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Do I still need to fill out a passenger locator form for travel? Everything you need to know

Travel restrictions have changed constantly since the pandemic began in 2020, but one of the most consistent rules until recently was filling out a passenger locator form. The form was introduced in 2020 as a way to keep track of those returning to the UK in case they tested positive for Covid, or came into contact with someone who did. In 2021, it was updated to include information on vaccines .

However, with travel rules in the UK now lifted, do travellers still need to complete a passenger locator form before flying into the UK? Here’s what you need to know.

Do I need to fill out a passenger locator form for the UK?

No – since 18 March 2022, there have been no travel restrictions for anyone flying into the UK, regardless of whether they're fully vaccinated or not .

Transport secretary Grant Shapps announced that the rules would be lifted on Twitter in mid-March, writing: ‘All remaining Covid travel measures, including the Passenger Locator Form and tests for all arrivals, will be stood down for travel to the UK from 4am on 18 March. These changes are possible due to our vaccine rollout and mean greater freedom in time for Easter.’

While that means you don't need to do anything Covid-related when flying into the UK, it's always worth checking government advice before your trip. Some have suggested that the passenger locator form will be kept as an option, and could be brought back if Covid cases were to rise again.

Which countries do I need to fill out a passenger locator form for?

Some countries, including some in the EU, will require you to complete their version of a locator form before entering. However, since Tuesday 15 March 2022 Greece has not required travellers to fill in a form before entry, and Spain no longer requires those who are fully vaccinated to complete a form. Italy also dropped the requirement in early May 2022, while Portugal no longer requires travellers to fill in a form for entry. 

For now, it’s best to carefully check the rules for your destination before you travel.

Are there any Covid travel rules I need to follow?

Testing, quarantining and now passenger locator forms are no more, meaning travel is easier than it has been since early 2020. For now, though, some airline and airport rules − such as mask-wearing on some planes and in terminals − are expected to stay in place. You will, of course, need to follow the rules of the destination you’re travelling to. As always, it's best to check before you fly to familiarise yourself with rules. 

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Declaration to Travel form: What is it and how do I download one?

Being at an airport without a completed form triggers a £200 penalty, article bookmarked.

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Anyone hoping to travel abroad from England now requires what amounts to an exit permit . Outbound passengers must complete a “Declaration to Travel” and have it ready at the airport, ferry port or international rail station.

These are the essential answers.

What has happened?

At present all holidays – at home or overseas – are illegal under the “stay-at-home” rule that applies for all residents of the UK.

International travel is allowed only for a limited number of exemptions, including work, urgent family matters and medical treatment.

From England, anyone who enters “a port of departure to travel internationally” without a completed form is committing a criminal offence – even if they are legally entitled to travel – and faces a fixed penalty of £200.

The new law says : “A person who is present at an embarkation point for the purpose of travelling from there directly or indirectly to a destination outside the United Kingdom must have with them a completed travel declaration form.”

Read more: Declaration to Travel - government reveals new ‘exit permit’ required to leave England

Airlines, train operators and ferry companies will be required to check that passengers have a valid reason to travel abroad.

The new document is the latest piece of red tape in the most draconian restrictions on travel ever known in peacetime.

Why has it happened?

In January, the home secretary warned: “There are still too many people coming in and out of our country each day.”

Priti Patel told Parliament that the Declaration to Travel would be “a necessary step to protect the public and our world-class vaccination programme”. The particular fear is new “variants of concern” being introduced from abroad.

So Ms Patel introduced another requirement on the basis that prospective travellers would think more carefully about whether their journey is permitted.

What information is required?

Travellers must provide their personal details including their address, passport number and destination. They must then tick a box to indicate their claimed reason to travel: work, education, volunteering, essential family reasons or “activities related to buying, selling, letting or renting a residential property”.

Oddly, considering many of the people leaving England are foreign residents returning home, there is no box to tick for, “I live abroad and am returning to my permanent residence”.

Where can I download one?

The form can be downloaded from gov.uk here . Travellers either need to bring a completed, physical copy or save it to a mobile phone or other device when they depart.

What sort of proof is needed?

The government says: “You may carry evidence to support your reason to travel.” Examples include a letter from your employer, university or a property company.

The family category is possibly trickier to provide evidence for: “wedding of a family member, to attend a funeral or event related to death, to visit a burial ground or remembrance”.

There is also confusion over the “property” category, with some people claiming it is lawful to say: “I am carrying out an activity related to renting a residential property – I am going to stay in an Airbnb.” This is clearly in breach of the intention of the new rules.

Anyone returning to their home abroad can simply show some evidence of their residential address.

How long will the new rules last?

The form is headed “declaration form for international travel from England during stay at home restrictions”. Those restrictions end on 29 March. So on the face of it, this new law/red tape will be in force for exactly three weeks.

The government has promised to reveal more details about a possible restart of international travel on 12 April, ahead of opening up journeys by 17 May. For this to happen, many obstacles to overseas holidays will need to be dismantled between now and then if leisure travel is to begin again at scale.

Why does the new law only apply to England?

As foreign holidays are plainly illegal under existing stay-at-home rules, the governments of Wales, Northern Ireland and Scotland have not regarded it as important to add additional coronavirus restrictions.

But both the Scottish government and the Labour Party have enthusiastically welcomed increased travel restrictions and are calling for tougher measures still.

What is the travel industry saying?

In public travel firms are simply complying with the new rules and warning passengers that the Declaration to Travel is needed.

But privately there is wide unhappiness at yet more red tape for travellers – and a further disincentive to booking summer holidays.

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Do I need a passenger locator form? UK travel restrictions explained as day 2 Covid tests are scrapped

All uk arrivals must continue to fill out a passenger locator form despite the easing of travel restrictions around covid tests.

Travel restrictions eased for the UK in time for February half-term with the removal of testing requirements for fully-vaccinated arrivals .

The scrapping of day two tests potentially saves families hundreds of pounds on an overseas holiday.

Many overseas destinations have restrictions in place , which vary from country to country , and there are still some things you need to do before arriving in the UK – here’s everything you need to know.

Do I need a passenger locator form now?

All UK arrivals must continue to fill out a passenger locator form, with the Government saying it helps it to differentiate between vaccinated and unvaccinated travellers.

