General Requirement

The UK authorities have announced the termination of limited COVID-19 international restrictions for passengers traveling from China on April 4. Since January 5, passengers traveling from China have been required by the Health Ministry to provide a negative test taken within two days before their flight to the UK. However, these restrictions will no longer apply to passengers arriving in the UK after 23:59 on April 4.

 

As for passengers arriving at Heathrow Airport (LHR), the option to voluntarily undergo a COVID-19 test to monitor for new variants was discontinued on March 17.

 

It is important to note that authorities may make changes to the restrictions, whether by easing, tightening, or amending them, with little or no prior notice, based on the level of disease activity in the upcoming weeks.

 

Transit/transfer flights

When passengers pass through a UK airport on their way to another country, it is referred to as 'transiting'. Some travelers also use the term 'layover' for this.

There are two types of transiting:

1. 'Airside' transiting: In this case, passengers do not go through UK border control before continuing their journey to the next destination.
2. 'Landside' transiting: Here, passengers do go through UK border control, but they return through it and leave the UK within a short period, typically within 24 hours.

Passengers should determine if they require a UK visa for their layover, find out on this link.

• Valid passport: Passengers are required to have a valid passport, which should remain valid for a minimum of 6 months beyond the planned departure date from the UK.
• Visa: In case a visa is required for entry into the UK, passengers must obtain it prior to their journey by applying online or visiting the nearest UK visa application center
• Proof of onward travel: This could be a plane ticket, train ticket, or bus ticket.
• Proof of accommodation: Proof of accommodation, including a hotel booking confirmation, a letter of invitation from a host (friend or family), or a rental agreement, is also necessary.
• Evidence of financial support: This could be a bank statement, an employer's letter, or a sponsorship letter.
• Travel insurance: It is mandatory for passengers to possess travel insurance that covers medical expenses and repatriation.

Arrivals

Here are the arrivals rules at Heathrow Airport:

• Passport control: All passengers arriving at Heathrow Airport are required to go through passport control. They will be asked to present their passport and visa (if applicable) to the immigration officer.
• Customs: If passengers have arrived from a country outside the EU, it might be necessary for them to pass through customs. They will be required to declare any items they are bringing into the UK.
• Baggage reclaim: Once the passengers have completed passport control and customs procedures, they will need to retrieve their luggage from the designated baggage reclaim area.
• Exiting the airport: After collecting their luggage, the passengers can proceed to exit the airport. They will need to present their passport and boarding pass to the security guard stationed at the exit.

 

Departures

Here are the departure rules at Heathrow Airport:

• Check-in: All passengers departing from Heathrow Airport are required to check in at least 2 hours prior to their scheduled flight departure time. Passengers have the option to check in online, at the check-in desk, or by using the self-service check-in machines.
• Security: Passengers departing from Heathrow Airport must undergo the security screening process. This includes removing shoes, belts, and jackets, and possibly taking out laptops and liquids from their carry-on bags.
• Gates: After completing the security check, passengers should proceed to their designated departure gate. The gate number can be found on the boarding pass.
• Boarding: Boarding for flights typically begins 30 minutes before the scheduled departure time. Passengers must present their boarding pass and passport to the boarding gate agent before they can board the aircraft.

According to BBC, on June 23, 2023, the planned strikes at Heathrow Airport, which were scheduled from June to August 2023, have been canceled. An agreement on pay has been reached between the union and Heathrow Airport, eliminating the need for the strikes.

 

The news that the strikes had been called off was welcomed by passengers and airlines. Heathrow Airport said that it was "pleased" that the dispute had been resolved, and that it could now focus on delivering an "excellent summer" for its passengers.