Passenger locator form: How to guide

You must complete an online Passenger Locator Form before you arrive in the UK, whether you are staying here, or only transiting through the UK. There is no cost to submit the form. A person who is under 18 years of age (Scotland: under 16 years) can be included on an accompanying adults PLF.

Travelling to the United Kingdom – Passenger Locator Form

You must complete an online Passenger Locator Form before you arrive in the UK, whether you are staying here, or only transiting through the UK. There is no cost to submit the form.

A person who is under 18 years of age (Scotland: under 16 years) can be included on an accompanying adult’s PLF.

The UK consists of 4 nations: England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. There may be different border health rules depending on whether you are travelling to England, Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland and it is essential you check the rules for the specific country you are travelling to.

There are links to the requirements for each nation on the ‘Fill in your Passenger Locator Form’ page: Fill in your Passenger Locator Form.

The rules you must follow also depend on the country/countries you will have been in during the 10 days before your arrival in the UK. To see the rules that will apply to you, please see this page: Red, amber and green list rules for entering England.

Important

It could be a criminal offence to provide false details in the form and you may be prosecuted.

What is the Passenger Locator Form?

The Passenger Locator Form is used to collect your personal and travel information and will be used to contact you in the event you have been in contact with someone who has tested positive for coronavirus (COVID-19). It is also used to check your compliance with the UK’s health measures.

When to complete this form

This form should be completed no more than 48 hours before your arrival time in the UK. Please consider the time zone difference when planning to complete the form.

Important

Should your travel plans change, resulting in a new journey or delay of more than 24 hours, you must submit a new Passenger Locator Form. If you do not do this, you are likely to be delayed at the border on arrival in the UK.

Can I complete a paper version of this form?

No, the Passenger Locator Form is online only, to ensure sufficient data collection and contact tracing. You should make every effort to complete your PLF digitally.

Before you travel to the UK – What you need to do

  • Take a pre-departure COVID-19 test within 3 days of departure to the UK. Test results MUST be in English, French or Spanish.
  • Obtain proof of your vaccination status (if applicable).
  • Confirm the testing and quarantine requirements for your arrival into the UK and pre-book your testing or hotel quarantine package according to your Green, Amber or Red arrival status.
  • Complete a Passenger Locator Form within 48 hours of arrival in the UK.
  • Note: Steps 1, 2 (if appropriate) and 3 are required in order to complete the Passenger Locator Form unless you are travelling on an approved exemption.

    Passenger Locator Form: step by step guide to questions

    This section provides an overview of the questions and the information you will be asked for when completing the Passenger Locator Form. Please note that this guidance does not cover every input of the form, as the form is subject to continual change.

    After you complete the form you will receive a confirmation QR code via email. You can print this out or keep on your phone, as you’ll need to show proof of completion when you check in to board your plane, train, or ferry to the UK. You may also need to present proof of your negative test to a Border Force Officer on arrival in the UK.

    If your vaccination QR code scan failed, or your image document with the valid QR code did not upload, to the Passenger Locator Form, you should have self-certified your full vaccination status, so please ensure you bring proof of your vaccination status, to show your airline, boat or rail operator.

    1.Do you have a Passenger Locator Form account?

    Before completing the form, you will be asked whether you already have a Passenger Locator Form account.

    A Passenger Locator Form account may be useful if you plan to make multiple trips to the UK within a given month. An account will store your personal details (name, contact details, passport details, home address) for up to 6 months so that when you complete the form again, these fields are pre-populated with your information.

    An account is not mandatory, and the form can be completed without one.

    2.Register an email

    You will be asked to provide an email address to link to your passenger locator form. You will also be asked to provide a password so you can save your Passenger Locator Form details as you may need to access them later.

    3.Your telephone number(s)

    You will be asked to provide a mobile telephone number for your stay in the UK. This number will be used to notify you if a passenger on your flight or vessel has tested positive for COVID-19. You are asked to enter the mobile telephone number twice to ensure it is input correctly.

    You will also be asked for a secondary phone number if available.

    4.Contacting you by telephone

    This question asks if there are any accessibility reasons that could prevent you from being contacted via telephone (e.g. hearing impairment) or SMS (e.g. sight impairment). If there are no audio or visual reasons which prevent you from being contacted by telephone or SMS, please select that you can be contacted in both ways.

    5.Your name

    Please provide your name as it is shown in your passport or travel document. It is important that the name matches the passport or travel document you will use for your travel to the UK or you may be delayed at the border.

    6.Your dates of travel

    You will be asked for the date in which you will arrive in the UK, followed by your expected time of arrival in the UK. The date and time of your expected arrival cannot be any more than 48 hours after you submit this form.

