The United Kingdom is a great place to visit for various reasons.
It offers vacation opportunities for couples, families, and singles.
However, not everyone comes to the UK for recreational purposes.
Several non-citizens move to the UK because of study opportunities, language, labor, and economic market advantages, to find work, and conventional networks.
However, with the ongoing global pandemic, COVID 19, traveling has been affected.
Image via Shutterstock by Novikov Aleksey
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What You Need to Know When Traveling to the UK During Coronavirus
If you’re traveling to the UK for the first time, there are a couple of things that you should know, including:
Visa requirements
Depending on your country, you may not have to carry a visa if you want to stay in the UK for less than six months; for instance, citizens from the USA and most European countries.
However, if you’re from another country, you may want to check whether you’re required to apply for a visa on the UK Government website.
Additionally, if you wish to extend your stay in the UK, you may need to talk to an immigration solicitor.
Packing list
You can expect all types of weather in the UK regardless of the time of the year.
Therefore, you may consider traveling with a weather proof bag.
A bag pack is more convenient than a roller bag, especially on the long escalators.
Remember to also carry some clothes, your travel documents, necessary tech (chargers and converters), and medications.
Traveling to the UK amidst the Coronavirus Pandemic
Airlines have made adjustments to ensure passengers are safe while traveling.
However, it’s still important to double-check that your airline has social distancing measures, enforces the use of face masks, and has easy access to hand washing or hand sanitizers.
Airlines are often very clean because of the industry regulations, and they are required to use air circulation HEPA filters.
This means the airborne transmission of germs and viruses is very rare.
However, social distancing on airplanes can increase the chances of getting coronavirus through droplets from an infected person and touching contaminated surfaces.
Therefore, ensure that you always wear a face mask, avoid touching objects as much as possible, and clean your hands frequently.
How to Stay Safe from Coronavirus in the UK
The UK Government has come up with a guide for visitors to keep themselves safe. Some of these include:
- If possible, use private traveling means, cycle or walk, instead of using public transport.
- Work from home.
- Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water, or use a sanitizer regularly.
- Maintain a social distance of between 1.5 and 2 meters when traveling.
- Use routes that are less busy during the rush hour.
- Cover your mouth with a facemask when using public means of transport and in enclosed transport hubs.
- Avoid touching surfaces and your face.
- Sneeze or cough into your elbow or cover your nose and mouth with a tissue.
Bottom Line
The UK is a great place to visit, whether for recreational, economic, or studying purposes.
However, with the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, the government has put in measures like travel restrictions to keep its country safe.
Fortunately, there are safety measures that you can follow to keep you safe, especially when traveling with kids.
