated Travel Pass but arrive on a non-VTL flight, you may be denied entry. Travel insurance with a minimum coverage of S$30,000 is required. You can get this from an insurance provider of your choice or one of those listed on the SafeTravel website.

Before you travel, make sure to have hard copies of all documents found on the VTL Checklist. Remember to get a PCR test or professionally administered Antigen Rapid Test (ART) within two days before your flight to Singapore.

You’ll need to take these tests in Singapore:

• An on-arrival PCR test at Changi Airport – advance booking and payment required.
• Antigen Rapid Tests (ART) at a Quick Test Centre or Combined Test Centre on Days 3 and 7.
• ARTs (self-administered) on Days 2, 4, 5, and 6 – results to be uploaded to a weblink, details to be given by the authorities.

If you test positive for COVID-19, you will initially be required to isolate at your hotel or residential accommodation. Instructions on what to do next depend on whether you are well or unwell. Details can be found here.

Complete details for these procedures are on the VTL pages on the SafeTravel website.

Specific questions around travel to Singapore can be submitted on the SafeTravel Enquiry form.

Entry rule in response to COVID-19

Entry to South Africa

Strict health protocols are in place for international travellers to South Africa. You will need to produce a paper copy of a negative PCR (polymerase chain reaction) COVID-19 test to border officials upon arrival in South Africa. The test must have taken place no more than 72 hours before your departure. Children under 5 do not require a PCR test.

We advise that you carry several paper copies of your test, as you may need to present it more than once on your journey. If you do not present proof of a test upon arrival, you will be required to take a COVID-19 at your own expense and may be required to quarantine at your own cost. You will be asked to fill out a health questionnaire on the plane before you enter South Africa.

You should not use the NHS testing service to get a test in order to facilitate your travel to another country. You should arrange to take a private test.

Business travellers providing services across the borders between South Africa and the Southern African Development Community are allowed multiple entry subject to producing a certificate of negative PCR (polymerase chain reaction) result not older than 72 hours from the time of departure. This certificate is valid for 14 days. Note that this multiple entry rule does not apply to arrivals travelling by air, even within SADC. Entry and exit to South Africa via some land borders is restricted.

During the course of the pandemic, South Africa offered visa extensions for some nationals who found themselves unable to return to their country of origin. You are responsible for ensuring your legal immigration status in South Africa. Contact the Department of Home Affairs directly if you have concerns about your visa status.

All Travellers

Before travel to Spain, everyone (including children under 12 years old, see Children and young people travelling by air or sea must fill in and sign an online Health Control Form. If you do not complete this form electronically, you may submit it in paper format before boarding.

If you’re fully vaccinated

If you’re fully vaccinated and travelling from the UK, you can enter Spain without needing to test or quarantine regardless of your reason for travel.

At least 14 days must have passed since being fully vaccinated (with both doses of a 2-dose vaccine or one dose of a single-dose vaccine) before arrival in Spain. Your date(s) of vaccination must be specified and you need to have had a vaccine authorised by the European Medicines Agency or by the World Health Organisation.

Children under the age of 12 years old do not need to show proof of being fully vaccinated on entry to Spain – see Children and young people

Proof of vaccination status

You must show proof of being fully vaccinated to enter Spain from the UK if travelling for tourism purposes. If one of the exemptions listed applies to you, you may be able to present other documentation on entry. See Exemptions.

Spain will accept the UK’s proof of COVID-19 vaccination record and proof of COVID-19 vaccination issued in the Crown Dependencies. Your final vaccine dose must have been administered at least 14 days prior to travel. If you are travelling with a printed PDF proof of vaccination status, it must date from 1 November 2021 to ensure that the certificate can be scanned successfully. Your NHS appointment card from vaccination centres is not designed to be used as proof of vaccination and should not be used to demonstrate your vaccine status.

Eligibility to enter Switzerland

You are eligible to enter Switzerland for any travel purpose if you are fully vaccinated and have a negative PCR (not older than 72 hours or lateral flow test (not older than 24 hours) test on boarding. Fully vaccinated or recovered travellers no longer have to take day 4 and 7 tests.

More detail is available on the Swiss Federal Office of Health’s website.

All travellers must complete a passenger locator form.

Testing requirements

Travellers must be able to produce a negative PCR test (not older than 72 hours) or lateral flow test (not older than 24 hours) on boarding a plane to Switzerland and on entry. You must have this test in your country of departure. Children under the age of 16 are exempt from testing. There are limited other exemptions from this requirement. A negative COVID-19 test will not grant your entry to Switzerland if you are not eligible to enter (i.e. fully vaccinated or exempt).

