Travel to UK from Australia - 9 Things You Need to Know before You Go

Klook Team

Last updated 24 Nov 2021

Credits: @amberinldn, Simon Hurry, and @stephaniaofficial

*Please note that this information was last updated on 7 November 2021

Want a change of scenery? Where better to go than the UK!

The European nation is a treasure trove for travel because of its rich history, stunning architecture, and distinct heritage. You won’t run out of castles, monuments, and palaces to explore! Plus, there’s also its vibrant countryside and exciting attractions like the Warner Bros. Harry Potter Studio.

If you’re wondering whether you have to quarantine from Australia to the UK, or what the travel requirements are, you’re in the right place. All your questions are answered here:

Is it safe to travel to the UK?

Around 79% of the UK population have been vaccinated with two doses, and 16% have received the booster shot. Despite the decline of new cases in the past three months, deaths and hospitalisations continue to increase. The Australian Government advises people travelling to the UK to “exercise a high degree of caution”.

When will the UK open its borders to Australians?

Before anything else, the important question is, can I travel from Australia to the UK? The answer is yes! Starting 1 November 2021, Aussie citizens and permanent residents can travel internationally without applying for an exemption.

Do I have to be vaccinated?

To enjoy the Australia - UK travel bubble, you'll have to be fully vaccinated at least 14 days since your second dose. Note that the UK only recognises the following vaccines:

Oxford/AstraZeneca
Pfizer BioNTech
Moderna
Janssen

You no longer have to apply for an exemption to travel as long as you provide your International Covid-19 Vaccination Certificate (ICVC) at check-in when departing the country. To get your ICVC, you must use your Medicare account through the myGov site or Express Plus Medicare mobile app.

Do I need a COVID test?

Travellers to England must book and pay for a COVID test, which should be taken at the end of their second day in the UK. Lateral flow tests and PCR tests are both accepted.

Visitors should also fill out the passenger locator form, which must be completed 48 hours before arrival in the country.

Do you have to quarantine from Australia to the UK?

The big question is: do you have to quarantine from Australia to the UK? No, as long as you’re fully vaccinated with any of the UK-approved vaccines mentioned above AND provide a negative COVID-19 result from the day two test.

If you happen to test positive, you’ll be required to self-isolate at your accommodation for 10 full days.

Where to get flights from Australia to the UK?

Thanks to the Australia - UK travel bubble, flights are starting back up again. Singapore Airlines, Emirates, and Qatar Airways now operate flights from Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane and other big cities to the UK. Be sure to check the airlines’ official websites for the latest updates when booking flights.

How long is the flight from Australia to the UK?

Heading to the other side of the world takes time. Flights from Melbourne, Sydney and other big Aussie cities to London and other parts of the UK range from 22 hours to 24 hours. The good news is that it includes layover time. Our advice? Bring lots of books and downloaded movies on your gadget.

Must visit places in the UK?

London

The capital of the United Kingdom offers plenty of unmissable sites, from the iconic Buckingham Palace and Tower Bridge to the fascinating British Museum and Tower of London. Make sure to bring your camera for plenty of photos of classic British architecture.

Edinburgh

Scotland is one of the most beautiful parts of the UK, and Edinburgh is its crown jewel. The capital city has stunning medieval buildings surrounded by vibrant trees and hills. Complete your trip with a visit to Edinburgh Castle and the lush Arthur’s Seat.

Bath

Catch a glimpse of medieval Roman times when you tour the charming city of Bath. It boasts a rich history like no other due to its well-preserved bathhouses and a setting for Jane Austen’s novels (the author used to live in the city). Visiting the Jane Austen Centre, Circus, and Thermae Bath Spa is a must.

Where can I find out more official travel information?

To get the latest official information straight from the source, head to the Australian Government’s Smartraveller website and the UK Government’s site. Be sure to check the latest advice before booking your trip and travelling, so you’ll know what to do and what to bring.