23 March 2021
There's a ban on overseas travel from Australia. You can’t leave Australia unless you have an exemption from the Department of Home Affairs, or are travelling to a destination that is exempt from the ban.
Our global travel advice remains at 'Do not travel' due to the health risks from the COVID-19 pandemic and the significant disruptions to global travel. Some destinations were already set at Do Not Travel prior to COVID-19 due to the extreme risk to your safety.
If you’re overseas and wish to return to Australia, be prepared for delays and read our advice on trying to get home.
When you arrive in Australia you must quarantine for 14 days at designated facilities in your port of arrival, unless you have an exemption or are travelling on a quarantine-free flight from a green zone destination. At this time, vaccination against COVID-19 does not change this quarantine requirement. You may be required to pay for the costs of your quarantine. View State and Territory Government COVID-19 information for information about quarantine and domestic borders.
If you're staying overseas, make plans to stay for an extended period. Follow the advice of local authorities and minimise your risk of exposure to COVID-19. Stay in touch with family and friends so they know you're safe.
Our network of embassies and consular posts around the world will provide you with up-to-date local advice and support throughout this difficult period. Be aware consular services may be limited due to local measures.
For the latest information, read and subscribe to our news and travel advice. Also see our COVID-19 information pages.
Call 999.
Call 999.
Call 999.
Do not travel to the United Kingdom due to the health risks from the COVID-19 pandemic and the significant disruptions to global travel.
Do not travel overseas due to the health risks from the COVID-19 pandemic and the significant disruptions to global travel.
Full travel advice: Safety
Full travel advice: Health
Full travel advice: Local laws
Full travel advice: Travel
Full travel advice: Local contacts
There's a raised threat of terrorist attack in the UK. The 3 key sources of this threat are groups or individuals motivated by:
There's a threat of international terrorism to the UK:
The UK Government national (England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland) terrorism threat level is substantial, meaning an attack is likely.
Terrorists have attacked other European cities.
Targets have included:
European security services have also stopped several planned attacks in recent years, including in the UK.
More information:
UK authorities have installed security barriers on London's major bridges. More police are at public events and on public transport. Authorities have asked people to:
UK authorities remain concerned about the threat from violent extremism linked to extreme right-wing ideology.
In March 2019, authorities arrested a man for a non-fatal stabbing. Authorities declared it a terrorism event linked to far-right ideology.
The threat from Northern Ireland-related terrorism in Northern Ireland remains 'severe'. An attack is highly likely.
From late March 2021, Northern Ireland has experienced a number of incidents of street violence and rioting, including attacks on police with stones, fireworks and petrol bombs. The violence has mainly occurred to date in loyalist areas in west and south Belfast, in Londonderry and in parts of County Antrim. After successive nights of violence, there was some easing over the weekend of 10-11 April.
In April 2019, violent clashes happened in Londonderry during a police operation at a housing estate. One person died in an attack that police are treating as a terrorist act.
Northern Ireland-related terrorist groups have used firearms and bombs to target security forces. They have attacked or attempted to attack in public places. Civilians have been at risk.
Police are continuing to investigate the links between Northern Ireland dissident groups and suspect devices sent to various addresses in the UK in March 2019.
Avoid areas where violence is occurring and follow the advice of authorities.
More information:
Public protests and events that draw large groups of people can turn violent.
To stay safe:
Since the 1998 peace agreement, the political situation in Northern Ireland has improved.
Tensions can rise in Northern Ireland from April to August. This worsens in the weeks leading up to 12 July. This is known as the 'Twelfth' or 'Orangemen's Day'.
More information:
Petty crime occurs across the UK. This includes pickpocketing and mobile phone theft. It happens more often in summer.
Credit card and ATM fraud is on the rise. It often involves sophisticated equipment.
There have been drink spiking and acid attacks across the UK.
Knife-related crime is increasing.
To stay safe:
Check the UK Metropolitan Police website for more safety and crime prevention advice.
The UK experiences severe weather, including:
Expect transport disruptions.