It must be completed at any time in the 48 hours before arriving in the UK, and Grant Shapps, the Transport Secretary, said the form had been “simplified” ahead of the rules changing.

A landmark moment for international travel ✈️✅ From 4am tomorrow, eligible fully vaccinated arrivals no longer need to test when arriving into the UK, and just need to fill out a simplified Passenger Locator Form. (1/3) — Rt Hon Grant Shapps (@grantshapps) February 10, 2022

Passengers travelling from within the UK, the Republic of Ireland, the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man do not to fill one out.

The form was simplified slightly in ahead of the rule change, with an even shorter form set to be released.

You can find the form via the Government website here – it’s free to submit one, and there is detailed guidance on what to do.

Passengers will be required to provide:

• passport details (or the travel document used to enter the UK)
• travel details, including times and dates
• the address where you will stay in the UK (if applicable)
• booking reference numbers for any required Covid tests (if applicable)
• details on their vaccination status

More from Travel

What are the new travel rules?

From Friday 11 February, fully vaccinated travellers no longer have to buy a day two test before entering the country .

The move, which came just before February half-term, potentially saves families hundreds of pounds on an overseas holiday.

If arrivals do not qualify as fully vaccinated, they are still required to take a Covid test in the two days before travelling to the UK.

They must also book and pay for a private PCR test to be taken before the end of day two after their arrival.

There is no automatic requirement to quarantine after travelling, but if un-jabbed arrivals test positive in their day two tests they must self-isolate.

What does fully-vaccinated mean?

Booster jabs are not required for travellers to be considered fully vaccinated.

For British citizens returning to the UK, this means that the first two doses of any Covid vaccine administered in the UK is enough, as long the second was administered more than two weeks before travel.

For travellers vaccinated outside of the UK, a full list of accepted vaccines, provided by the Department for Transport and the Department of Health and Social Care, can be found here .

All under-18s, regardless of their vaccination status, continue to be considered fully vaccinated.

There are also exemptions in place for people with a valid medical reason not to have received the vaccine, which you can see full details of here .

Proof of recovery from a previous infection, or natural immunity, is not a valid alternative to vaccination.

Do you have a question about travel? Email us:  [email protected]

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UK travel: How to fill in a passenger locator form - what you need

Everyone returning to the UK must complete a passenger locator form

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If you're planning on travelling abroad, you need to make sure you're fully prepped for your trip.

This includes making sure you have all the details needed to fill in a passenger locator form.

You must usually complete a passenger locator form online before you arrive in the UK.

READ MORE: Every new travel rule for UK holidaymakers: Pre-departure tests, red list and proof of vaccine

You can submit the form any time in the 48 hours before you arrive in the UK. It’s free to submit the form.

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You’ll need to show your form when you check in to travel or board your plane, train or ferry to the UK.

You can also use the passenger locator form service to:

• set up an account to save your details if you travel frequently
• sign in to your account to edit and submit an unfinished form
• prove your vaccination status, if you’ve been fully vaccinated in the UK

Each adult must complete their own form.

You can include someone under 18 years old who is travelling with you on your form, if you are staying together at the same UK address.

What you’ll need to complete your form

To complete the form you’ll need:

• your email – you’ll need it to be able to log back into your form and to receive your QR code
• your phone number – we should be able to contact you on this number in the UK
• your passport details or the travel document you’ll use when you arrive at the UK border – you must use the same travel document for both arrival and departure
• your travel details, including times and dates
• the address where you will stay in the UK (if applicable)
• booking reference numbers for any COVID-19 tests you must take after arriving in the UK
• the invoice number for your quarantine hotel booking if you need one

On your passenger locator form, you will be asked whether you meet the vaccine eligibility criteria.

To be eligible, you must be fully vaccinated. This means that you have had a complete course of an approved vaccine at least 14 days before you arrive in the UK. The day you had your final dose does not count as one of the 14 days.

If you meet the criteria, you must bring proof of your eligibility with you during travel.

If you don’t meet the criteria, or select not to say, you will be required to self-isolate for 10 days and to purchase a Day 2 and 8 test.

After you complete the form

Download the form or select to receive it by email as a PDF. The form will include a QR code.

You can print this out or keep it on your phone.

You will be asked to show your QR code to your airline, ferry/cruise or rail operator before you board. You may also be asked to show it when you arrive in the UK.

Trouble completing the passenger locator form? Here are the contact details you need

You can call the passenger locator form helpline.

Calling from the UK

• Passenger locator form helpline
• Telephone: 0800 678 1767
• Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm, GMT
• Calls are free of charge

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Visiting the UK Will Soon Require an Online Application With a Fee — What to Know

The UK's Electronic Travel Authorisation will be fully rolled out by the end of 2023.

Travelers to the United Kingdom will soon have to apply in advance and pay to enter the country when the Electronic Travel Authorisation visa waiver goes into effect later this year.

The UK’s ETA system, which will be fully rolled out by the end of 2023, will require all non-visa foreign visitors (including those from the United States) to apply online in advance of coming, according to the government’s ETA website . 

The rollout of the ETA is part of the UK’s effort to fully digitize its borders by 2025.

“Our number one priority is the security of the UK border and by launching ETAs we can ensure that everyone wishing to travel to the UK has permission to do so in advance of travel and refuse those who pose a threat,” the UK’s Home Secretary Priti Patel said in a statement .

To apply, travelers will need to provide personal details, passport information, and security information. Applications will then be processed automatically and travelers should expect a response typically within 48 to 72 hours.

Alexander Spatari/Getty Images

The cost for the application was not immediately clear and was expected to be announced at a later date.

The ETA will first be rolled out to several Gulf countries, including the United Arab Emirates , Qatar , Bahrain, and more.

The rollout of the ETA comes as Europe plans to implement its new European Travel Information and Authorisation System (or ETIAS) in November. That authorization will include a €7 fee and apply to foreign visitors 18 to 70 years old.

In the U.S., visitors must also apply for a similar authorization before coming: the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (or ESTA), which is available to travelers from countries granted a Visa Waiver Program. Last year, the fee for ESTA increased from $14 to $21, according to the U.S. Customs and Border Protection .

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United Kingdom

Travel Advisory July 26, 2023

United kingdom - level 2: exercise increased caution.

