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• International students travelling to the UK
• Undergraduate students on study and work abroad placements

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.

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.