Ultimate Guide to Traveling From the U.S. to the UK

April 27, 2021 - Meagan Palmer

Last Updated on 2/17/2023

Table of Contents

• Is the UK open for U.S. tourists?
• Is it safe to travel to the UK right now?
• How to travel to the UK safely
• Safest Places to Visit in the UK
• Why Travel to the UK?

For many travelers, if they haven’t been to the United Kingdom yet, it’s at least on their bucket list. This location offers a unique and historical element, which intrigues all kinds of people to visit. Find out the current travel restrictions, recommendations, and travel tips on taking a safe United Kingdom trip during the pandemic. Don’t forget to check out our travel safety guides on other popular travel destinations too.

Is the UK open for U.S. tourists?

Technically, the U.S. is no longer on the travel ban list. That means United States citizens can now travel to the United Kingdom.

Is it safe to travel to the UK right now?

According to the U.S. State Department and CDC, the United Kingdom is historically a safe international place to visit. However, as terrorist events and threats linger and the current pandemic evolves, it’s best to travel informed. Check out these resources below to keep tabs on travel safety information when planning your travels from the U.S. to the UK.

• CDC Health Advisory
• US State Department Travel Advisory
• US State Department Fact Sheet
• STEP Program
• Current COVID Numbers
• Other Non-COVID Risks

How the UK Locals Are Taking Precautions

Locals in the United Kingdom are following standard health protocols to prohibit the spread of COVID-19 and its variants. Procedures like social distancing, wearing masks, washing hands often, avoiding crowds, and getting vaccinated when possible all contribute to lowering the number of cases and variants according to the CDC.

Should you buy travel insurance?

Given all the risks with travel, let alone the pandemic, it’s wise to get travel insurance. Why? Well, if you have to cancel your vacation because you suddenly get ill or a family member passes away, travel insurance can help you get reimbursed for your lost trip expenses. It’s also beneficial because if you need to seek medical care while away, your travel insurance plan will foot the cost of your medical expenses. Travel insurance would also assist in covering medical/quarantine expenses if you contract COVID-19 during your time away.

How to travel to the UK safely

To make sure you have everything you need to get to the UK, be sure to visit the following links for trusted up-to-date travel requirements to help you plan your trip there from the U.S.!

• Pre-Departure Testing
• Passenger Locator Form
• Mandatory Quarantine
• Re-Entry to US Testing
• Visa Requirements

Safest Places to Visit in the UK

Gower, South Wales

Considered an Area of Outstanding Beauty in the United Kingdom, this destination is sure to catch your eye. It’s a pretty remote location too, which is perfect for social distancing.

Keswick, Lake District

This area in the mountains is also surrounded by lakes –a match made in heaven we think! This destination is perfect for travelers who enjoy adventure and history.

Northwich, Cheshire

This quaint town offers a variety of activities for all types of travelers. From the open-pan salt-making site to the various shops in the area, this destination is great for those looking for a quiet getaway.

For more safe locations within the UK, here’s a list from The Travel to check out.

Places to Avoid (according to locals):

• Manchester
• Birmingham
• Tottenham
• Blackpool
• Sheffield
• Leeds
• Rotherham
• Middlesbrough
• Bradford

Why Travel to the UK?

Is it family-friendly?

Most definitely! The United Kingdom has plenty of family-friendly options, activities, and accommodations to make a great family getaway. The language will be familiar and you can get around pretty easily with public transportation. The hard part? Trying to fit everything you want to do in one vacation!

What kind of traveler would appreciate this destination the most?

Being such a diverse destination, the UK caters to just about every traveler. This means almost everyone can walk away with a special memory (or a bunch!). We think history buffs will get their fill of architecture and rich cultural experiences. Travelers of all ages will be able to fulfill their fairytale fantasies as well through the majestic countryside or the captivating beauty of villages near London.

Meagan Palmer

As a seasoned professional with over five years of experience in the travel insurance industry, Meagan has honed her expertise in marketing and operations working for Yonder Travel Insurance. Throughout her career, she's shown dedication assisting customers at every stage of their travel insurance journey, from the initial quote process to navigating the claims process. Her expert understanding of travel insurance equips her to provide unbiased and valuable insights, which help travelers find the best coverage and maximize its benefits.

Tags: coronavirus, travel safety