Reissued with obsolete COVID-19 page links removed.

Exercise increased caution in the United Kingdom due to terrorism.

Country Summary:  Terrorist groups continue plotting possible attacks in the United Kingdom. Terrorists may attack with little or no warning, targeting tourist locations, transportation hubs, markets/shopping malls, local government facilities, hotels, clubs, restaurants, places of worship, parks, major sporting and cultural events, educational institutions, airports, and other public areas.

There is also a risk of isolated violence by dissident groups in Northern Ireland, focused primarily on police and military targets.

Read the  country information page  for additional information on travel to the United Kingdom.

If you decide to travel to the United Kingdom:

• Be aware of your surroundings when traveling to tourist locations and crowded public venues.
• Follow the instructions of local authorities.
• Monitor local media for breaking events and adjust your plans based on new information.
• Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program  ( STEP ) to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Follow the Department of State on  Facebook  and Twitter.com/Travelgov
• Review the  Country Security Report  for the United Kingdom.
• Visit the CDC page for the latest  Travel Health Information  related to your travel and return to the United States.
• Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the  Traveler’s Checklist .

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Must be valid for the duration of your stay in the United Kingdom   (If you have onward travel to countries outside the United Kingdom, you should check the passport validity requirements for each additional country on their respective information pages.)

Must have at least one page

Not required for stays less than six months.

Embassies and Consulates

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33 Nine Elms Lane London, SW11 7US United Kingdom Telephone: +(44)(20) 7499-9000 Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +(44)(20) 7499-9000 Fax: +(44) (20) 7891-3845 Email:   [email protected]

U.S. Consulate General Edinburgh, Scotland 3 Regent Terrace, Edinburgh EH7 5BW Scotland Telephone: 013-1556-8315 / from the United States: 011 (44)(13) 1556-8315 Emergency After-Hours Telephone:  020-7499-9000 / from the United States: 011 (44)(20) 7499-9000 Fax: 0131-557-6023 /from the United States: 011 (44) 131-557-6023 Email:   [email protected]

U.S. Consulate General Belfast, Northern Ireland Danesfort House, 223 Stranmillis Road, Belfast BT9 5GR Northern Ireland, United Kingdom Telephone: 028-9038-6100 / from the United States: 011 (44)(28) 9038-6100 Emergency After-Hours Telephone: 01253-501106 / from the United States: 011 (44) 1253-501106 Fax: 028-9068-1301 / from the United States: 011 (44)(28) 9068-1301 Email: [email protected]

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Entry, Exit and Visa Requirements

• To enter the United Kingdom, your passport must be valid for the entire duration of your planned stay.
• Starting June 2019, U.S. passport holders will be able to use the ePassport Gates upon arrival in the United Kingdom. U.S. citizens who had previously registered for the UK’s Registered Traveller Service (RTS) should now also use the ePassport Gates on arrival in the UK.
• If you are planning onward travel after departing the UK, note that many other countries require at least six months’ remaining validity on your passport to enter. If you are bound for Continental Europe, please see our  U.S. travelers in Europe page for additional details.
• Visas for specific categories of visitors must be obtained prior to travel. Visit the  UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) website to determine if you need a visa to enter the United Kingdom. We cannot intervene on your behalf when you apply for a UK visa, nor can we advocate for your admission into the UK if you are denied entry.
• Students and prospective students should visit the  UKVI website  to determine if they need a visa.
• For some U.S. travelers, especially students, an entry stamp is required.  Please consult this website  for more information.
• Unpaid and paid workers, interns, volunteers, charity workers, and temporary workers can find information about obtaining a visa on the  UKVI website .
• Visitors traveling to the United Kingdom to get married, even if they do not plan to reside there, must obtain a visa in advance. See the  UKVI website  for visa information.
• Surcharges apply to certain categories of visas, generally those involving work, study, or residency for more than six months. More information is available on the  UKVI website  and in our Health section below.

The U.S. Department of State is unaware of any HIV/AIDS entry restrictions for visitors to or foreign residents of the United Kingdom.

Find information on  dual nationality ,  prevention of international child abduction  and  customs regulations  on our websites.

Safety and Security

Terrorist groups continue plotting possible near-term attacks in Europe. The UK Security Service publishes specific reasons for any changes in the threat level and recommended actions for the public via its  UK threat levels website .

There is the potential for  isolated violence  related to the political situation in Northern Ireland. The Police Service of Northern Ireland assesses there is a continued threat of violence from dissident groups in Northern Ireland, focused primarily on police and military targets, and may involve the use of  firearms  and  explosives . Tensions may be heightened during the summer marching season (April to August), particularly on and around the July 12 public holiday.

Avoid areas of demonstrations  if possible, and be careful within the vicinity of demonstrations. Demonstrations occur frequently in and around city centers and areas where tourists frequent. Even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and possibly escalate to violence.

The phone number for  police/fire/ambulance emergency services  is  999  in the United Kingdom and  112  in Gibraltar. You should also use these numbers to report security threats or suspicious packages. Also see information for  contacting police from abroad .

• Be cautious and aware of your surroundings.
• Be vigilant, as  pickpocketing ,  mugging,  and “snatch and grab” theft of mobile phones, watches and jewelry can occur.
• Do not leave bags unattended in restaurants, pubs, hotel lobbies, and parked cars.
• Be alert to other criminal schemes, such as  impostors  posing as undercover police officers and “fining” tourists for bogus minor offenses. A legitimate Metropolitan Police Services officer will never demand an immediate cash payment.
• Use only licensed Black Cabs or pre-ordered car services (minicabs) . Unlicensed taxis or private cars posing as taxis may offer low fares, but in some instances, travelers have been  robbed  or  sexually assaulted  while using these cars. See Transport for London for additional information on cabs and car services .
• Avoid using ATMs that look temporary in structure or location  or are located in isolated areas – they may not be legitimate. Use ATMs located inside a bank branch.

Scams : Before sending any money to individuals you have never met in person, visit the  Embassy London website  for more information about  internet financial scams  and how to protect yourself.

See the  Department of State  and the  FBI  pages for information on scams.

Victims of Crime : Report crimes to the local police at 999 (United Kingdom) or 112 (Gibraltar) and contact the U.S. Embassy at +(44) (20) 7499-9000.

• Local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crimes.

