International travel: restrictions and quarantine (self-isolation)
Update: quarantine following international travel
From 15 February anyone, including all students, travelling to the UK from a country on the UK's travel ban list must:
- Quarantine in a government-approved facility for 10 days.
- Fund the quarantine period.
We understand this will cost approximately £1,750 but the UK government have not confirmed this yet.
You are required to have 2 PCR coronavirus tests during the quarantine period.
If you are planning to travel to the UK from an affected country you can contact: coronavirus-student@bristol.ac.uk
If you need to discuss your travel arrangements or need information on transfers from quarantine, you can contact the International Office io-welcome@bristol.ac.uk.
On this page
International students travelling to the UK
The UK government is discouraging travelling by international students. If you are travelling to the UK you should consider changing your travel plans if you can.
If you have already booked travel or are already travelling, we are ready to welcome and support you. You must understand that your teaching will be online unless you are on an exempt programme under the current circumstances.
Use our airport transfer service to get from London Heathrow or Bristol Airport to your accommodation.
Check the government advice about entering the UK.
Before you travel
You must have proof of a negative COVID-19 test to travel to England from abroad. Find out how to claim back private expenses for your test.
Check the government advice about coronavirus (COVID-19): testing for people travelling to England.
- All international arrivals are required to complete a passenger locator form before arriving in the UK.
- Book 2 coronavirus (COVID-19) tests for use after you arrive in England. This costs £210.
When you arrive in the UK
You must quarantine in your accommodation for 10 days after arriving from overseas. Read the government advice on how to quarantine.
You must take a COVID-19 test:
- on or before day 2 to check for variants of COVID-19,
- on or after day 8 to check that you do not have COVID-19.
Book the coronavirus tests before you arrive in the UK.
You may be able to end self-isolation early if you pay for a private coronavirus (COVID-19) test through the Test to Release scheme. Find a provider of the Test and Release scheme.
Breaking quarantine rules
If you break the quarantine rules, you may face a penalty of up to £10,000.
If you have to quarantine (self-isolate) for 10 days when you arrive
Contact us as soon as possible if there are temporary UK quarantine restrictions for arrivals from your country of departure. Email info-point@bristol.ac.uk.
When you arrive in the UK, you will not be allowed to leave the place where you’re staying for the first 10 days. This is known as self-isolating.
This may not apply if you arriving from a country on the travel corridor list.
Support during quarantine (self-isolation)
Support is available if you need to self-isolate. Complete the Coronavirus self-reporting form.
- Food and supplies delivered to those in University accommodation.
- Practical support after arrival.
- Community building events - Resilife, Students Union, Global Lounge, Sport Exercise and Health.
- Advice and support for new international students.
Read our self-isolation guidance for students.
Get tested before you return to campus
Get tested before you return to campus. You must have completed your self-isolation first.
Undergraduate students on study and work abroad placements
The UK Government rules now say you can only travel internationally where you have a legally permitted reason to leave home.
If you are already overseas and are happy to stay there we recommend you continue your placement with the awareness that the new variant of COVID-19 has created a more volatile global situation. If you return to the UK at any point, follow the government guidance on entering the UK.
When you travel
If and when you do travel, make sure you have appropriate travel insurance in place. We provide free business travel insurance if you are travelling on approved University trips. You should apply for insurance cover from our Insurance Office and ensure our Global Opportunities team are aware of your travel.
Follow Foreign and Commonwealth Office advice for the country you are travelling to. Check quarantine periods and border restrictions.
If you have any questions or concerns about your time abroad contact our Global Opportunities team for support and advice.
Remember to always let the Global Opportunities team know you are travelling.
Get a test
We will pay for you to take a test in certain circumstances. Find out about tests needed for travel and claiming back expenses.
How to quarantine (self-isolate) when you travel to the UK
When you enter or return to the UK you may need to quarantine (self-isolate). Find out what you need to do.
NHS COVID-19 app
Download the official NHS contact tracing app to know when you’re at risk from Coronavirus and to alert your loved ones, and your community.