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 must 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
There are no testing requirements for arriving in England - regardless of your vaccination status.
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 and which terminal you're flying from with your airline before you set off.
- 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.
Make sure you check the travel advice and entry requirements for your destination.
We recommend that you wear a 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.
Some of our airlines have moved terminals. Check which terminal your flight departs from with your airline before you travel.
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
We recommend you wear a face covering when at the airport. Follow the one-way systems and keep hands clean using the hand sanitisers provided.
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 check-in desks.
At security
Normal security rules apply. 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
Most shops and restaurants are open. Our airline lounges and children's play areas are open as usual.
On your flight
Each airline has their own rules on wearing face coverings. You must wear a face covering if asked to do so by your airline.
Have your documents ready
We recommend you wear a face covering when at the airport. Follow the one-way systems and keep hands clean using the hand sanitisers provided.
Before you arrive
There are no testing requirements before or after you arrive in England - regardless of your vaccination status. You no longer need to complete a passenger locator form.
Full details on the rules for arriving in England are on the UK Government website.
Before passport control
Have your documents ready. Take the opportunity to use the toilets and grab a coffee before passport control.
At passport control
It may take longer than usual to go through passport control. You can use the e-gates if you are eligible.
Full details 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
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
Read detailed guidance for transit passengers on the UK Government website.