Fully vaccinated or recovered travellers no longer have to take a test after 4 to 7 days. Unvaccinated travellers from the UK must complete a further test (antigen or PCR) after 4 to 7 days in Switzerland, and must send the result of the second test to the relevant cantonal office. Find the relevant cantonal office. Children under the age of 16 are exempt from testing. There are also exemptions for cross-border workers and workers transporting passengers or goods through Switzerland. Exemptions apply to both antigen and PCR tests. Other limited exemptions apply. More detail is available on the Swiss Federal Office of Health’s website.

Demonstrating your COVID-19 status

Switzerland will accept the UK’s proof of COVID-19 recovery and vaccination record and proof of COVID-19 vaccination issued in the Crown Dependencies. However a screenshot or a photo is not sufficient. Further information is available from the State Secretariat for Migration. Your final vaccine dose must have been administered within the 12 months prior to travel and in the case of the Janssen vaccination, at least 22 days prior to travel. If you are travelling with a printed PDF proof of vaccination status, it must date from 1 November 2021 to ensure that the certificate can be scanned successfully. Your NHS appointment card from vaccination centres is not designed to be used as proof of vaccination and should not be used to demonstrate your vaccine status.

You will be regarded as vaccinated if you have been vaccinated with a vaccine that either:

• Is authorised in Switzerland and has been administered in full in accordance with Federal Office of Public Health recommendations; or
• Has been authorised by the European Medicines Agency for the European Union and has been administered in full in accordance with the requirements or recommendations of the country in which the vaccination was administered; or
• Has been authorised under the WHO Emergency Use Listing and has been administered in full in accordance with the requirements or recommendations of the country in which the vaccination was administered.

This includes the AstraZeneca, Pfizer, Moderna and Janssen vaccines that are available in the UK.

Further information is available on the Federal Office of Public Health and State Secretariat for Migration websites. The Federal Office of Public Health also have a helpline for people travelling to Switzerland (+41 58 464 44 88) which is available every day from 6am to 11pm CET.

If you’re fully vaccinated

Most fully vaccinated foreign citizens can enter the USA. The US authorities will accept any COVID-19 vaccine approved for emergency use by the World Health Organisation or approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). These are the AstraZeneca, BIBP/Sinopharm, Covishield, Janssen, Moderna, Pfizer-BioNTech and Sinovac vaccines. In addition, those who have received the full series of an active (not placebo) COVID-19 vaccine AstraZeneca or Novavax COVID-19 vaccine trials are considered vaccinated. More details are on the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and US Embassy websites. British nationals planning to travel to the USA should familiarise themselves with the new requirements on the CDC website before booking any travel.

All current visa holders based in the USA who leave the country and then re-enter will need to follow the vaccine entry requirements unless they have an exception. This includes students on F-1 and M-1 visas and those previously issued with an existing National Interest Exception. Further information is on the US Embassy website.

Before boarding a flight to the USA, most passengers – regardless of vaccination status – are required to show a negative COVID-19 test result taken no more than 1 day before travel. All air passengers to the USA are also required to provide contact information to their airlines before boarding. You should check with your airline before you travel for more details. Full requirements for pre-travel testing can be found on the CDC website. Children under 2 years old do not need to test.

Upon arrival, fully vaccinated travellers:

• Do not have to quarantine
• Are recommended to take a viral test within 3 to 5 days of arrival in the US

You must wear a mask on aircraft, trains, buses and at airports.

The USA will accept the UK’s proof of COVID-19 recovery and vaccination record and proof of COVID-19 vaccination issued in the Crown Dependencies. Your final vaccine dose must have been administered at least 14 days prior to travel. Your NHS appointment card from vaccination centres is not designed to be used as proof of vaccination and should not be used to demonstrate your vaccine status.

The CDC website lists the forms of acceptable proof of COVID-19 status. This also includes the European Union Digital COVID Certificate. Other accepted methods of proof include a printout of a COVID-19 vaccination record or a COVID-19 vaccination certificate issued at national or subnational level or by an authorized vaccine provider. Alternatively, digital photos of a vaccination card or record, a downloaded vaccine record or a vaccination certificate from an official source (e.g. public health agency, government agency, or other authorised vaccine provider), or a mobile phone application without a QR code. All forms of COVID-19 status must have a personal identifier, at a minimum including full name and date of birth, that match the information on a passenger’s passport or other travel documents. It must also include the name of the official source issuing the record and the vaccine manufacturer and date(s) of vaccination.

If you are fully vaccinated on return to the UK

This is what you need to do if you qualify under the fully vaccinated rules for travel to England.

Before you travel to England – Fully vaccinated

Before you travel to England you must:

• complete a passenger locator form – to be completed in the 48 hours before you arrive in England.

When you arrive in England – Fully vaccinated

After you arrive in England you must take a COVID-19 test. This is the test that you booked before travel. You can book either a lateral flow test or a PCR test.

You can take the test any time after you arrive and before the end of day 2 at the latest. The day you arrive is day 0.

If your test result is positive, you must self-isolate.

If your lateral flow test result is positive, you must also take a PCR test.