Sachin Walls
London's airports have remained open to transiting passengers during the COVID-19 pandemic, but travellers must be aware of the UK's ever-changing rules regarding quarantine. All passengers arriving in London, including those in transit, must present a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours of arrival. Those transiting 'landside' must pass through UK border control and leave the UK within 24 hours, while 'airside' travellers do not pass through border control before their connecting journey. Travellers should also be aware of the UK's traffic light system, which classifies countries as red, amber, or green, each carrying different quarantine requirements. For example, Ghana is on the amber list, meaning travellers coming from there are expected to quarantine for the duration of their stay in England.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Can I transit through London airports? | Yes, London airports remain open to transiting passengers. |
| What are the requirements? | All passengers arriving in London require a negative PCR test taken less than 3 days (72 hours) before arrival. |
| Do I need to quarantine during transit? | If you are only transiting and not passing through UK border control, you do not need to quarantine. However, if you are passing through border control and staying in the UK for a short time, you may not need to quarantine, but this depends on the country you are coming from and other factors. |
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What You'll Learn
Transiting through London Heathrow
Visa Requirements:
Depending on your nationality and the countries you are travelling from and to, you may need a visa to transit through London Heathrow. There are different types of visas depending on whether you need to pass through UK border control. Check with your airline to see if you will go through border control, and visit the UK government website to determine the appropriate visa for your situation.
COVID-19 Regulations:
During the COVID-19 pandemic, London Heathrow remained open to transiting passengers. However, all passengers, including those in transit, were required to present a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours of arrival in the UK. Be sure to check the latest regulations before travelling, as rules can change.
Connecting Flights:
When transiting through Heathrow, follow the purple 'Flight Connection' signs to reach your next flight. Most connections are within the same terminal, but some may require a change to another terminal. For connections within the same terminal, you can walk or take a free tram. For connections between terminals, a free shuttle bus is available every 10 minutes.
Baggage and Security:
Most passengers won't need to collect their baggage during transit, as it will be transferred directly by the airline. However, if you've booked two separate flights, you'll likely need to collect and re-check your baggage. All connecting passengers must go through security checks, and the 100ml rule applies for liquids.
Biometrics:
If you're connecting from an international to a domestic flight, you'll need to undergo biometrics before reaching security. This involves having a biometric image taken of your face.
Delayed Connections:
In case of flight delays that cause you to miss your onward flight, speak to your airline's representative at Heathrow. They will assist you in rebooking your flight and may provide guidance on the quickest way to your gate.
It's always a good idea to check the latest information on the Heathrow website and with your airline before travelling to ensure a smooth transit through London Heathrow.
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Rules for vaccinated travellers
As of 11 February 2022, vaccinated travellers arriving in the UK are no longer required to undergo testing. The only requirement is to complete a Passenger Locator Form (PLF). This rule applies to all vaccinated travellers, including those under 18. Countries such as Ireland, Germany, and Switzerland have also removed testing requirements for vaccinated arrivals.
Unvaccinated travellers, on the other hand, are subject to different rules. They are required to take a pre-departure test, complete a PLF, and undergo a post-arrival PCR test within the first two days of their arrival. Additionally, they must self-isolate for a period of 10 days.
It is important to note that the rules for international travel to the UK are subject to change. The UK government regularly reviews its travel policy and updates the safe list of 'green' destinations. Therefore, it is recommended to check for the latest updates before planning any travel.
In terms of transiting through London airports, vaccinated travellers are allowed to do so as long as their sole purpose is for transit and they are staying in England for a short duration. All passengers arriving in London, regardless of their vaccination status, are required to present a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours before their arrival. This includes transit passengers who do not pass through UK border control before their connecting journey.
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Airside vs landside transit
London's airports remain open to transiting passengers. However, it is important to understand the difference between landside and airside transit.
Airside Transit
Airside refers to the secure area of an airport that is restricted to authorised personnel and passengers with valid boarding passes. This area includes the runways, taxiways, and aprons where aircraft are parked, loaded, and unloaded. It is important to note that any delay or mishap in this segment can disrupt the entire airport's operations.
