Coronavirus (COVID-19) in Bristol – latest information and advice

The health and safety of visitors, delegates and residents within Bristol is of paramount importance to us all and we want to share ongoing advice related to COVID-19 (coronavirus) here.

For the latest news on who is open we are able to update the Visit Bristol social media channels more quickly than the website.

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Last updated: 7 January 2022

Key information: 

• Attractions, hotels, shops, restaurants, bars and cafes have reopened in Bristol, and visitors are welcome from within and outside the UK.

• From 4am on Sunday 9 January 2022, fully vaccinated passengers and under-18s will no longer need to take a pre-departure test or self-isolate on arrival. They will still be required to complete a passenger locator form and take a test on or before day two after arrival. This can be either a lateral flow (LFD) or PCR test. If the lateral flow test is positive, people will be issued a free confirmatory PCR test and will be required to self-isolate. If the PCR test is negative, then the isolation period can end. Individuals who are not deemed as fully vaccinated must complete a passenger locator form, take a pre-departure test, have booked a PCR day two and day eight test package and complete 10 days self-isolation.

• Face coverings are compulsory in shops and on public transport. 

• All contacts of suspected Omicron cases must self-isolate, regardless of their vaccination status. They will be contacted by NHS Test and Trace.

• If you have coronavirus symptoms, stay at home. 

• All shops are allowed to open. Read more about Bristol Shopping
• Indoor hospitality venues such as restaurants, pubs, bars and cafes can reopen. Discover Bristol's Food & Drink
• Indoor entertainment and attractions such as cinemas, theatres, concert halls, bowling alleys, casinos, amusement arcades, museums and children’s indoor play areas are permitted to open with COVID-secure measures in place. Find Things to Do in Bristol
• People can attend indoor and outdoor events, including live performances, sporting events and business events. Attendance at these events is capped according to venue type, and attendees should follow the COVID-secure measures set out by those venues. View our What's On Calendar
• All holiday accommodation can open, including hotels and B&Bs. Where to Stay in Bristol

Please check business websites or social media for the most up-to-date information. 

• Find the latest COVID-19 rules and information on the official UK government website.   
• Guidance on prevention measures, which includes ensuring the washing of hands regularly, and using a face covering, can be found at NHS.uk
• For travellers already in the UK and who need medical advice, use the 111 online coronavirus service to get further information.  

Team VB are working hard to ensure that information on VisitBristol.co.uk is relevant and up to date. However this cannot be guaranteed due to the ever-changing nature of the current situation. Please check with restaurants, hotels, attractions and shops before visiting by calling ahead or checking their website directly.

How will coronavirus impact my travel to Bristol? 

From 30 November, all international arrivals, including those who are fully vaccinated, must take a Day 2 PCR test and self-isolate until they receive a negative result. Those who test positive, they must isolate for 10 days. Lateral flow tests are no longer accepted and all travellers arriving into UK.

There are changes to the public transport network to and within Bristol. Please check this page on the Travelwest website for further information.

The traffic light system for overseas travel no longer applies. Instead, there is a single red list and the rest of the world. If you’re travelling to the UK from a non-red list country or territory and are eligible under fully vaccinated rules, you only need to take a test on day 2 after you arrive.

What is open?

Most businesses in Bristol are now open and have returned to their regular opening hours. Please check Visit Bristol social media channels for the latest news as and when we receive it. 

We will continue to keep this page updated as the situation changes and we find out more.

Further resources:

Visit Bristol, Meet Bristol and our member businesses are continually revising policies in line with the latest Public Health England (PHE) advice, which includes increased cleanliness and hygiene procedures as well as travel advice.

Guidance on prevention measures, which includes ensuring the washing of hands regularly, and covering your face, can be found at NHS.uk and more information can be found via the UK Government website.

Advice for tourism businesses is regularly updated by Visit Britain

Conference organisers and delegates, please check directly with any venues for up to date information.

Visit the official UK government website for the latest information on the coronavirus outbreak and advice for travellers, or take a look at the frequently asked questions on coronavirus on the National Heath Service (NHS) website

Exploring Bristol’s beautiful outdoor spaces:

Heading outdoors seems more appealing than ever. We are also a green city with over 400 parks and green spaces and have some amazing outdoor visitor attractions so it's easy to spend time outside here.

• Outdoor activities and places to visit
• Find out more about Bristol's parks and gardens
• Take a walk in some lesser known places in the city

Business event guidance for venues & industry professionals

• The visitor economy guidance includes guidance for business events and consumer shows.
• See VisitBritain’s business advice hub for a summary of the latest updates.
• Visit the Meetings Industry Association (mia) website for advice and insight regarding meetings and events.
• Find out more about VisitBritain’s We’re good to go industry trademark.
• Prime Minister’s office latest updates.

If you’d like to discuss hosting a business event in Bristol or the surrounding areas for 2021 and beyond please contact Amy Bramhall, Convention Bureau Manager on amy.bramhall@meetbristol.co.uk

Further resources:

Visit Bristol, Meet Bristol and our member businesses are continually revising policies in line with the latest Public Health England (PHE) advice, which includes increased cleanliness and hygiene procedures as well as travel advice.

Guidance on prevention measures, which includes ensuring the washing of hands regularly, and covering your face, can be found at NHS.uk and more information can be found via the UK Government website.

Advice for tourism businesses is regularly updated by Visit Britain

Conference organisers and delegates, please check directly with any venues for up to date information.

Visit the official UK government website for the latest information on the coronavirus outbreak and advice for travellers, or take a look at the frequently asked questions on coronavirus on the National Heath Service (NHS) website.