See our webpage on  help for U.S. victims of crime overseas .

• help you find appropriate medical care
• assist you in reporting a crime to the police
• contact relatives or friends with your written consent
• explain the local criminal justice process in general terms
• provide a list of local attorneys
• provide our information on  victim compensation programs in the United States
• The Victim Support website  is maintained by an independent UK charity to help people cope with the effects of crime
• A Northern Ireland-based independent charity maintains a similar  victim support website
• In Scotland, victims of crime should contact  Victim Support Scotland
• provide an emergency loan for repatriation to the United States and/or limited medical support if you are destitute
• help you find accommodation and arrange flights home
• replace a stolen or lost passport

Domestic Violence:  U.S. citizen victims of domestic violence may contact the Embassy for assistance.

Tourism:  The tourism industry is generally regulated and rules are regularly enforced. Hazardous areas/activities are identified with appropriate signage and professional staff is typically on hand in support of organized activities. In the event of an injury, appropriate medical treatment is widely available throughout the country. Outside of a major metropolitan center, it may take more time for first responders and medical professionals to stabilize a patient and provide life-saving assistance. U.S. citizens are encouraged to purchase medical evacuation insurance . 

Local Laws & Special Circumstances

Criminal Penalties:  You are subject to local laws. If you violate local laws, even unknowingly, you may be expelled, arrested, or imprisoned. 

Furthermore, some laws are also prosecutable in the United States, regardless of local law. For examples, see our website on  crimes against minors abroad  and the  Department of Justice  website.

• You will be arrested if you bring pocket knives, blades, mace or pepper spray canisters, or any part of a gun into the United Kingdom . Please refer to the UK government publication  Travelling to the UK , which details the items visitors are prohibited from bringing into the United Kingdom.
• Penalties against  alcohol-related  and other  in-flight  crimes committed aboard aircraft to and from the United Kingdom are stiff and are enforced with  prison sentences . Please also see  our information on U.S. customs regulations  covering your return to the United States.
• Controlled Substances: UK law prohibits possession and trafficking of controlled substances and narcotics, including some substances that may be legal to possess under the law of certain U.S. states. More information on controlled substances is available here . Individuals who violate UK drug laws may face penalties including fines or prison sentences.

Arrest Notification:  If you are arrested or detained in the United Kingdom, ask police or prison officials to notify the U.S. Embassy immediately. See our  webpage  for further information.

Special Circumstances:

• The legal drinking age in the United Kingdom is 18. Parents and organizers of school trips should read our  Students Abroad website  to help plan a safe and enjoyable experience.
• Scotland’s “drink drive limit” law was amended to a lower level (roughly .05 BAC) and is stricter than the rest of the United Kingdom (roughly .08 BAC). This means that  driving after even one drink  can result in a charge of driving under the influence.
• The United Kingdom has very strict gun control laws, and importing firearms is extremely complicated.  Information on applying for a firearm and/or shotgun certificate can be found on the  London Metropolitan Police Firearms licensing webpage .  Licenses from England or Wales may not be valid in Scotland; please check with the appropriate authorities.  For firearms certificates for Scotland, please check with  Police Scotland .

Faith-Based Travelers:  See our following webpages for details:

• International Religious Freedom Report  – see country reports
• Human Rights Report  – see country reports
• Hajj Fact Sheet for Travelers
• Best Practices for Volunteering Abroad

LGBTI Travelers:  There are no legal restrictions on same-sex sexual relations or the organization of LGBTI events in the United Kingdom.

See our  LGBTI Travel Information  page and section 6 of our  Human Rights report  for further details.

Travelers Who Require Accessibility Assistance:

• UK law requires that all public service providers (except in the transportation sector) make “reasonable adjustments” to ensure their services are available to persons with disabilities.  Nevertheless, code exemptions permit many older buildings to have steps up from the street.
• Getting around in cities may be difficult at times because sidewalks can be narrow and uneven.
• Most London Underground and UK National Rail System stations are not readily accessible for people with disabilities.  Many stations do not have elevators, and have stairways and long corridors for changing trains or exiting to the street. Many UK buses are equipped with lowering platforms for limited-mobility or sight- or hearing-disabled travelers.
• Many taxis have swivel-entry seats or retractable ramps to ease entry.
• Disabled parking permits (known as “blue badges”) are issued by local government councils throughout the country. Visit the  UK government website  for contact information. Some councils may not offer permits to temporary visitors.

The  Transport for London  and  National Rail  websites provide information for passengers with disabilities.

Students:  See our  Students Abroad  page and  FBI travel tips .

Women Travelers:  See our travel tips for  women travelers .

While medical services are widely available,  free medical care  under the National Health System (NHS) is allowed only for UK residents, certain EU nationals, and some visa holders.

An NHS surcharge is assessed on certain visa applicants at the time of application.  Tourists and short-term visitors will not be assessed the surcharge, but will be charged 150 percent of the cost of any medical treatment they receive from the NHS. Unpaid balances of £1,000 or more can result in being barred from return to the United Kingdom.

• The U.S. government does not pay medical bills, and U.S. Medicare is not valid overseas.

Medical Insurance:  Make sure your health insurance plan provides  coverage overseas . Most care providers overseas only accept  cash payments . See our webpage for more information on insurance coverage overseas.

• We strongly recommend  supplemental insurance  to cover medical evacuation.

Carry  prescription medication  in original packaging, along with your doctor’s prescription. Traveling with sufficient supplies to last the duration of your trip is recommended. Mailing prescriptions is prohibitive and may be delayed or rejected by British customs.

Certain prescriptions available in the United States are classified as a "controlled drug"  in the United Kingdom and cannot be brought into the country without applying for and obtaining a prior license. This includes prescriptions for medical marijuana or products containing CBD and THC.  Please visit the https://www.gov.uk/travelling-controlled-drugs for additional information. 

Vaccinations:  Be up-to-date on all  vaccinations  recommended for international travel by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Further health information:

• World Health Organization
• U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention  (CDC)

Travel and Transportation

Road Conditions and Safety:  Road conditions in the United Kingdom can differ significantly from those in the United States.

