Virgin Atlantic: COVID-19 UK Entry Requirements 12 February 2021

The UK Government has confirmed new mandatory testing requirements for all international arrivals to England, effective Monday 15 February 2021.

Customers arriving in England will be required to have two PCR tests, on day 2 and day 8 of their 10-day quarantine. If arriving from a 'red list’ country, passengers will also need to quarantine in a government-approved hotel.

It is vital that all arriving customers comply with these testing and quarantine requirements and complete the online Passenger Locator Form HERE before arriving at the departure airport. Please note, these UK Government public health measures will be enforced using financial penalties.

Passengers must book and pay for either an arrival test package or hotel quarantine package prior to travel, citing the reference number in your Passenger Locator Form. The official online booking portal is here .

The testing on arrival requirement is in addition to the existing mandatory requirement for all international arrivals aged 11 years and over to provide a negative Covid-19 test result before departure for England, taken up to 3 days before departure. More information about these requirements can be found in the UK Government guidance.

We will be incorporating this into our pre-departure communications to customers so they are aware of the mandatory requirement. Please ensure the latest traveller contact information is available within the booking so the latest instructions reach the traveller.

We encourage agents and travellers to regularly check here for more information.

Stay Current on Travel Restrictions and Entry Requirements
Many of the countries we fly to and from have put strict entry requirements in place. The safety and wellbeing of our customers and people is always our top priority, and we continue to follow the advice of the UK Government and international health organisations.

While we are constantly reviewing the information available to us, which is available here , please make sure you and your customers stay up to date by visiting the relevant government's website for the very latest travel updates and advice. It's really important to check the latest travel restrictions in place at the destination before going to the airport, including eligibility for entry and screening. If travellers do not meet the requirements, they may not be allowed to fly.

Please ensure the latest traveller contact information is available within the booking so the latest instructions reach the traveller via SMS and email.

USA Arrivals Testing
From 28^th December, The US Government is requiring all UK arriving air travellers, including children 2 and over, to present evidence of a PCR, LAMP or antigen test taken within 72 hours before departure. See: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announcement and Customer FAQ here: CDC UK Covid-19 Testing FAQs

Flexibility Policy
Last week we introduced unlimited free date and flight changes for new bookings as part of a series of enhancements to give further flexibility to customers and support their future travel plans. Alongside the improved changes policy, the rebooking horizon has been extended for all customers all the way until 30 April 2023, giving a broader window of time to reschedule plans if needed.

View our latest policy here.

Still Planning to Travel?
We will continue to provide vital international connectivity from/to London Heathrow Terminal 2 for customers that are permitted to travel for work, education or other legally permitted reasons, and if that’s the case, we’re here and ready to help your customers fly safe and fly well. Please check here for specific flight status.

Travellers Stuck Away from Home?
For customers who are mid-trip and away from home please check here for instructions.