The basics

The United Kingdom has seen one of the highest number of deaths from Covid-19 in the world, resulting in multiple lockdowns. Most recently, the Omicron coronavirus variant spread across the UK.

In England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, most legal coronavirus restrictions were lifted over summer 2021, but restrictions remained in place across the UK regarding international travel and some nations kept certain domestic measures. The UK reintroduced some measures following the emergence of Omicron — most of which have since been lifted — but regulations continue to vary across the four nations. See more details below.

What’s on offer

In London, the UK has one of the world’s greatest cities. But beyond the architectural marvels and nightlife of the capital, there is much to explore — the rugged peaks of the Scottish Highlands, distant Welsh lakes and the wide sweep of Cornish beaches, for starters, plus historic towns and cities such as Bath, Oxford and Harrogate.

Who can go

Fully vaccinated travelers and under 18s can enter the UK without any additional testing requirements.Non-vaccinated travelers can also visit the UK, but are subject to additional testing and quarantine requirements.

What’s the Covid situation?

The UK suffered a devastating first wave of coronavirus in 2020, followed by a troubling winter 2020/2021 following the discovery of the Alpha variant.Cases dropped in early summer 2021, but then rose again amid concerns about the Delta variant.Towards the end of 2021, the Omicron coronavirus variant started to spread rapidly across the UK.Cases are now falling again but remain quite high. There have been over 19.2 million Covid cases and over 162,400 deaths in the UK as of March 4.As of March 4, over 141.2 million vaccination doses have been administered in the UK and over 73.3% of the population has been fully vaccinated.In March 2020, there was a UK-wide lockdown that lasted until the summer. Since thenEngland, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland have developed their own region-specific measures.

Secret parties and experiential events could revive nightlife, but Covid threatens future of ‘big night out’

Nightlife bosses predict unannounced line-ups and creative club nights will encourage friends to hit the dancefloor – but as the country deals with Omicron, are we ready to pre-drink and party?

A night-time industry “already on its knees” because of the pandemic is fearing more potential harm from Omicron and the end of hospitality tax breaks.

Nightclubs have been shuttered in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland as cases surge, while those that remain open in England are required to check for NHS Covid passes and have seen crowds shrink in recent weeks.

Michael Kill, the chief executive of the Night Time Industries Association, the trade body representing 1,400 UK businesses including pubs, bars, nightclubs and entertainment venues, believes the “counterproductive” measures “will see a ramping up of house parties and illegal events” once again.