International travel to and from Wales: coronavirus

The coronavirus related rules in place for international travel and arrival into Wales have been removed.

However, there are still actions we can take to protect each other and continue to keep Wales safe. Everyone considering booking a trip abroad and all travellers arriving in Wales, should consider their own personal and family circumstances and how best they can keep themselves safe as they travel, especially those who are vulnerable.   

Check list before travel:

• Check the coronavirus situation in the country you are travelling to just before you travel – it might have changed since you planned the trip.
• Check the specific entry requirements for the country you are travelling to. You may need to prove your vaccination status, provide a negative coronavirus test, fill out forms before entering, be tested while in the country and / or face mandatory quarantine.
• Check the specific requirements for children and young people under 18 (if travelling together or independently) as these may differ to those for adults.
• Check how you will prove your vaccination status and or/negative coronavirus test.  Some countries will accept covid recovery certificates so check how you could get one if necessary.
• Check what you must do if you test positive for coronavirus whilst you are away, for example, will you have to isolate or will there be restrictions on you travelling home.
• Check the terms and conditions of your travel insurance so you understand what additional costs are covered as many policies have specific exclusions related to coronavirus.

The rules defining what you must do when arriving in Wales from overseas have been removed. 

While the legal requirements are no longer in place, you should still consider taking some extra precautions when you arrive in Wales to keep you, your friends and family safe

Precautions include:

• taking a lateral flow test before visiting vulnerable family members
• space out visits and social events
• if you experience coronavirus symptoms, isolate and take a test.

If you do want to take a lateral flow test when you arrive in Wales and you do not have symptoms then you will need to buy a test. Free lateral flow tests can be ordered online if you have symptoms.

Before you go you should check the requirements for visitors in the country you plan to travel to.  Restrictions may be still be in place, for example, proof of vaccination, negative tests, quarantine and reasons for entry.

This is especially important if you are travelling with children or young people under 18, as the requirements for them may be different. 

The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) provide general guidance for British people travelling abroad (on GOV.UK).

The FCDO also provide advice about travelling abroad, including the latest information on coronavirus, safety and security, entry requirements and travel warnings. This includes advice and information about entry requirements such as covid tests and isolation for countries that you intend to visit (on GOV.UK).

Carriers may have their own requirements for negative tests to allow boarding and travel. 

The NHS COVID pass is available for people in Wales who have had two doses of vaccination and are travelling to a country that requires COVID vaccination proof.

If it is necessary to show a negative test before you can travel those must not be NHS tests instead you must book and pay for tests from a private test provider. .

You can also stay safe while you are away by following the same measures which help keep you safe while you are at home.