• In contrast to the United States, UK traffic drives on the left.  Read the  Highway Code  before driving.
• Emergency call boxes  (orange telephone booths with “SOS” printed on them) are found at half-mile intervals along motorways. White and blue poles point in the direction of the nearest call box. Call boxes dial directly to a motorway center. Use these phones rather than a personal cell phone, because motorway center personnel will immediately know your exact location.
• Generally,  pedestrians do not have the right of way  and should not expect vehicles to stop for them.

Many U.S. citizen pedestrians are injured, some fatally, every year in the United Kingdom, because they forget that oncoming  traffic approaches from the opposite direction  than in the United States.  Exercise extra care when crossing streets; remain alert and look both ways before stepping into the street.

Traffic Laws: 

• UK penalties for driving under the influence of  alcohol  or  drugs  are strict and often  result in prison sentences .
• Using a  hand-held cell phone  or similar device while driving is  illegal  in the United Kingdom. Only hands-free phones may be used. You will be  fined , or in the case of an accident,  arrested  and serve time in  prison .
• The speed limit on highways/motorways in the United Kingdom is 70 mph, or lower when posted.
• You will be  detained  and  arrested  if you cannot provide a UK address to receive a subpoena or are about to depart the United Kingdom and have to be brought to court quickly for a motoring offense.
• In Central London, a congestion charge is levied on all drivers who pass through the congestion zone. You will be  fined  or  arrested  if you do not pay the charge. See  Transport for London  for more information about driving in London.

Public Transportation:  Public transport in the United Kingdom is extensive.

• Information on disruptions to London transportation services can be found on the  Transport for London  website.
• Information about the status of National Rail Services can be found on the  National Rail Enquiries  website.
• Bus and train service information in Northern Ireland can be found on the  Translink  website.
• Bus and train service information in Scotland can be found on the  Traveline Scotland  website.

See our  Road Safety page  for more information. For specific information concerning UK driving permits, vehicle inspection, road tax, and mandatory insurance, refer to the  UK Department for Transport  website or the  Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency  website.

Aviation Safety Oversight:  The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has assessed the government of the United Kingdom’s Civil Aviation Authority as being in compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards for oversight of United Kingdom’s air carrier operations. Further information may be found on the  FAA’s safety assessment page .

Maritime Travel: Mariners planning travel to the United Kingdom should also check for U.S. maritime advisories and alerts at  www.marad.dot.gov/msci . Information may also be posted to the U.S. Coast Guard homeport website and the NGA broadcast warnings website (select “broadcast warnings”).

For additional travel information

• Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)  to receive security messages and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
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• See the  State Department’s travel website  for the  Worldwide Caution  and  Travel Advisories .
• Follow us on X (formerly known as "Twitter") and Facebook .
• See  traveling safely abroad  for useful travel tips.

Review information about International Parental Child Abduction in the United Kingdom . For additional IPCA-related information, please see the International Child Abduction Prevention and Return Act ( ICAPRA ) report.

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How to Apply for Travel Documents in the UK

Last Updated: February 22, 2022 References

This article was written by Jennifer Mueller, JD . Jennifer Mueller is an in-house legal expert at wikiHow. Jennifer reviews, fact-checks, and evaluates wikiHow's legal content to ensure thoroughness and accuracy. She received her JD from Indiana University Maurer School of Law in 2006. There are 7 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been viewed 5,660 times.

If you live in the UK but aren't a British citizen and can't get a passport from your home country, you might be able to get travel documents from the British Home Office if you need to travel outside the country. Generally, you're only eligible for travel documents if you're staying in the UK as a refugee or stateless person, or if you're settled in the UK permanently (what the Home Office calls "indefinite leave to remain"). You can apply for travel documents online through the Home Office, but you have to mail the completed application along with supporting documentation. If you don't have a biometric residence permit (BRP), you'll need to apply for one of those when you apply for your travel document. [1] X Trustworthy Source Official UK government website Official website for the public sector of the UK government Go to source

Choosing the Right Travel Document

• This travel document is typically valid for up to 10 years, depending on the validity of your biometric residence permit (BRP). You can travel to any country except your country of origin.

• Stateless travel documents are usually valid for 10 years, although they might be issued with a shorter validity depending on your situation. You can typically travel to any and all countries.
• You're only considered stateless if you are not recognized as a citizen of any country. Some refugees are stateless, but not all. If you're not sure if you've been officially recognized as stateless, you probably haven't. Fewer than 100 people in the UK have been recognized as stateless since the official determination procedure was started in 2014. [4] X Research source

• To get this documentation, apply for a passport using your home country's usual process. When your application is denied, save the original letter you get back from your home country.
• You also need to show why the denial was unreasonable. The Home Office considers a denial reasonable if, for example, you have a criminal record in your home country or did not provide enough evidence to confirm your identity.
• If you are granted a COT, it will typically have 5 years of validity. You can travel to any country with this document except for your country of origin.

• While you do need to provide documentation to confirm your identity, you don't need to apply for a BRP to use this type of travel document.
• This document is issued to any non-British citizen in the UK who doesn't have a passport and wants to leave the country. It can only be used for one journey out of the country and is valid for a year, although it's generally intended to be used immediately. [7] X Research source
• One-way travel documents are typically issued for travel to a specified country. If you have to travel through one country to get to your destination country, that country will also be listed on your document.

Filling out Your Application

• After you provide your location, you'll be asked to select which type of travel document you want to apply for. If you're not sure, click on the question so see who qualifies for each type.

Tip: If you don't feel comfortable using a computer or do not have internet access, you can get help over the phone by calling 03333 445 675. This phone line is open Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

• If you're applying for a one-way travel document, your document will only be valid for travel to the country you specified. However, all other travel documents are typically valid for travel to any country, except your country of origin or the country from which you sought asylum.
• If you're applying for a COT, you'll also need to discuss your process of applying for a passport from your country of origin and the reason your application for a passport was denied.

Tip: If members of your family are also applying for travel documents at the same time, you each have to apply online and pay your fees separately.

• The online application will ask you if you have a BRP. If you do, simply answer "yes." If you answer "no," the BRP application will come up for you to fill out.
• You will have to provide a digital photo and digital fingerprints along with your signature for your BRP. You can get these done at any government service and support center or post office branch. As of January 2020, the fee is £19.20 for biometrics. [11] X Trustworthy Source Official UK government website Official website for the public sector of the UK government Go to source

Warning: If you already have a BRP but need to amend or replace it, you must do this before you apply for your travel document. You can't use the application included with the travel document application.