    In this form dates are input in the format: DD MM YYYY

    And times are input in the format: HH MM. Please use the 24-hour clock for times.

    A further optional question asks for the date that you will leave the UK. This question may not be appropriate if you reside in the UK or will remain in the UK for a long time, and don’t have a planned departure date.

    The Passenger Locator Form then asks for your sex and your date of birth which should be provided as they are shown in the passport or travel document. If they do not match, you may be delayed at the border.

    7.Your home address

    This question asks if your home address is in the UK. If you select ‘yes’, a postcode lookup is available to enter the UK address.

    If you select ‘no’, you will be asked to enter your address in full, line by line.

    8.Your passport or travel document

    This section asks you to:

    • enter your passport number or travel document reference number
    • repeat your passport number or travel document reference number
    • enter the ‘country of issue’ for your passport or travel document. This could also be referred to as the ‘issuing authority’ or ‘place of issue’
    • enter the expiry date for your passport or travel document

    It is important that the passport or travel document details provided are for the same passport or travel document that you will use to enter the UK. For example, if you have dual nationality, you must the same travel document provided on your passenger locator form as the travel document used for travel.

    The reference number must be entered in exactly the same format as it shown on your travel document.

    For example:

    • 501234567
    • 123-456-789 - should be entered including hyphens
    • 123456 789 - include the space if there is one
    • 123456<789 - include any non-alphanumeric characters

    If not, you may be delayed at the border.

    9. Confirmation of your COVID-19 vaccination status.

    Please check whether you meet the vaccine eligibility criteria and the latest information on the current position, as this may be subject to change.

    If you have been fully vaccinated under the UK vaccination programme and have a vaccination QR code, your vaccination status can be verified in the Passenger Locator Form. You can do this either by:

    • scanning your valid QR code, in your app, or you can upload an image/screenshot of your vaccination QR code
    • if applicable, the Passenger Locator Form will automatically verify your vaccination status
    • if your QR code scan fails, you will be able to self-certify your full vaccination status
    • if applicable, the Passenger Locator Form will automatically verify your vaccination status. However, if your QR code scan failed or your image document with the valid QR code did not upload you should have self-certified your full vaccination status, so please ensure you bring proof of your vaccination status, to show your airline, ferry or rail operator.

    10.Your travel plans

    This section asks about your travel plans, with 3 options provided:

  • Stay in or visit the UK.
  • Travel to the UK more than once within 48 hours, for example as a haulier or crew member.
  • Change flights in the UK within 48 hours, without going through UK border control, also known as transiting.
  • If you will continue your journey to a foreign destination from the same port in the UK, you will likely transit without going through border control. If you will continue your journey from a different airport or port, you must go through border control. If you are still uncertain about your transit, please consult your travel company.

    If you will have to go through border control to transit to a foreign destination, then please select the “Stay in or visit the UK” option.

    If you select options 2 or 3, you will not be asked about the countries you have visited.

    11.Details of your arrival in the UK

    This section will ask:

    • Where will you arrive in the UK?

    This refers to the port of arrival (name of airport, seaport, or railway station). As you type, options will appear for you to select.

    • What country are you traveling from?

    This refers to the question - where did your plane/ship/train leave from, immediately before arriving in the UK? As you type, options will appear for you to select.

    • What company are you travelling with?

    This is the name of the airline/shipping company/rail company (note that this is not your tour operator or travel agent). As you type, options will appear for you to select. If your travel company is not listed, click on “The company I am travelling with is not listed” and enter the company name in the text box that appears.

    • What is the flight number, train number or ship name that you will arrive on?
    • What is your seat number? (If known). If you are arriving by sea, you do not need to provide a seat number.

    Include coach number if travelling by train, for example Coach 5 Seat 2. If you are travelling to the UK via more than one flight (i.e. transit), you must provide the flight details you that arrive into the UK with, not those from your country of departure.

    12.People you are travelling with (travel with under 18s)

    This section asks if there is anyone under the age of 18 (under the age of 16 if you are travelling to Scotland) that you are including on the form. Anyone over the age of 18 (or 16 in Scotland) must complete their own Passenger Locator Form.

    If you select ‘yes’, you will be asked to provide the details of the passenger under the age of 18 (or 16 for Scotland) who is travelling with you:

    • given name(s)
    • family name
    • relationship to you
    • date of birth (DD MM YYYY)

    A further question will also ask if this individual is aged 12 or over. If you select yes, you will be asked for extra details to enable this passenger to enter the UK via eGates at the border:

    • passport number or travel document reference number
    • repeat passport number or travel document reference number
    • country of issue. This could also be referred to as ‘issuing authority’ or ‘place of issue’
    • passport or travel document reference number expiry date (DD MM YYYY)

    Note: children under 12 years of age cannot use the eGates at the border.