Landside Transit
Landside refers to the area of an airport that is accessible to the general public, including passengers, visitors, and airport employees. This includes the check-in counters, baggage claim, and public transportation areas. Landside facilities are designed to provide passengers with a comfortable and convenient experience while they wait for their flights. These may include shopping and dining options, lounges, and other amenities.
The distinction between airside and landside is important because it affects what you can and cannot do in certain areas of the airport. For example, if you are meeting someone at the airport, you will need to go to the landside area. However, if you are catching a flight, you will need to go through security to access the airside area.
In the context of London airport transfers, it is important to understand the rules and regulations for both types of transit. For example, during the COVID-19 pandemic, passengers arriving in London were required to present a negative PCR test taken less than 72 hours before arrival, regardless of whether they were transiting airside or landside. Additionally, the country of origin may impact the feasibility of transiting without quarantine, as some countries are on the UK's red list, requiring special caution.
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Quarantine hotels near London airports
London's airports remain open to transiting passengers, but it's important to understand which countries are allowed and which are not. For instance, Pakistan is on the UK's red list, so special caution is advised for flights entering the UK from there. The rules are ever-changing, so it's important to check before travelling. All passengers arriving in London, including transit passengers, require a negative PCR test taken less than 72 hours before arrival.
If you need to quarantine, there are several hotels located within walking distance of each terminal at Heathrow Airport. The only airside or transit hotel at Heathrow is in the No1 Lounge in the Terminal 3 departure lounge. It offers single and twin rooms with ensuite bathrooms and is ideal for passengers connecting through Terminal 3 with at least three hours between flights. Rooms are available between 6 am and 10:30 pm, but for overnight stays, passengers are advised to consider other local hotels. Heathrow offers combined hotel and parking packages, which include overnight stays with official Heathrow parking. Tickets for the Hotel Hoppa transfer buses, which run between the airport and nearby hotels, can be purchased in advance or from the driver.
The most convenient hotel for passengers using Terminal 2 is the Aerotel located in Terminal 3 arrivals, which can be reached via underground walkways. Terminal 3 passengers can also stay at the Aerotel, and those using Terminal 4 may prefer the Hilton, a 10-minute walk away via a covered walkway. Terminal 5 passengers can stay at the Sofitel, a short walk away via a covered walkway. The Admirals Club and Flagship Lounge in Terminal 3 offer an open bar, free Wi-Fi, showers, and a self-serve food spread.
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Countries allowed to transit through London
London airports remain open to passengers in transit. However, there are specific requirements that travellers must meet to be allowed to transit through London. All passengers arriving in London, including transit passengers, are required to present a negative PCR test taken less than 72 hours before arrival.
If you are transiting through London, you may need a Visitor in Transit visa. If you are transiting without a visa, you will need to make sure you have all the correct documentation. If you are coming from a country that is affected by the current travel ban, you will need to undergo a mandatory 14-day quarantine.
Some countries have imposed additional requirements for travellers who have recently been in the UK. For example, Italy requires a five-day quarantine and testing for travellers who have transited through the UK in the 14 days preceding their trip to Italy. Similarly, travellers arriving in Malta from the UK must follow specific requirements.
It is important to check the specific requirements of your final destination and any countries you may be transiting through. The rules regarding transit through London and quarantine requirements can change frequently, so it is recommended to check for updates before travelling.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, London airports remain open to transiting passengers. However, you must understand which countries are allowed and which are not. For instance, Pakistan is on the UK's red list, so they are particularly cautious with flights entering the UK from there.
All passengers arriving in London, including transit passengers, require a negative PCR test taken less than 3 days (72 hours) before arrival.
It depends on whether your transit is 'airside' or 'landside'. If you do not pass through UK border control before your connecting journey, you are transiting 'airside' and do not need to quarantine. If you pass through UK border control and leave the UK within a short amount of time (usually 24 hours), you are transiting 'landside' and may need to quarantine.
Quarantine hotels are designated accommodations where travellers are required to stay for a mandatory quarantine period, often due to health regulations connected to a pandemic. These hotels are chosen for their ability to adhere to strict health and safety protocols, proximity to airports, and capacity to provide isolated accommodation.
Yes, there are quarantine hotels located near London's airports, including Gatwick Airport, London's second-largest airport. These hotels cater to international travellers by providing essential services during their quarantine stay.