• Refugee and stateless person's travel documents are £75 for adults, £49 for children under 15, and £0 if you were born before September 1, 1929.
• One-way travel documents are £75 for all adults (regardless of age) and £49 for children under 15.
• A COT is £280 for all adults (regardless of age) and £141 for children under 15.

Submitting Your Application

• If you're applying for a travel document as a refugee or stateless person, you'll need the British court order or certificate that shows you've been officially recognized as a refugee or stateless person, as well as your BRP.
• If you're applying for a COT, you need documents that prove that you applied for a passport from your home country and that application was unreasonably denied. This might include a letter from your home country's immigration authority or a copy of your passport application. A COT typically requires the most documentation.

Tip: Make a photocopy of your BRP to send with your application — do not send your original BRP. All other documents must be originals.

• There are many translation companies in the UK that offer professional translation services. You can find these companies with a quick internet search. You might also use the search engine provided by the Institute of Translation and Interpreting, a professional association of translators. Go to https://www.iti.org.uk/component/itisearch/?view=translators to find a translator who is a member of the association.

• Your signature will be scanned and digitally included on your travel documents.
• After you've signed your declaration page, make a photocopy of your entire application so you have it for your records.

• Scan the document and email it to [email protected] or fax it to 020 8196 0109.
• You still must include the paper originals of any documents you fax or email in your package that you send to the Home Office.

• Send your documents to: Travel Documents Section UK Visas and Immigration Lunar House 40 Wellesley Road Croydon CR9 2BY
• After verifying the information in your application, the Home Office returns documents that don't need to be kept with your application. If you want these documents returned to you by Special Delivery, include a prepaid Special Delivery envelope with your package.
• If you realize after you've sent your package that you left out a document, don't send it separately. Instead, wait to hear back from the Home Office. They will send you a letter to request any documents that are missing from your application package.

• It typically takes 3 to 4 months for the Home Office to process an application for a travel document. [19] X Research source

• If you're writing a physical letter, mail it to: Travel Documents Section UK Visas and Immigration Lunar House 40 Wellesley Road Croydon CR9 2BY
• You can also send an email to [email protected].

Expert Q&A

• Before you travel, check with the embassy or consulate of the country you want to visit and make sure your travel documents will be accepted at the border. You also may need a visa. [21] X Trustworthy Source Official UK government website Official website for the public sector of the UK government Go to source Thanks Helpful 1 Not Helpful 0
• The guidance notes, available at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/apply-for-a-home-office-travel-document-form-td112-brp , provide more information about the process of applying for travel documents. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
• Don't book travel until you've received your travel document in case there are any delays or issues with the approval of your application. [22] X Research source Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
• Don't apply for a travel document if you have less than 6 months' leave to remain in the UK. Your travel document will only be valid to the extent of your leave to remain in the UK and most countries won't accept travel documents with less than 6 months' validity. [23] X Research source Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0

You Might Also Like

• ↑ https://www.gov.uk/apply-home-office-travel-document
• ↑ https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/752814/TD112_BRP_Guidance_Notes_11_2018.pdf
• ↑ https://files.institutesi.org/ISI_statistics_analysis_2018.pdf
• ↑ https://www.gov.uk/apply-home-office-travel-document/how-to-apply
• ↑ https://www.gov.uk/biometric-residence-permits/personal-data
• ↑ https://visas-immigration.service.gov.uk/product/travel-document
• ↑ https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/488177/Home_Office_travel_documents_guidance_v6.0EXT_clean.pdf

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COVID-19 travel rules: Remaining restrictions for entry to UK, including passenger locator forms, will end this week

Grant Shapps said the changes, which also include the requirement for unvaccinated people to be tested for COVID-19 before entering the UK, will "mean greater freedom in time for Easter".

By Rachel Russell, news reporter

Tuesday 15 March 2022 06:40, UK

All remaining COVID travel measures, including the Passenger Locator Form and tests for arrivals, will end this week, the transport secretary has said.  

Grant Shapps says anyone arriving in the UK from 4am this Friday will not need to comply with any of the previous rules.

He tweeted: "These changes are possible due to our vaccine rollout and mean greater freedom in time for Easter."

TRAVEL UPDATE All remaining Covid travel measures, including the Passenger Locator Form and tests for all arrivals, will be stood down for travel to the UK from 4am on 18 March. These changes are possible due to our vaccine rollout and mean greater freedom in time for Easter. — Rt Hon Grant Shapps MP (@grantshapps) March 14, 2022

This will mean holidaymakers will be able to enter the UK without any restrictions for the first time since the start of the pandemic in spring 2020.

At the moment, only fully vaccinated arrivals can enter the UK without the need for tests.

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However, they must fill in a passenger locator form within 72 hours of travel, sharing their address, phone number, passport and flight details.

The forms were launched two years ago, when arrivals had to quarantine at home, to help check if travellers were following the rules.

More on Covid-19

'Don't sit' on mpox vaccines and keep up surveillance, WHO's Europe chief says

Are we seeing a summer COVID wave and what are the FLiRT variants?

'Bowl of spaghetti': UK pandemic preparation to be laid bare in COVID inquiry report

Related Topics:

• Coronavirus

The move comes as coronavirus infections were rising in all four UK nations for the first time since the end of January, with levels in Scotland already at a record high, according to the latest estimates from the Office for National Statistics.

The numbers for hospital patients with COVID were also rising, up 19% week-on-week in England, according to data from ZOE and King's College London.

Hospital admissions with coronavirus in England remain well below the peaks reached during the Omicron and previous waves, while in Scotland the figure was close to the record peak seen in January last year.

Professor Tim Spector, Professor of Genetic Epidemiology at Kings College London, shared his concern over the new travel announcement coming at a time when cases are still rising.

He told Sky News: "It is disappointing that as we hit record levels of COVID, Grant Shapps is saying it's safe.

"People do still need to wear masks."

"It is slightly ironic they've cancelled the Zoe app, it is like they just want to get rid of the data and move on.

"Other surveillance tools have been given the axe, meaning we will have less eyes on the ground and radar on the next variant.

"At least Zoe has agreed to fund us until we get more funding, it is going to keep going but we need some help longer term to do that."