Monitor local weather reports. Follow the advice of local authorities.
Register with the Global Disaster Alert and Coordination System to receive alerts on major disasters.
Get comprehensive travel insurance before you leave. A ban on overseas travel from Australia remains in place. You can’t leave Australia unless you get an exemption from the Department of Home Affairs.
Your policy needs to cover all overseas medical costs, including medical evacuation. The Australian Government won't pay for these costs.
If you can't afford travel insurance, you can't afford to travel. This applies to everyone, no matter how healthy and fit you are.
If you're not insured, you may have to pay many 1000s of dollars up-front for medical care.
Confirm:
More information:
Consider your physical and mental health before you travel, especially if you have an existing medical condition. Consider whether you may be in a vulnerable category for COVID-19.
See your doctor or travel clinic to:
Do this at least 8 weeks before you leave.
If you need counselling, the Samaritans provide private phone support. You can call 24 hours a day on 116 123 (free call).
More information:
Not all medication available over the counter or by prescription in Australia is available in other countries. Some may even be illegal or a controlled substance, even if prescribed by an Australian doctor.
If you plan to bring medication, check if it's legal in the UK. Take enough legal medication for your trip.
Carry a copy of your prescription and a dated letter from your doctor stating:
Check the UK Home Office for advice about medication.
More information:
COVID-19 remains a risk in the UK. The devolved governments of Scotland, Northern Ireland, and Wales continue to direct citizens and visitors to follow their own public health guidance. Further advice can be found here: Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales.
Details are found here:
For information on the UK's vaccination program, refer to advice provided for each country:
You should consult your local health professional for advice on vaccine options, including assistance that may be available locally. The Australian Government cannot provide advice on the safety, quality and efficacy of vaccines that have been approved for use outside of Australia's regulatory process.
Health risks are broadly similar to those in Australia.
The standard of medical facilities is similar to those in Australia.
To find your nearest GP surgery or hospital, call the National Health Service (NHS) on 111.
If you need urgent medical care, go to your nearest hospital.
There's a reciprocal healthcare agreement between Australia and the UK.
Some GP and hospital treatments are free if you're in the UK for a short visit.
Check the Department of Human Services to find out what's covered. You'll need to prove you're eligible.
This agreement doesn't cover other countries in the EU.
If you're staying more than 6 months, you'll pay an Immigration Health Surcharge. This will be charged when you apply for your visa.
When your visa is granted, your details will be shared with the NHS. This lets you access medical care. Under this scheme, you'll need to produce your biometric residence permit at the doctor's or hospital.
If you need a medical evacuation, the NHS won't cover the cost. Medical evacuation can be very expensive. Get comprehensive travel insurance before you leave Australia.
You're subject to local laws and penalties, including those that appear harsh by Australian standards. Research local laws before travelling, especially for an extended stay.
If you're arrested or jailed, the Australian Government will do what it can to help you under our Consular Services Charter. But we can't get you out of trouble or out of jail.
Penalties for possessing, using or trafficking illegal drugs are severe. They include imprisonment and fines.
More information:
Some Australian criminal laws still apply when you're overseas. If you break these laws, you may face prosecution in Australia.
More information:
On 31 December 2020, the transition period for the UK leaving the EU (‘Brexit’) ended. This follows the exit of the UK from the EU on 31 January 2020. The UK and the EU are providing updated guidance on the implications for issues such as travel, residency, education and employment. You can check for the latest information on the websites of the UK Government and the European Commission.
More information:
Australians who plan to live in the UK can use the UK's visa and immigration tool to seek guidance on visa status and rights to stay.
If you're travelling as a tourist for less than 6 months, you usually won't need a visa.
Get a visa if you're planning to do paid or unpaid work, volunteer or get married.
The UK Home Office has issued advice that foreign nationals in the UK who intend to leave but aren't able to do so, because of travel restrictions or self-isolation related to coronavirus, and have a visa or leave that expires by 30 June 2021, may request additional time to stay, also known as ‘exceptional assurance’, by contacting the coronavirus immigration team (CIT).
