- London is currently subject to national lockdown restrictions.
- If you need to travel for essential reasons, plan ahead and avoid using public transport at peak times – cycle or walk where possible.
- You must wear a face covering in certain places across the city, including on public transport.
- For people already in the UK, use the 111 online coronavirus service to get further information about coronavirus and check your symptoms.
- Find the latest information on the official UK government website.
London is currently subject to national lockdown restrictions.
Make sure to follow the latest government guidelines by staying at home and acting responsibly when out and about for exercise or essential journeys.
While you’re not able to visit London, you can still experience the capital from your sofa with our Virtually London guide. London looks forward to welcoming you back soon!
Can I travel to London?
The UK government is asking people to stay at home, except for a limited number of reasons.
The UK is open to international visitors. However, many countries have travel restrictions in place and international visitors should check their own government’s guidelines for advice before any travel to London. Find more information about travelling to the UK.
Latest lockdown rules: What are the national lockdown restrictions?
London is currently subject to national lockdown restrictions.
You should not leave your home, unless it is essential. Stay local and avoid travel outside of your area during lockdown.
If you do need to travel for essential reasons, limit your journeys and avoid busy times on public transport – walk or cycle where possible.
Don't socialise with anyone outside of your household or bubble. However, you can exercise in a public outdoor space with people you live with, your bubble or one person from outside your household.
Find more information about the current London coronavirus restrictions, including what you can and can't do during lockdown.
What are the four local lockdown tiers?
Before the national lockdown, the UK government restrictions included four local lockdown levels – medium (tier 1), high (tier 2), very high (tier 3) and stay at home (tier 4).
London was subject to stay at home (tier 4) level restrictions. It is not yet known which tier London will be subject to after lockdown.
Find more information about the coronavirus restrictions in London.
London attractions, venues and events
While London is subject to national lockdown restrictions, the city's attractions, leisure venues, pubs, restaurants, bars and non-essential shops must temporarily close their doors. Some outdoor attractions are allowed to remain open for exercise.
Many hospitality venues and shops are still running delivery, takeaway and click-and-collect services, so you can continue to support all your favourite local businesses.
Many major London events have been postponed or cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Find out what’s open and when in the capital. Plus, plan ahead and take a look at the top London activities after lockdown.
Staycations in London
If you’re dreaming of visiting London on a staycation after lockdown, plan ahead and make sure to read the latest guidance on planning a holiday in England, which includes detailed information on what to do if you feel unwell during your trip.
Check which coronavirus restrictions apply to your local area before your trip to London, including certain rules around travel and overnight stays.
Guidance for staying safe
If you need to travel for essential reasons, it is advised that you make your journey by cycling or walking. If you make a journey on public transport, you should avoid travelling at peak times and wear a face covering. For the latest travel information, visit the Transport for London website.
Plan ahead and get around London safely with the TfL Go app, which helps you plan the best routes and travel outside of peak times to aid social distancing.
Visit the official UK government website to find out more about restrictions due to coronavirus and how to stay safe outside of your home, including social distancing guidelines.
Face coverings
It is mandatory to wear a face covering on all public transport, in taxis and private-hire vehicles, and public indoor settings, including shops and supermarkets.
Find more information on face coverings and where you should wear one in London.
How will coronavirus impact my travel to London?
People are required to continue observing social distancing – follow the guidelines to stay safe outside your home.
Find out what to do if you feel unwell during your trip to London. There are specific procedures in place for anyone experiencing symptoms, with further information on the official UK government website.
You can also find further advice on the NHS website, including how to get a free test for coronavirus.
To avoid the spread of the virus, make sure you:
- Wash your hands for at least 20 seconds using soap and warm water. Use hand sanitiser if you do not have access to water.
- Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue (not your hands) when sneezing or coughing.
- Clean and disinfect regularly touched objects and surfaces to reduce the risk of spreading germs.
- Limit contact with other people and stay two metres away from others outside of your household.
- Wear a face covering in enclosed public spaces and when travelling on public transport. This measure applies across all TfL services.
Pre-booked tickets
Due to the UK government recommendations, the Society of London Theatre (SOLT) and UK Theatre venues have ended some current performances – visit the Official London Theatre website for information about refunds and exchanges.
If you have tickets for a performance, event or attraction affected by London's coronavirus restrictions, your ticket provider will contact you to discuss exchange or refund options.
More useful information
To ensure the places you visit are adhering to government and public health guidance, you’ll start to see the “We’re Good to Go” industry standard mark. This is available to UK venues and businesses to signal that they’ve put in place special safety measures due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Look out for the “See it Safely” mark, which ensures that theatre venues are following coronavirus safety guidelines and social distancing measures.
You can also nominate your local small businesses and encourage them to sign up to the Pay it Forward platform to generate funding and recover from the impact of COVID-19.
Visit the official UK government website for the latest information on the coronavirus pandemic, or find more coronavirus guidance on the NHS website.
Last updated: 8 January 2021