VSbulletin COVID-19 Entry Requirements. Update 12 Jan
- 12 January 2021
- News
- Virgin Atlantic
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.
UK Arrivals Testing
The UK Government has announced that from 04:00am GMT on Friday 15 January 2021, a negative Covid-19 test result, taken within 72 hours of departure, will be required for all inbound passengers to England, including UK nationals. The Government announcement is here.
The new rule will come into effect later for Antigua, Barbados and St Lucia – at 0400 GMT on Thursday 21 January – to allow additional time due to limited testing infrastructure in those countries.
We will be incorporating this into our pre-departure communications to customers so they are aware of the mandatory requirement, signposting to recommended test providers where possible. 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. As more information becomes available, we will keep this site update to date with the full details and FAQs.
USA Arrivals Testing
From 28th 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
We continue to offer flexibility for customers whose plans have been impacted by the Covid-19 situation including rebooking up to 31 December 2022. 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.
Fly safe, fly well