    13.People you are travelling with (2)

    If you are travelling with any more passengers under the age of 18 (16 for Scotland) which you are including on the form, this section provides an opportunity to add extra passengers. You will be asked again until you have added all passengers under the age of 18 (16 for Scotland) that will be travelling with you.

    14.Countries you have visited (travel history)

    This section asks you to provide a list of the countries and/or islands you will have visited in the 10 days prior to your arrival in the UK. You must provide a full list of every country and/or island visited.

    The first time this question appears, it will show the country you are travelling from (that you provided earlier). It will ask for your arrival date into the country, and your departure date from there. If you will have only been in the country for the 10 days before your arrival in the UK, you do not need to provide an arrival date.

    Important: please note that failure to provide information could be a criminal offence and you may be prosecuted.

    15.Any other countries or islands

    This allows you to continue listing countries and/or islands until you have entered your full travel history for the 10 days before your arrival in the UK.

    The next sections of the passenger locator form are tailored to you depending on whether you are a red, amber or green passenger.

    How do I know whether I am a red, amber or green passenger?

    Your red, amber or green status depends on your travel history in the 10 days before your arrival into the UK and your vaccination status.

    Each country and island are categorised as red, amber or green depending on their COVID-19 conditions. Your status depends on the country with the highest ‘status’ that you have been to before your arrival.

    Note: Your red, amber, green status is based on what status the countries or islands will be for the date you arrive into the UK, not the date you complete the PLF.

    For the current red, amber and green lists, see: Red, amber and green list rules for entering England.

    RED passenger: Please refer to SECTION A.

    AMBER passenger: Please refer to SECTION B.

    GREEN passenger: Please refer to SECTION C.

    SECTION A: RED LIST PASSENGERS

    ‘Your hotel quarantine details’

    You will be asked:

    Are you travelling for a reason that means you do not need to quarantine?

    If you select No:

    You must provide the invoice number for your quarantine package. Important: you may not be permitted to travel if the invoice number is not provided.

    You must provide the hotel address where you will stay for the first 10 days in the UK.

    If you select Yes, please see ‘Government Exemptions’ section below.

    (End of input of information – please now see ‘Declaration’ section below)

    SECTION B: AMBER LIST PASSENGERS

    As an Amber list arrival, you will need to self-isolate in the UK for 10 days, unless you meet the vaccine eligibility criteria.

    There is the possibility to end self-isolation early (after five days) if you opt into Test to Release (TTR) Coronavirus (COVID-19): Test to Release for international travel.

    In exceptional circumstances, some passengers may have a government-approved exemption from self-isolation due to their work or other circumstances.

    Amber list arrivals are also required to book Day 2 and 8 tests, unless exempt. You should book your Day 2 and 8 tests: Find a coronavirus (COVID-19) travel test provider if you’re arriving in England.

    ‘Self-isolation in the UK’

    As an Amber list arrival, you will first be asked whether you are required to self-isolate or if you meet the vaccine eligibility criteria or if you have a government-approved exemption from self-isolation. Three options will appear:

    • I need to self-isolate when I arrive in the UK
    • I meet the vaccine eligibility criteria
    • I will be travelling for an exempt reason

    If you select “I need to self-isolate when I arrive in the UK……”, the next screen is:

    ‘Where you will stay in the UK’

    You will be asked if you know where you will self-isolate when you arrive in the UK. If you select Yes, the next screen is:

    ‘Accommodation in the UK’ where you will be asked who you will you stay with in the UK.

    If you gave a UK address earlier, the form would show this address and ask whether you would like to select this as your self-isolation address.

    It will then ask for your arrival and departure dates from your self-isolation address (in format DD MM YYYY).

    You will have the opportunity on the next screen to input other addresses for the first 10 days of your stay, on the page titled ‘Other accommodation in the UK’.

    If you select No, you do not know where you will self-isolate, it will ask you who are you planning to stay with in the UK and wider details of your stay. Enter the name of the person or organisation whose property you will be staying in. You have up to 500 characters available for use, please provide as much detail as possible.

    If you select that you are exempt from self-isolation, the next screen is:

    ‘Your reason for exemption from self-isolation’

    Please see “Exemptions” section below for guidance on this. You must have a government approved reason for exemption and provide proof of your exemption during travel. A list of acceptable proof for each exemption is available.

