Where can I travel to now? Your travel questions answered

This page was last updated on Thursday 6 January 2022 and will be kept up to date as and when the government makes further announcements about international travel in light of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The below applies until early 2022 when there will be a further review to give clearer certainty to the international travel policy for Spring/Summer 2022. Please check back later for more information.

Given that the current situation is subject to change, often at short notice, it is important to keep up to date with all of the latest travel information on the UK Government website.

What are the current regulations for international travel?

How does the government’s red list work?

Can I book my testing and quarantine hotel package at East Midlands Airport?

Is a testing package available to book at East Midlands Airport?

Which countries are on the ‘red’ banned travel list?

Can I book my holiday now, given the government’s guidance for international travel could change?

Will I need to quarantine when I get to my destination country?

Do I still need to complete health checks or forms?

What should I do if I think I have developed COVID-19 symptoms?

Are the rules the same when returning to Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland?

When will the government announce its next travel updates?

What are the current regulations for international travel?

As of 9 January 2022, UK arrivals who have been fully vaccinated must take a Rapid Antigen (lateral flow) test on or before day 2 of arrival from a Government approved provider.

Unvaccinated passengers require pre-departure tests, day 2 and day 8 RT PCR tests, and must quarantine for 10 days.

If you have visited a country from the red list, you must book a 10 day hotel quarantine package. East Midlands Airport does not currently accept passengers from red list countries.

How does the government’s red list work?

The UK Government updated the red list to curb the spread of new COVID-19 variants.

Here are the steps involved in travelling to a red list country and the rules for testing and quarantine:

Red – for those countries posing a high risk

Arrivals to England must:

• Fill in a passenger locator form (including details of quarantine package)

• Take a pre-departure test and get a negative result in the 48 hours before travel

• Book a quarantine package – including a managed quarantine hotel, quarantine transport and the travel test package – from a government-approved provider before travel

• Quarantine for 10 days in a managed quarantine hotel

• Take a PCR test on day 2 and day 8 of your return (with no option for early release)

Can I book my testing and quarantine hotel package at East Midlands Airport?

Unfortunately, East Midlands Airport is not on the list of government-approved ports of entry from red list countries.

Is a testing package available to book at East Midlands Airport?

East Midlands Airport has onsite testing facilities for those returning from countries not on the red list. We offer Rapid Antigen tests that are required for fully vaccinated travellers to be done on day 2.

Find out more about the arrivals testing facilities at East Midlands Airport.

Which countries are on the ‘red’ banned travel list?

The UK Government is operating a single ‘red list’ of travel ban countries, which can be changed at short notice.

Can I book my holiday now, given the government’s guidance for international travel could change?

We know that even as restrictions ease there is still some uncertainty, and that travel plans could still be subject to change at short notice. That’s why, at East Midlands Airport, we now offer free cancellation on all parking bookings for your peace of mind.

You should make sure that, when booking your holiday, you choose a provider that offers speedy refunds, COVID-19 insurance and other measures to accommodate events outside of your control.

Good cancellation or amendment terms will be essential for all 2021 travel plans.

Will I need to quarantine when I get to my destination country?

Checking before you travel is vital as entry requirements can change at short notice. It is your responsibility to check the entry requirements of your chosen destination before you book travel. For the latest information, see the UK Government's travel advice page.

Do I still need to complete health checks or forms?

Passengers still need to fill in a passenger locator form when they return to the UK. This can be filled in 48 hours before your arrival and then either a printed or electronic copy must be shown at the UK border. The government will use the information to contact passengers if someone they have come into contact with during travel develops COVID-19 symptoms.

What should I do if I think I have developed COVID-19 symptoms?

Passengers who believe that they may have COVID-19 symptoms should not travel. Please inform airport or cabin staff if you develop symptoms while travelling.

Are the rules the same when returning to Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland?

Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland are publishing their own guidance on international travel. The system explained above relates only to England.

When will the government announce its next travel updates?

The government has said that it plans to review international travel in early 2022 with the hopes of relaxing further restrictions.