The grant of an assurance does not grant you leave but will act as a short-term protection against any adverse action or consequences after your leave has expired. If you are granted an Assurance, your existing rights to work and access other services in the UK will be preserved during this period.
You'll be required to provide supporting documentation to confirm you are unable to leave through no fault of your own. The decision to grant exceptional assurance rests solely with UK immigration authorities. For more information please see advice for UK visa applicants and temporary UK residents.
If you were granted assurance and are unable to leave the UK by the assurance date given, you must reapply for exceptional assurance nearer to this date.
The UK can refuse entry without a visa. This happens if they think you're trying to enter for something other than tourism. You'll need a visa if you're planning to do paid or unpaid work, volunteer or get married. Arrange this before you travel.
Check with UK Visas and Immigration if:
Australian Government officials can't help you change your UK visa status.
Entry and exit conditions can change at short notice. Contact the UK High Commission for details about visas, currency, customs and quarantine rules.
Arriving in the UK
You must show a negative COVID-19 test result before departure for the UK. The test must be taken within 72 hours of departure and applies to all travellers to the UK, regardless of nationality or residency status. The GOV.UK website sets out the requirements and exemptions to the testing requirement, including an exemption for children under 11.
You won't be allowed to enter the UK if you've been to a country on a prescribed list of countries in the last 10 days. Exempt UK and Irish nationals and UK residents arriving from these countries will be required to quarantine in government-provided hotel accommodation for 10 days. If you enter through Scotland, the hotel quarantine requirement will apply on arrival from all countries except Ireland.
Passengers arriving in England from a country not on the prescribed list are required to self-isolate for 10 days. The self-isolation period may be shortened if the traveller pays for a COVID-19 test after five days and receives a negative result. For more information see Coronavirus (COVID-19): Test to Release for international travel (UK Government).
All arrivals to the UK are required to take a PCR test on days two and eight post arrival. You must book these tests before you travel. For a list of providers see: Providers of day 2 and day 8 coronavirus testing for international arrivals (GOV.UK). You'll need to complete a contact locator form so you can be contacted if you, or someone you may have been in contact with, contracts COVID-19. You could be contacted regularly throughout this period to ensure compliance. If you fail to comply with the mandatory conditions, you may face enforcement action including significant penalties.
Transit through the UK
If you plan to transit through the UK on your way back to Australia, you may need to provide proof that you have an onward flight booked. Transit passengers are subject to self-isolation requirements for the duration of their transit if less than 10 days.
If you are travelling outside the UK from England, you'll need to complete a Coronavirus (COVID-19): declaration form for international travel. You can only travel internationally where you first have a legally permitted reason to leave home. This means you may not travel to go on holiday. Australians visiting the UK may return home to Australia. The UK Government has set out a Framework to Safely Open International travel from 17 May. Some restrictions will remain.
Commercial flights are available. If you're returning to Australia check your route carefully with your airline or travel agent as a number of key transit hubs have restrictions in place, including on transit.
Flight disruptions are not uncommon. You may wish to continue to reconfirm your travel leading up to your departure and consider what you would do should your flight be rescheduled at the last minute or if one of your travelling party received a positive PCR test. Make a plan.
Some countries have temporarily restricted travel from the UK. Consult your travel provider for the latest information.
COVID-19 restrictions remain in place. You must not socialise indoors with anyone you don't live with. In England, up to six people (from any number of households) or a group of any size from up to two households can meet outside. You can continue to go to work if you cannot reasonably do so from home, seek medical assistance and attend education or childcare for those eligible.
From 12 April some restrictions have eased:
You should continue to minimise the amount that you travel where possible.
Primary and secondary schools, and before and after school care are open.
Scotland has banned travel between Scotland and the rest of the United Kingdom. Full details of current restrictions is at (COVID-19) Coronavirus restrictions: what you can and cannot do (GOV.UK).
Understand what you can and can't do under current restrictions for England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales.
Face coverings are required to be worn in many situations. Check face covering requirements for England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales. Police have been given powers to enforce rules, including through fines and dispersing gatherings.
