Editor's Note: The COVID-19 policies and procedures listed below are up-to-date as of press time. However, we encourage all readers to head to each individual country’s governmental tourism website prior to travel to confirm the information regarding entry protocols.
Among the top reasons VisitBritain lists for why "Britain's brilliant in 2021" are new and unmissable experiences, including the reopening of the 1,000-year-old Nottingham Castle, a festival commemorating the voyage of the Mayflower and the debut of RHS Bridgewater — the largest gardening project in Europe.
“We have been working on a strong and resilient recovery program to inspire overseas visitors to travel to Great Britain and enjoy our amazing tourism offer,” according to a statement on VisitBritain’s dedicated travel trade site. “These guidelines are to support you — our valued partners — with information and tools to sell Britain, build consumer confidence and inspire international travelers to choose Britain as their next international holiday destination.”
Beginning May 17, 2021, U.S. travelers could once again visit Great Britain; however, strict testing and quarantining rules are currently in place for international arrivals. Requirements may vary between England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, so advisors should check the most current information before their clients travel across the pond to ensure they don’t encounter unexpected restrictions or miss out on an experience because they didn’t book in advance.
There will be ‘hurdles’ to overcome for all international destinations, but my general impression is that people are ready to travel and are OK with doing what they need to do if a destination is of interest to them.
“There will be ‘hurdles’ to overcome for all international destinations,” said Tiffany Layne, founder and CEO of LaVon Travel & Lifestyle. “But my general impression is that people are ready to travel, and are OK with doing what they need to do if a destination is of interest to them.”
For travel to the U.K., those hurdles include testing before departure and after arrival and quarantining for up to 10 days.
Great Britain has implemented a risk-based, three-tiered "traffic light" system, and the U.S. is currently listed in the amber category. According to Paul Gauger, senior vice president, The Americas for VisitBritain, visitors from amber countries must take a COVID-19 test before traveling; book and pay for COVID-19 tests on or before day two of their trip and on or after day eight (not required for children age 4 years old and under); and complete an online passenger locator form with contact information, as well as travel and passport details.
Gauger said these rules apply to inbound arrivals regardless of their vaccination status, but also noted that testing and quarantine requirements may vary based on whether clients have visited a country on the green, amber or red lists in the previous 10 days.
After arrival in the U.K., all travelers must also self-isolate for 10 days; however, those visiting England may be able to reduce the length of quarantine under the “Test to Release Scheme,” whereby they can pay for a private COVID-19 test after five full days and end quarantine immediately if the result is negative.
Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge is a popular attraction for thrill-seeking visitors to Northern Ireland.
Credit: 2021 Ben Selway/VisitBritainThe good news is, after testing and quarantine requirements are complete, visitors may travel freely within the U.K., and while they are likely eager to return to Britain’s major cities, this time may also be a golden opportunity for them to explore less crowded areas, such as Scotland's picturesque islands, Northern Ireland’s Antrim Coast or County Cornwall on the southwestern tip of England (the location of this year’s G7 Summit).
"Once travelers are able to visit the U.K., Cornwall should be high on the bucket list of places to see," said Malcolm Bell, chief executive of Visit Cornwall. "If overseas visitors have heard of Cornwall, the chances are that it will have been thanks to films and television shows that have been shot here, from James Bond to the BBC's 'Poldark.' But holidaymakers may be surprised to discover the amazing walks along our 400-plus miles of coast path, the glorious gardens, fabulous wildlife, world-class food and drink, historic houses and castles … and even the world’s largest indoor rainforest.”
Gauger also reminds agents that destinations across England, Scotland and Wales can be accessed by train or car — and that travelers are never more than 70 miles from the coast — making it easy to discover new experiences.
“Between the different regions of England, Scotland and Wales, guests will find a rich variety of cultural experiences; landscapes from coasts to mountains and national parks; and a full spectrum of dining and accommodation options, all able to fit into a customized itinerary,” he said. “
The Details
VisitBritain
