Additional checks for British travellers departing the United Kingdom

From Monday 8th March 2021, anyone travelling internationally from the UK will need to hold a new form that certifies their trip is permitted under the current restrictions on travel. The self-certified form can be downloaded from a government website and must be completed and signed before entering an airport.

The form can also be stored on a mobile phone. Airlines will be required to conduct checks prior to boarding either at the check in desk or departure gate to ensure that their passengers are carrying the form.

Police officers will also be conducting spot checks on passengers. Failure to provide a signed form when asked will be an offence an may result in a fixed penalty notice being issued. The fines will start at £200 and go up to a maximum of £6,400. Passengers without a signed form or without a legitimate reason for travel will also be denied boarding and asked to return home.

Airlines will be obligated by law to publicise the new requirements for travel on their websites.

In February, the Home Office allocated an extra £2 million to cover the costs of extra activity by police at airports and ports.

The form can be downloaded from the following site:

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-declaration-form-for-international-travel