The UK’s Covid travel rules for families have eased. The green and amber lists have merged and the pre-departure test for return to England has been dropped – making it easier and cheaper for families to book and take a holiday. For double-jabbed adults and their children, the day two PCR test for return to England has also been replaced with a lateral flow version. See below for the specific travel rules depending on a child’s age.

However, the red list has returned with the addition of 10 African countries, including South Africa – meaning some families, including under 18s, face hotel quarantine after 4am on November 28. 

If travelling from a destination that is not on the red list, since 4am on November 22, the entry rules for children are no longer be determined by where they live. All children arriving in England will face the same rules, regardless of their place of residence. They will no longer be subject to quarantine, or extra travel tests on arrival.

However, your holiday destination may still require tests, or in some cases quarantine.

Here’s what you need to know if travelling with children following the latest rule changes.

What are the rules for unvaccinated under-18s returning to England?

Travellers aged under 18, regardless of their place of residency, do not face self-isolation on arrival in England. Under-18s do not need to take a pre-departure test before coming back to England. The day two PCR test required for over five-year-olds has also been replaced by a cheaper lateral flow test. See gov.uk for a list of government-approved providers.

Every adult returning to the UK must complete a passenger locator form (PLF) in the 48 hours before arrival. They can include under-18s who are travelling with them on the same form, if they are staying at the same address. They must be under 16 if to be included on an adult’s PLF, if travelling into Scotland.

Here we break down the specific rules depending on a child’s age. Since 4am on November 22, the restrictions on under 18s arriving in England changed. The rules are now the same for any traveller under 18 arriving in England, regardless of their place of residence. 

Aged 0–4

• Do not have to take any Covid-19 tests for travel to England
• Can be included on the passenger locator form of an adult they are travelling with, if they are staying at the same UK address
• Those arriving in England from a red list country must enter hotel quarantine for 10 days, but do not have to take any Covid-19 tests. A stay in a quarantine hotel is free for children aged 0–4.

Aged 5-10

• Take a day two test (this can be lateral flow) after their arrival in England. The test must be taken on or before day two – arrival day is day 0
• Can be included on the passenger locator form of an adult they are travelling with, if they are staying at the same UK address
• Those arriving in England from a country on the red list must enter hotel quarantine and take two Covid-19 tests.

Aged 11-17

• Take a day two test after their arrival in England (the test must be taken on or before day two – arrival day is day 0)
• Can be included on the passenger locator form of an adult they are travelling with, if they are staying at the same UK address
• Those who are arriving in England from a red-listed country must take a Covid-19 test in the three days before travel.
• Those arriving in England from a country on the red list must enter hotel quarantine and take two Covid-19 tests.

Other travel rules can differ for return to the devolved nations. It is advisable to check their government websites and the UK’s government advice.

What about the red list?

The Government has now added 10 countries to the revived red list – including South Africa, Botswana and Zimbabwe. From 4am on Sunday November 28 arrivals into the UK from the six nations will be forced to stay in a quarantine hotel for 10 days, at a price of up to £2,285, including two Covid tests. The rate for one additional adult, or a child aged 12 or over, is £1,430; while children aged between 5–11 are £325 each. 

Do any countries not permit entry to unvaccinated under-18s?

Yes, there is a small, but significant group of countries with strict entry rules for children who aren’t fully vaccinated. Among these are:

Malta

Requires 12-18 year olds to be fully vaccinated before arrival. Children aged five to 11 can enter Malta if accompanied by vaccinated parents or legal guardians, provided they show a negative PCR test carried out within 72 hours of travel. 

Israel

Children cannot visit unless they are fully vaccinated.

Canada

Requires unvaccinated children aged 12-17 to quarantine on arrival, and has enhanced measures for unvaccinated children under 12. 

Other nations have similar rules in place: check the FCDO page of the country to which you plan to travel for the latest guidance.

What about rules on the ground when you’re on holiday?

Health passes or vaccine passes are in use in many countries across Europe. France, for example, currently requires people over the age of 12 to have proof of full vaccination, a negative test taken within the previous 72 hours or proof of recent recovery from Covid for entry to most venues, such as restaurants and tourist attractions.

Other countries where such passes are a factor include: Switzerland, Greece, Germany, Austria, Italy Cyprus, among others. Always check the entry rules of the country you are travelling to before committing to booking. 

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