'We will continue tracking potential new variants'

Sajid Javid also welcomed the news and said: "As we learn to live with COVID, we're taking further steps to open up international travel once again ahead of the Easter holidays.

"We will continue monitoring and tracking potential new variants, and keep a reserve of measures which can be rapidly deployed if needed to keep us safe.

"We can remove these final restrictions thanks to the incredible success of our vaccination programme which has seen more than eight out of 10 adults across the UK boosted."

Heathrow Airport added wearing face masks will not be a requirement from Wednesday.

They said in a statement: "Effective from Wednesday 16 March, we'll remove the requirement for wearing face coverings at the airport. We still strongly encourage both colleagues & passengers to wear them, particularly when they come into close contact with others, but this will no longer be mandatory.

"Passengers may still be required to wear a face covering onboard their flight and should check the airlines' requirements before travelling."

Tim Alderslade, the chief executive of Airlines UK - the industry body representing UK carriers, welcomed the announcement by saying it sends the message that "the UK travel sector is back".

He said: "With travellers returning to the UK no longer burdened by unnecessary forms and testing requirements, we can now look forward to the return to pre-COVID normality throughout the travel experience."

Following the announcement, a Virgin Atlantic spokesperson said: "The removal of all remaining UK travel restrictions, including the Passenger Locator Form, is the final important step towards frictionless air travel, helping to further restore consumer confidence as we welcome more customers back to the skies this Spring and Summer.

"With these barriers to travel removed, Britain is open for business and passengers can reconnect with loved ones and business colleagues once again."

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Welcome to Barbados Online Customs and Immigration Portal

Book Your Flight

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Start Here!

The Process

Travellers are required to complete the online Immigration and Customs Form which will be available 72 hours prior to your arrival. Fill in the form at a time and place convenient for you. Once the form is completed, the Immigration and Customs receipts should be saved to your mobile device or printed, for presentation to Immigration and Customs upon arrival.

Using the Online ED Form will enhance your travel experience by providing you with an easy and convenient option, that will improve the ease with which you transit through the airport.

What do I need?

Flight Information

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How does it work?

1. choose this template.

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2. Complete the document

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Travel Consent Form

Option: Help from a lawyer

Rating: 4.2 - 143 votes

What is a travel consent form?

A travel consent form is a document which may be used by a parent or legal guardian, to signify their agreement for their child to travel for a single short-term trip (e.g. a holiday). This travel consent form is designed for use if the subject child is ordinarily resident in England and Wales .

What are the different types of travel consent forms?

There are different types of travel consent forms:

• A consent form may be for travel abroad with a child (outside of the United Kingdom)
• A consent form may be used for domestic travel with a child (within the whole of the United Kingdom)
• A consent form may be used for a child who is travelling with one parent (where the non-accompanying parent/guardian provides their consent to the accompanying parent/guardian)
• A consent form may be used for a child who is travelling with another adult who is not a legal guardian (where both parents/guardians provide their consent)

Is it mandatory to have a travel consent form?

Yes, if the travel is taking place aboard (outside of the United Kingdom) then the accompanying adult should always* evidence their consent from all those who hold Parental Responsibility for the child. A person (including a parent, guardian or relative) may only remove a child from the United Kingdom where they have consent from each person who holds parental responsibility for the child.

If a person has been granted a Child Arrangements Order which states that a child shall live with them, that person (often known as the 'resident parent') may remove the child from the United Kingdom for a period of no more than 1 month without the consent of the other person with Parental Responsibility. If a person has been granted a Special Guardianship Order , the person who is named as the special guardian may remove the child from the United Kingdom for a period of no more than 3 months without the consent of the other persons with Parental Responsibility. Where any planned travel abroad extends beyond those prescribed periods, written consent should always be obtained.

For domestic travel (inside of the United Kingdom) the parties may choose to evidence their consent with a consent form, to show that there is no dispute about the arrangements.

What does Parental Responsibility mean?

Parental Responsibility is the legal term for the rights and responsibilities held by a parent or legal guardian of a child. A person might automatically hold Parental Responsibility, or they might acquire it via a legal process (such as a legal agreement or a court order).

What are the prerequisites of a travel consent form?

It is essential that the full details of the travel have been discussed and agreed upon with the consenting party or parties prior to the travel consent form being signed. This way, the consenting party or parties will have provided consent in an informed way.

Who will sign a travel consent form?

This will depend upon the circumstances:

• For travel abroad (outside of the United Kindom) a signature should be obtained from each person who is not travelling and who holds Parental Responsibility for the child.
• For domestic travel (inside of the United Kingdom) with one parent/guardian, a signature will obtained from the other person with Parental Responsibility.
• For domestic travel (inside of the United Kingdom) with an organisation or a group, it is ordinarily possible to obtain a signature from one parent.

What should be done once the consent form is ready?

If the consent form is being used by an organisation , the forms should be handed to parents/guardians for signature and to insert the relevant details about their child.

If the consent form is for use by a parent or individual adult who is travelling with the child , the consent form should be provided to the relevant parties for signature.

The consent form should be signed by the relevant party (or parties if two parents are signing). The parties may decide to have the form witnessed or notarised *.

The party who is travelling should retain and carry a copy of the signed consent form to evidence the relevant consent as required or requested during travel.

Notarising or witnessing a travel consent form is not strictly necessary for domestic travel (within the United Kingdom). For abroad travel, the parties may wish to have the consent form notarised or witnessed if the laws of the destination country stipulate that this is necessary. A notary is a special type of lawyer who can provide a certificate to show the authenticity of a legal document.

Which documents should be attached to the travel consent form?

Documentation may be attached to evidence the child's parentage and to confirm who holds Parental Responsibility for the child. This will be essential if the travel is taking place outside of the United Kingdom, so that this can be shown to any border officials. For example, such documentation may include:

• the child's birth certificate;
• any parental responsibility agreement that has been sealed by the Family Court;
• an adoption certificate/order;
• the parents' marriage/civil partnership agreement.

If copies of those documents are to be attached, it can be useful to have those copies certified to be true copies to minimise the chance of any difficulties leaving or entering a country.

Is it necessary to notarise a travel consent from for it to be valid?

Notarising a travel consent form is not strictly necessary for domestic travel (within the United Kingdom).

