Travelling to the UK: September 2021 update
Whilst there are currently travel restrictions in place to leave Australia, there are some steps you can take to start planning your journey over to the United Kingdom.
We’ll discuss each of the following points & also provide updates from the Australian & UK Governments:
- United Kingdom: Current situation
- Can I leave Australia & enter the UK?
- How do I apply for a travel exemption?
- Can I return to Australia?
- Australian Vaccine program
- Need support with your visa?
- anzuk and you
United Kingdom: Current situation
Currently, the UK Government has removed most social distancing restrictions & opened almost all of society, allowing for life to adapt to a new normal.
Nearly 90% of the adult population have received two Covid-19 vaccine doses. The NHS Covid Pass is currently in place across England, allowing for travel abroad to many European countries, alongside attending local events & venues.
Currently, schools have remained open since April of this year & are operating with Covid-19 safe plans & hygiene strategies in place.
UK Goverment: Coronavirus (COVID‑19) Updates
Can I leave Australia & enter the UK?
Yes, it is possible to leave Australia. As you’ll be leaving Australia for employment purposes, you will need to apply for a travel exemption from the Australian Government, which we’ll explain further in the next point.
Yes, it is possible to enter the UK as the UK government does not currently have their borders closed and Commonwealth citizens can still apply for visas. It is important to stay updated with the UK travel restrictions that may affect your journey:
UK Government: Red, amber, green lists
How do I apply for a travel exemption?
anzuk can support your application for travel exemption. In short, you’ll need to supply the following documents to the Australian Home Affairs Department:
- Letter of employment provided by anzuk education
- Proof of Visa confirmation & Visa end date
- Proof of intended accommodation in the UK
- Detailed explanation of your situation within a statutory declaration
Applications for travel exemption letters can take between 1 & 10 business days. It is free to apply.
Australian Goverment: Travel restriction exemption for travellers to and from Australia
Can I return to Australia?
If you decide to or need to return to Australia within the coming months, it may be challenging to do so as there are a large amount Australian residents currently seeking to return to Australia.
Under the current restrictions you would also be required to complete hotel quarantine for two weeks upon your return to Australia.
It is important to be present with these points as you plan your trip & keep up to date with the relevant advice from Smart Traveller:
Smart Traveller: COVID-19: Re-entry and quarantine measures
Australian Vaccine Program
The Australian vaccination roll-out is picking up steam after a slow start in comparison to many countries in the Northern Hemisphere. As we edge closer to Phase B (70% vaccination) & Phase C (80% vaccination) of the National Plan, many of the restrictions we have discussed so far are planned to be phased out.
It’s hopeful these thresholds will be met by Christmas 2021. See the most up-to-date information here: Australia Government: COVID-19 vaccine rollout
Whilst it is currently not a mandatory requirement for international travel, we highly recommend a Covid-19 vaccination prior to your departure.
Need support with your visa?
anzuk Visa Support Service can assist with your visa application for the UK.
anzuk and you
Please reach out if you would like support from any of our UK teams. We have offices that cover the following locations:
- London
- Surrey
- Bristol & Southwest England
- Wales
- Regional United Kingdom
Want to learn more about moving to the United Kingdom? Or maybe you’d like to hear about local opportunities across Australia before you fly?
Check out the following link. We can’t wait to speak with you: https://www.anzuk.education/au/work-abroad/united-kingdom#contact