    Once you have input your self-isolation details, you will be taken to the next screen, which asks for your post-arrival testing details. Book your post-arrival testing (Day 2 and 8 tests).

    Testing after you arrive in the UK

    Here, you will be asked whether you are required to book COVID-19 test packages for your stay in the UK.

    • If you have only been in green list countries, you must book a Day 2 test.
    • If you have been or travelled through an amber list country or island you must book tests for Day 2 and Day 8, unless you have been fully vaccinated in the UK or under a vaccination programme approved by the UK. Then you must book a day 2 test.

    You must check the border health rules for the specific country you are travelling to.

    If your employer is booking your COVID-19 tests for you, you can select ‘No, I am exempt’ as you are not required to book your tests independently.

    If you select Yes (I am required to take tests), you must provide the test booking reference number for your tests.

    The form will also ask you underneath whether you have opted into government’s Test to Release (TTR) scheme. Test to Release is applicable for Amber arrivals self-isolating in England (not UK wide). It allows you to book tests on Day 5 of your stay in England, and if you test negative for COVID-19, you can end self-isolation early. Test to Release is optional.

    If you have opted into Test to Release, you should enter your Test to Release booking reference number underneath. If you have not booked Test to Release, you must type ‘n/a’ (not applicable).

    If you select ‘No, I am exempt’, you will be asked the ‘Reason for your exemption from tests’. A drop-down list of government-approved exemptions is provided and will appear as you type. Please select from this list.

    (End of input of information – please now see ‘Declaration’ section below)

    SECTION C: GREEN LIST PASSENGERS

    1. Where you will stay in the UK

    As a green list passenger, you are not required to self-isolate in the UK. However, the form will ask whether you have an address for where you will stay for your first 10 days in the UK, should it be required for contact tracing purposes. If you know where you will stay when entering the UK, please select yes.

    After selecting Yes, the next screen is Accommodation in the UK.

    • If you gave a UK address earlier, the form would show this address and ask “You provided the following address as your residential address. Do you plan on staying at this address?”
    • If you select Yes, it will then ask for your arrival and departure dates for that address (both DD MM YYYY).

    If you select No, it will ask you “Who are you planning to stay with in the UK?”. Please provide the name of the person whose property you will be staying in, the address you will stay at for your first 10 days in the UK (a postcode lookup is available for this question) and the dates you will arrive at and depart from this address (DD MM YYYY).

    2.Other accommodation in the UK

    This asks if there are any other addresses you will stay at in your first 10 days in the UK. You will be prompted with the same follow-up questions as above.

    3.Testing after you arrive in the UK

    Green list passengers are required to take a COVID-19 test on or before day 2 of their arrival, this must be booked in advance. The test must be taken with a UK government approved testing provider, unless you have a government-approved reason which exempts you from post-arrival testing.

    If you have only been in green list countries, you must book a Day 2 test.

    If you have been in or travelled through an amber list country or island you must book for Day 2 and Day 8, unless you have been fully vaccinated in the UK or under a vaccination programme approved by the UK.

    You will first be asked whether you have been required to book COVID-19 tests after arrival in the UK. If you are exempt, please select ‘No’. Otherwise, select ‘Yes’.

    Passengers who select No will be asked to list their exemption from a government approved list of options.

    Passengers who select Yes will be asked to provide a test booking reference number.

    (End of input of information – please now see ‘Declaration’ section below)

    Government exceptions

    There are specific limited government exemptions that apply to: hotel quarantine, self-isolation, and/or testing. The form will ask you if you have a reason for exemption and provides a link to the gov.uk web page showing valid reasons for exemption. Select the one that applies to you and enter it into the text box. As you type, options will appear, select the correct one.

    Important: if you select one of these options in the form note that you may be subject to further checks by a Border Force Officer, so you must have with you evidence to support your declared exemption. The type of evidence you should provide can be found (in English) on Coronavirus (COVID-19): jobs that qualify for travel exemptions.

    Declaration

    At the end of the form, you have the option to receive by email the details you submitted, sent as a PDF file to the email address you provided. You then complete a declaration that:

    You will arrive in the UK within 48 hours.

    The information you have given is correct.

    And that you understand you could be prosecuted if you provide false details.

    You then confirm that you must have proof of a negative COVID-19 test when you arrive in the UK (unless you are exempt).

    If any of the details you have submitted change before you travel to the UK, you must submit a new Passenger Locator Form.

    The Passenger Locator Form is subject to change. The guidance must be read in conjunction with current border health rules for the country you are travelling to.

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