Traveling to the United Kingdom from an Amber Country - Our Experiences

Us at The Language Union have just arrived back to Sweden where we are currently based after visiting a few partner schools in England. We thought it's a great opportunity to share our experiences and help anyone else traveling from an Amber-listed country to the UK.

Before traveling, you need to make sure that you are fully vaccinated. This means that you have taken both doses and that it's been at least 14 days since your second dose.

A PCR or Antigen test is also required. The test must show a negative result at least 48 hours before arrival. We opted for an antigen test as it's cheaper and quicker. The result will arrive to your email within 15 minutes.

You must also book and pay for a Covid-19 test to be taken on your second and eight day in the UK. The test MUST be booked before you arrive in the country. If you are staying less than 8 days, then you obviously only need to take the day 2 test.

A list of approved testing centres can be found on the UK-governments website.

https://www.gov.uk/find-travel-test-provider

Apart from a test, you also need to fill out a Passenger Locator form. Most airlines will send you a reminder of this and also send you a link to the form.

https://www.gov.uk/provide-journey-contact-details-before-travel-uk

It's important that you have booked your Covid-19 test/tests before completing the form as you are required to fill out the confirmation number of your booked test. The form can be completed earliest 48 hours prior to your departure.

Make sure that you have all of these documents either printed or ready to show on your phone as the airport staff will ask for it.

Once we landed in London, it was very straight forward. We used the E-gates to enter and no further checks were being made.

We had booked a home testing kit and sent it to our hotel to avoid having to queue outside a testing centre. As soon as we checked in, we opened the package and followed the simple instructions. Once we were finished, we safely sealed the testing kit in the bag provided and used the pre-paid envelope to put the tests in the nearest Royal Mail priority posting box. The tests were then sent within 24 hours back to the testing centre and the results came back via email.

Please note that even though it's called a day 2 test, it can be taken on the first day just as we did.

Once we got the test out of the way, we could relax and meet our lovely partners from different language schools in London. Next time, we will hopefully have more time to say hi to the partner schools in Brighton, Bristol Manchester, Newcastle and Torquay and as well.

When traveling back to the airport, no documents were asked from us either by the airline or any staff members of the airport.

Going back to your own country is a much easier process as legally you cannot be denied boarding. However, visiting UK even with the current requirements was much easier than expected. As long as you read the current rules carefully and come prepared, then you will have a smooth and pleasant visit to the exciting country of United Kingdom.

Remember that The Language Union have a price guarantee for all of our language schools worldwide, and we are always happy to help whether you want to study in England or in any other location.

Stay safe and see you soon!