The Latest Travel Rules and Guidance

Updated 17 March 2022

The latest travel rules allow you to visit any country not on the red list, without the need to test on your return to the UK, regardless of your vaccination status.

You also no longer need to fill out a passenger locator form on your return to the UK from 18 March 2022.

This is exciting news for anyone hoping to enjoy a stress-free escape this year. With the red list now empty, there’s a wonderful array of destinations available to inspire you with. Plus, you’ll continue to be covered by our Book with Confidence guarantee, so if the rules were to change in future, we’ll either amend your booking to a time when you can travel, or refund you.

Please note that regulations may vary for Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. Our Travel Specialists will be able to offer further information on this, or you can find out more in the links below:

Guidance for Wales
Guidance for Scotland
Guidance for Northern Ireland

What are the rules for countries we can travel to?

From 18 March 2022, all travel restrictions for returning to the UK have been removed. This means that, regardless of your vaccination status, you won’t need to take any tests or fill out a passenger locator form before travelling home.

Please note that while a country may not be on the UK’s red list, you’ll also need to check that it’s accepting UK visitors and the FCDO doesn’t advise against travel there.

Before You Travel

You’ll need to check the entry requirements of your chosen destination. You might need to take a COVID-19 test before your arrival. You may also be required to fill out a health declaration form, download an app or take a health check on arrival. While the UK no longer requires you to fill out a passenger locator form, your holiday destination might have their own paperwork for you to submit before travel.

These requirements will vary according to your destination and your vaccination status.

What countries are on the red list?

As of 15 December 2021, there are no countries on the UK’s red list for travel. You should still check FCDO advice for the country you wish to travel to. Entry requirements may also be in place around your vaccination status and COVID-19 testing. Our Travel Specialists will be able to let you know about any rules in place for entering your destination.

What are the rules for countries on the red list?

You won’t be able to travel to red list countries on holiday. If you were to travel for essential reasons, you would need to follow these rules:

Before You Travel

You’d need to check the entry requirements of your chosen destination. It’s likely you’ll need to take a PCR test before your arrival. You may also be required to fill out a health declaration form, download an app or take a health check on arrival.

These requirements will vary according to your destination and your vaccination status. Different rules may also apply to children. You can't use an NHS testing kit.

On Return to the UK

You would need proof of a negative PCR test taken a maximum of 48 hours before you depart for the UK.

On return to the UK from a red list destination, you’d be required to spend 10 days in a specified quarantine hotel at your own expense.

In addition, you would be required to take two further PCR tests on the second and eighth day of your return.

Speak to a Travel Specialist today for further advice or to start planning your next holiday

01173 215 210

Talk to a Specialist

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I book a holiday to a country on the red list?

You won’t be allowed to travel to any country on the red list.

If a destination is on this list, it’s also likely that the FCDO will also advise against travelling there.

What happens to my booking if a country moves to the red list?

At Regent Holidays, our Book with Confidence guarantee is in place as a promise to you that we’ll remain as flexible as possible.

This means that if you book a holiday which is later added to the red list, we won’t charge you any amendment fees and can offer you a full refund. As we have direct contacts and strong relationships across our resorts, we’ll do as much as we can to move your holiday should you wish to – either to a new date, or a new destination. In this case, any money you’ve paid will be transferred straight to your new booking.

Our Travel Specialists are keeping up to date with every change in the traffic light system and will contact you, if needed, to discuss any changes in your holiday’s status.

We’ll do our best to assist you if…

The FCDO advises against travel to your destination

Along with the traffic lights system, we’ll closely be following advice from the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO).

In the case where the FCDO advises against travel to your destination, regardless of which travel list it’s on, we’ll offer you a full refund for your holiday, should you not wish to amend your booking to a new destination.

The country you are due to travel to the red list

At Regent Holidays, we won’t be providing holidays to countries on the red list.
If this were to happen, it’s likely your flights and hotel would not be operating and the FCDO would advise against travelling.

If your holiday is affected by such a change, our Travel Specialists will contact you to discuss amending your holiday or providing you with a full refund.

Should your destination be placed on the red list while you’re there, we’ll help you get back home safely if your holiday can no longer go ahead

Can I cancel my booking if the country I am visiting forbids tourists from entering?

If your holiday destination is still permitted for travel from the UK, but they themselves are not open to international travellers, it’s likely that your flight would be cancelled.

In this case, we’d do our best to amend your booking or provide you with a refund if alternative options weren’t possible.

What would happen if I were to test positive for COVID-19 before I leave, or when I arrive at my destination?

Destinations currently accepting visitors may require a negative test to allow you entry. If you test positive before you depart, you won’t be able to travel.

If you were to test positive while in your destination, you would need to follow the quarantine rules set by the country you are in. You and those in your travel party should not travel home if any person has tested positive.

While our Travel Specialists will do what they can to support and assist you, any additional quarantine costs will need to be covered by yourself or your travel insurer.

For this reason, it’s essential to have adequate travel insurance that covers any medical expenses or cancellation costs incurred by COVID-19.

How will I know if the entry requirements change for my holiday destination?

Our Travel Specialists will have all the latest updates that affect any of our clients. We’ll let you know exactly what you need to do to travel to your destination and safely enjoy your holiday.

How do I show proof of my vaccination?

You’ll no longer need to prove your vaccination status when your return to the UK.

However, the country you’re travelling to may still require vaccination as a condition of entry. You might also need a proof of vaccination to enter some public spaces in certain destinations.

To show your vaccinations status, you can use your NHS COVID Pass. You can find further information of getting your pass through the links below:

Your NHS COVID Pass
Your NHS Scotland vaccination status
Your NI COVID certificate
Your EU Digital COVID certificate - check if your EU Digital COVID certificate is eligible and if your vaccine is accepted

What is a PCR test and how do I get one?

If you need to take a PCR test in order to travel, it’s essential that you use an approved private test provider that meets the required standards for your pre-departure or return testing.

For testing while in your holiday destination, we’ll work with our contacts to help you find trusted providers in your area. Acceptable tests for the UK include a nucleic acid test, such as a PCR or antigen test, or a lateral flow device. Your test must be sent to an approved pharmaceutical lab to obtain results – you can’t use a home testing kit. You’ll find a list of recognised test providers on the Government website.

If you’re flying to or from Heathrow Airport, PCR test centres are available there for pre-booking, too.
The result must be sent to you in either English, French or Spanish. Translations will not be accepted.

Once you have your pre-departure test result, you may be required to show the original printed test result at the airport check-in desk. Some destinations may also require this during their immigration checks.

Your test results must include the following information:

Your name – which will need to match the name on your travel documents
Your date of birth
The result of the test
The date the test sample was collected or received by the test provider
The name of the test provider and their contact details
Details of what testing device was used, or confirmation that the test was a PCR test

Of course, our Travel Specialists will be able to provide you with the specific information you need to enter your chosen holiday destination.