Published
It’s great news for anyone who wants to learn English in the UK: travel rules reduced today making it easier for students to arrive.
For most international visitors, the only requirement is to fill in the simplified passenger locator form before travel.
English language schools are open and planning ahead for an exciting spring and summer.
Under 18s – no Covid tests or quarantine required
Wherever they travel from, young people under 18 years old don’t need to take any Covid tests when they come to the UK.
If they’re travelling with a group leader, this adult might need to take a test. Read on for more info.
Eligible fully-vaccinated adults – no Covid tests or quarantine required
The majority of the world’s vaccination programmes are now recognised by the UK government, so most vaccinated adults will avoid mandatory testing requirements.
See our information below to understand who is recognised as fully-vaccinated for UK travel.
Other adults – no quarantine required, just two Covid tests
This applies to unvaccinated adults, and adults who have had vaccines that aren’t ‘recognised’ by the UK government.
When these visitors arrive, they need to show evidence of a negative Covid test taken before travel. They also need to pre-book an authorised Covid test to take when they arrive in the UK. They only need to self-isolate in their accommodation if they get a positive test result.
Check our Covid-19 information page to learn more about which Covid tests are suitable for travel and how to book the UK test.
Who is recognised as fully-vaccinated for UK travel
This can seem a little complicated because there are a few different criteria. An adult is considered ‘fully vaccinated’ for UK travel if they meet all these criteria:
- They have been vaccinated in a country with an ‘approved proof of vaccination status’. Review the list of approved programmes.
- They must have received an approved vaccine: Covaxin, Moderna, Janssen (single dose vaccine), Novavax (Nuvaxovid and Covovax), Oxford/AstraZeneca, Pfizer BioNTech, Sinopharm Beijing or Sinovac-CoronaVac
- They need to have received two doses of vaccine (or one for Janssen) at least 14 days before travel. A combination of approved vaccines is also okay.
As a reminder, all under 18s are exempt from test requirements.
You can check our Covid-19 information page for more information and to find out how to book any mandatory Covid tests.
Do you know someone who wants to study English in the UK soon?
We have lots of information to help you plan the trip.
Many students can travel to the UK now without needing to quarantine on arrival. Visit our Covid-19 travel information page to see the latest requirements.
Visit our visa information page to find out if you need a visa to study in the UK.
Not sure what course to choose? Find out about study options.