Ever since news about the Omicron variant broke out, there has been a lot of shuffling in travel rules. While a few countries have gone into another round of lockdown, a few others have put in stringent rules. And with Christmas around the corner, most of us are looking forward to meeting our family and celebrating the festive season.

So, in case you’re booked to travel to the UK from the UAE this Christmas, here’s what you need to know.

1. Fill out the passenger locator form

All passengers MUST fill out a passenger locator form prior to departure.

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2. You must submit a negative PCR test report even if you’re vaccinated

Passengers must submit a negative PCR test report prior to departure. The test must be taken 48 hours before your flight departure time.

3. You need test again on DAY 2 after landing in the UK

All passengers must take another PCR test on the second day, upon landing in the UK. Besides, you must ensure you havepre-booked the day 2 PCR test when you land in the UK and isolate.

4. Unvaccinated travelers must take a PCR test on day 8

Those who haven’t taken the covid vaccine must repeat the test on day 8 as well. So, that’s one test on day 2 and another one on day 8. All travellers must quarantine until they receive a negative result.

5. Those who test positive must quarantine for 10 days

In case you test positive, you must quarantine for 10 days. You can call NHS Helpline on 111 in case of an emergency.

6. A negative PCR test must be submitted

Irrespective of whether you are vaccinated or not, a PCR test must be taken no more than 48 hours before your flight departure time. The test must be done at a registered healthcare provider.

7. Test rules for kids

Children under age 4 need not take any test. Kids between 12 to 17 must take a PCR test 2 days before travelling to the UK. Children aged 5 to 17 must follow the testing and quarantine rules for people who qualify as fully vaccinated on arrival in the UK.

8. Know the red list rules

11 African countries are on the red list of most other countries. So, check updates for this, especially if you’re looking to travel elsewhere from the UK before returning to the UAE.