For abroad travel, the parties may wish to have the consent form notarised if the laws of the destination country stipulate that this is necessary. Where the parties are unsure whether the document should be notarised , it is best to check whether there are any specific entry requirements for the relevant country before travelling.

It is possible to find a notary via the Notaries Society website . A notary will advise of their fees in advance.

Is it necessary to have witnesses for a travel consent form?

It is not strictly necessary to have a witnessed signature on the travel consent form for domestic travel (within the United Kingdom).

For travel abroad, the parties may wish to have a witnessed signature on the consent form if the laws of the destination country stipulate that this is necessary. Where the parties are unsure whether the document should be witnessed, it is best to check whether there are any specific entry requirements for the relevant country before travelling.

A witness should not be a minor (under the age of 18) and should have full mental capacity. The witness should not be a party to the agreement. It is best to check whether the laws of the destination country impose any further requirements regarding the type of witness that may be used.

What are the costs involved in the completion of the travel consent form?

There will be no costs involved in the completion of the document unless the parties arrange for the notarisation of the document.

Notarising a travel consent form is not strictly necessary for domestic travel (within the United Kingdom). For travel abroad, the parties may wish to have the consent form notarised if the laws of the destination country stipulate that this is necessary. Where the parties are unsure whether the document should be notarised, it is best to check whether there are any specific entry requirements for the relevant country before travelling. A notary will advise of their fees in advance.

What must a travel consent form contain?

A travel consent form should contain:

• the personal details of all the relevant child - this should include their full name and date of birth
• the personal details of the consenting parent/guardian(s) - this should include their full name, date of birth, address and their relationship to each child and their contact details
• the personal details of any accompanying adult - this should include their full name and date of birth
• the key details of the travel - this should include the dates/times of travel, any travel reference numbers and the destination
• the signature of the consenting parent/guardian(s) - this is important to evidence their agreement and a contact number will also be provided in case any certification is required

Which laws apply to a travel consent form?

The main pieces of domestic legislation governing the issue of parental consent/child travel are:

• The Children Act 1989 – this piece of legislation governs the rights and responsibilities of parents (see section 3 in particular)
• The Child Abduction Act 1984 – this piece of legislation governs the rules regarding the abduction of children (see section 1 and section 2 regarding the offences of removing a child from the jurisdiction)

There may be specific entry requirements and legal provisions relevant to the country of travel, where this is outside of the United Kingdom.

For school/group trips within the United Kingdom, the government has provided some advice on the consent that should be required.

Help from a lawyer

You can choose to consult a lawyer if you need help.

The lawyer can answer your questions or help you through the process. You will be offered this option when you complete the document.

How to modify the template?

You fill out a form. The document is created before your eyes as you respond to the questions.

At the end, you receive it in Word and PDF formats. You can modify it and reuse it.

A guide to help you: Signing Documents in England and Wales

Travel Consent Form - Sample, template - Word & PDF

Country: United Kingdom

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Young people’s travel grant for education and training launches today

Young people can apply for grants to support their travel to education and training from today (Thursday 22 August).   Westmorland and Furness Council's £300,000 16-19 Education Travel Bursary programme is aimed at supporting 16 to 19-year-olds to pay for transport for education and training, ensuring travel costs are not a barrier to young people achieving their potential.   The fund is not means-tested and can be used for buses, trains, taxis, fuel costs for private transport, or bicycle.   Improvements to the scheme this year include an increase from 11 pence per mile to 13 pence per mile to cover fuel costs and an increase from £100 to £400 for students buying a bike to cycle.   The scheme closes on 1 November. Successful applicants from last year whose education or training is continuing this year will have already been contacted.   Find out more and apply at: Westmorland and Furness Council website l 16 to 19 Education Travel Bursary Fund   Councillor Sue Sanderson, Cabinet Member for Education, Inclusion and Skills , said: "The results young people get today will determine how and where they continue their education or training and this scheme will go a long way to easing that journey into post-16 learning and ensuring that they can base their decisions on what is best for them, and not what they or their families can afford.   "I urge anybody who thinks they might be eligible to get their application in quickly so we can get this support to them as soon as we can."   Councillor Neil Hughes, Cabinet Member for Transport and Regulatory Services , said: "Improving infrastructure and connectivity throughout Westmorland and Furness is one of our key objectives and we are delighted to be able to continue this scheme, which will support young people’s travel by bus, train, taxi, fuel costs for private transport or even bicycle."   Alston Moor Federation will continue to be supported to provide affordable, subsidised bus transport for students to attend sixth form at New College, Durham in 2024/25. This is done via a transport service from Alston, collecting young people from Nenthead and along Weardale each day.   Myerscough College had received support for a non-means-tested subsidy for students accessing the land-based provision delivered by the college at Ullswater Community College in Penrith. Following a review of take-up, it has been agreed that Myerscough students will apply to the bursary individually.   Last year a total of £269,647 was granted to 385 individuals, as well support for the two college transport schemes.

Qualifications that successful applicants were studying for included A Levels, AATs, BTECs, AS Levels, diplomas, foundation degrees, T Levels, UALs, degrees and HNCs. Subjects studied include English, maths, agriculture, chemistry, physics, geography, electrical installation, health and social care, art, animal management, sports coaching, cyber security, engineering, economics, music and plumbing.   Other support is also available from Westmorland and Furness Council:

• Free Post 16 (low income) transport - if you are under 19 years of age on 1 September 2024, come from a low-income family and you are studying a full-time course (a minimum of 17 hours per week), you may be eligible for free Post 16 transport. This is available to students in full-time education, who live more than three miles from their catchment sixth form or nearest college offering the vocational area they are studying and whose parent or carer is on one of a range of benefits.  For more information visit: Westmorland and Furness Council website l School transport
• A2B NowCard – this reduced-fare bus travel card is for children and young people aged five to 20 living in Westmorland and Furness, to help them access leisure, sports, social participation and culture outside school travel times. It is valid on local bus services within Westmorland and Furness and entitles holders to bus travel for £1.80 (single) and £3 (return). If the normal fare is less than this, travellers will pay the normal fare. Application forms for the A2B NowCard are available at all libraries in Westmorland and Furness or can be downloaded at: Westmorland and Furness Council website l A2B NowCard