Some hotels in the UK are closed. Confirm your accommodation booking with your hotel or travel agent, and consider other accommodation options if necessary.
More information:
The following information may not apply while COVID-19 travel restrictions are in place.
If you’re travelling on an Australian ePassport, you can use eGates on arrival in the UK, free of charge. You don't need to complete a landing card.
You can use eGates if you're:
You need a stamp in your passport if you're:
Read the Guide to faster travel through the UK border.
If you have a UK visa, you can apply for the UK's Registered Travellers Scheme (RTS). If you're eligible, this gives you faster clearance through UK border control.
The RTS lets you use electronic passport gates. These are the UK and EU passport queues. They're at most UK airports and Eurostar stations.
Check UK Visas and Immigration for details.
Some airports have enhanced security rules. These affect people leaving the UK or transiting through. Check UK Department of Transport for details.
UK airports have extensive security screening. If you're flying to the UK, allow extra time.
You'll also go through extended screenings and luggage checks when you leave for the UK.
Check UK Visas and Immigration for details. Also check the UK's hand luggage rules.
Contact your airline or travel provider for more details.
Some countries won't let you enter unless your passport is valid for 6 months after you plan to leave that country. This can apply even if you're just transiting or stopping over.
Some foreign governments and airlines apply the rule inconsistently. Travellers can receive conflicting advice from different sources.
You can end up stranded if your passport is not valid for more than 6 months.
The Australian Government does not set these rules. Check your passport's expiry date before you travel. If you're not sure it'll be valid for long enough, consider getting a new passport.
Your passport is a valuable document. It's attractive to people who may try to use your identity to commit crimes.
Some people may try to trick you into giving them your passport. Always keep it in a safe place.
If your passport is lost or stolen, tell the Australian Government as soon as possible:
The official currency is the Pound Sterling (GPB).
ATMs are available and credit cards are widely used.
If you're travelling to or from a non-European Union (EU) country, declare cash of more than 10,000 euros or equivalent. This covers all forms of currency, not only cash.
Authorities will fine you if you don't declare this cash.
More information:
Be sure to follow guidance for use of public transport and other transport options due to COVID-19.
Face coverings are required while using public transport in England. More information can be found here.
Weather can be extreme. Flooding can occur in warmer weather. There are snowstorms in the colder months.
Severe weather can affect airline, bus and train services. Check with local transport providers and emergency service providers for up-to-date details.
You can drive a car or motorbike for up to 12 months. You need a full Australian licence for that vehicle, after 12 months you will require a UK driver's licence. An International Driving Permit is not needed.
If riding a motorcycle, always wear a helmet.
Road and safety conditions in the UK are comparable to Australia. Follow advice from local authorities.
Weather and other conditions that may affect driving in the UK.
More information:
Some people have reported sexual assaults and robberies in unlicensed taxis. Only use officially marked taxis.
More information:
Rail services are extensive. They can be affected by industrial action, weather or engineering works.
Check National Rail or the Transport for London websites for latest service updates.
More information:
The Australian Government doesn't provide information on the safety of individual commercial airlines or flight paths.
Check the UK's air safety air profile with the Aviation Safety Network.
More information:
Depending on what you need, contact your:
Call 999.
Call 999.
Call 999.
Always get a police report when reporting a crime.
Your insurer should have a 24-hour emergency number.
For criminal issues that aren't an emergency:
Contact your provider with any complaints about tourist services or products.
Read the Consular Services Charter for what the Australian Government can and can't do to help you overseas.
Australia House
Strand
London WC 2B 4LA, United Kingdom
Phone: (+44 20) 7379 4334
Fax: (+44 20) 7887 5559
Website: uk.highcommission.gov.au
Facebook: Australian High Commission in the United Kingdom
Twitter: @AusHouseLondon
Twitter: @AusHCUK
Check the High Commission website for details about opening hours and any temporary closures.
In a consular emergency, if you can't contact an embassy, call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on:
Be the first to know official government advice when travelling.