Welcome back to the world - welcome back to Gatwick.
A lot has changed since most of us last travelled. Our pledge to give you great service has not!
We’ve got you covered. From airport safety measures and onsite testing facilities, to the latest travel rules.
Everything you need to prepare for your trip is right here.
Check the latest travel advice
Departing the UK
You can travel as long as you meet the entry requirements of your destination. Some countries may want proof of vaccine or a negative COVID-19 test to enter.
Read more on departure testing
There are new rules when planning a trip to Europe. You may have to show a return flight ticket at EU passport control. If you're travelling for work, you may need a visa.
Sign up to email alerts and find country specific travel advice on the UK Government website.
Arriving in England
Before 4 October
A traffic light system is in place for international arrivals in England. Different testing and quarantine rules apply based on where you have visited. All arrivals must complete a passenger locator form.
Countries are split into three traffic lights, and the rules depend on where you have traveled, and your vaccination status.
Read more on rules for arrivals testing and quarantine
From 4 October
A red list of countries remains in place for international arrivals in England. Rules for arriving from any other country will depend on your vaccination status.
Read more on rules for arrivals testing and quarantine
Full details on the rules for arriving in England are on the UK Government website.
Different rules apply in England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. You must follow all the rules that apply to you.
Don't forget to
- Check your passport. You'll need at least 6 months validity on your passport to travel to Europe. Read more on Brexit.
- Get travel insurance with the right cover. You may need higher cover than usual for where you are going. Check what you need on the UK Government website.
- Travelling to Europe? Check your EHIC expiry date and apply for a GHIC if you need to. Read more on Brexit.
- Check the status of your flight with your airline before you set off, as flight times can change.
- Check what tests you need. Read more on COVID-19 testing.
- Pre-book any special assistance with your airline or travel agent. Read more on the extra measures we have in place.
Please do not travel if you have any symptoms of COVID-19. Make sure you check the travel advice for your destination, and the rules for when you return.
Please wear a suitable face covering when inside the terminal.
Plan your journey
Regardless of how you plan to get to us, you should plan your journey in advance. Make sure you plan for plenty of time, but there's no need to get here any earlier than usual.
All flights are currently operating from the North Terminal. Keep this in mind when planning your journey.
Catching the train? Most train companies are running a reduced timetable. Catch the free shuttle from the train station in South Terminal to the North Terminal.
Parking your car? Our short stay and long stay car parks are open in the North Terminal. Park for up to 2 hours free in our long stay car parks.
Being dropped off? You can drop off for free in our long stay car parks. Catch the free bus to the terminal. New drop off charges apply to drop off outside the terminals. This also applies to taxis.
Taking a coach or bus? A small number of coaches are running on National Express. Local Metrobus buses are running.
Be prepared
Please wear a face covering when at the airport. Follow the one way systems, and keep hands clean using the hand sanitisers provided.
We have a dedicated team to clean key touch points and surfaces in the terminal. Our staff wear masks for your safety and theirs.
At check-in
There's no need to check in earlier than usual. That's 3 hours for long haul flights and 2 hours for flights to Europe. Protective screens are in place on all check-in desks.
At security
Normal security rules apply, but you'll notice more signs and social distancing.
Before each use, UV light treatment cleans our security trays with enough energy to kill 99.9% of microbes. Watch the video to see it in action.
In the departure lounge
A selection of shops and restaurants are open. Opening hours may vary and we have a dedicated page to show what's open. Try to pay by card where possible.
Some airline lounges have reopened. Opening hours can vary so it's best to pre-book.
The children's play area is open, with extra cleaning measures in place. The sensory room remains closed.
Have your documents ready
Please wear a face covering when at the airport. Follow the one way systems, and keep hands clean using the hand sanitisers provided.
We have a dedicated team to clean key touch points and surfaces in the terminal. Our staff wear masks for your safety and theirs.
Before you arrive
Do you meet the UK entry requirements? A traffic light system is in place for international arrivals in England. Different testing and quarantine rules apply based on where you have visited. New rules apply from 4 October.
Read more on rules for arrivals testing and quarantine
Full details on the rules for arriving in England are on the UK Government website.
Before passport control
Take the opportunity to use the toilets and grab a coffee before passport control.
Have your documents ready. All arrivals must complete a Passenger locator form before you reach passport control.
Complete your passenger locator form on the UK Government website.
At passport control
It may take longer than usual to go through passport control. You must show when asked, your passenger locator form and that you meet the UK entry requirements. You may be asked to prove your vaccination status.
You can use the e-gates if you are eligible. E-gates auto check that your passenger locator form is correct.
If you have visited a country on the UK red list. You will go from Passport control to your hotel quarantine.
Full details on the traffic light system are on the UK Government website.
At customs
Make sure you follow the new limits on duty-free alcohol and tobacco when arriving from the EU.
Transit through the UK
When you arrive at Gatwick for a connecting flight, you must pass through UK border control. Also known as a 'landside' transit.
Before you travel
All arrivals must have proof of a negative COVID-19 test (taken within 3 days of your flight).
You may need a visa to enter the UK in transit to another country. Check if you need a 'Visitor in transit' visa and apply before you travel.
Apply for a visa on the UK Government website
All arrivals must complete a Passenger locator form. When completing your passenger locator form for transit:
- select ‘Stay in the UK’ under the Your travel plans section
- reply ‘No’ to any questions about whether you need to complete COVID-19 tests on arrival
- reply ‘No’ to the question ‘Have you visited a Red List country within the past 10 days'.
Complete your passenger locator form on the UK Government website.
Read detailed guidance for transit passengers on the UK Government website.
When you transit
If you are in transit to a country outside the UK & Ireland you must:
- remain at Gatwick until your departure
- or travel from Gatwick to your port of departure in England
If your transit is not on the same day, you must follow the testing and quarantine rules for England.
Red list countries
You cannot transit to a domestic flight within the UK if you have visited a red list country. You must enter managed hotel quarantine at Gatwick, your port of entry.
