As part of Isle of Man Government response to COVID-19 pandemic, a Borders Framework has been developed to reduce the spread and transmission of COVID-19 infection.
See Borders Framework for current restrictions in place.
The Isle of Man's Border Framework is currently at Level 5.
With the COVID-19 pandemic still impacting our everyday lives, the safety of passengers departing and arriving on island remains a top priority. Throughout the crisis the port staff and Travel Notification Service (TNS) team have continued to ensure that the passenger journey is as easy and safe as possible.
We ask that passengers continue to view website content issued on travel, by other service providers or operating services both for the Isle of Man, UK and other destinations as information continues to change.
The Foreign & Commonwealth Office (FCO) continues to advise British people against all non-essential travel to certain destinations worldwide, with rules in place for entering the UK from particular countries because of coronavirus.
For the latest UK Government information.
COVID-19 Travel Corridors: List of countries, territories and regions from where you can travel to England and may not have to self-isolate.
UK Border Control: Entering the UK
New National Restrictions from 5 November: Information on the new national restrictions, including what they mean for working from home and business closures, why they are being introduced and the financial support available.
Planned Future travel
We appreciate that many passengers will have already booked boat journeys, flights, holidays, transport and accommodation and other facilities for travel in the future.
The advice at the present time is that Isle of Man residents should not travel unless it is absolutely necessary.
If you do choose to travel, we recommend that you contact your travel, hire car, accommodation or other service provider direct for help or advice with your bookings.
Collection and Travel with pets
Can I travel to collect a pet from off island?
Contact local service provider to clarify the process you should follow when arranging for delivery and collection of pets.
Can I travel to the UK wait on board the boat, receive a pet (including horses) on board and then not have to self isolate on return to the Isle of Man?
No. By law, pets and horses cannot travel unaccompanied, as someone must ensure their welfare during the journey. The Steam Packet are no longer able to allow pets to be booked for passage, with staff members on board taking on the role of attendant responsible for the animal’s welfare during the journey. Similarly, horses cannot travel without a suitably qualified person in attendance.
Individuals can travel with their pets and horses as they wish, however, like all travellers, they must self-isolate (along with their household if appropriate) when they return to the Island, to ensure the safety of the Island’s community.
With the current levels of infection off island, picking up pets and horses is not essential and there is no way to completely avoid contact with others (person delivering pet to ferry, other ferry passengers travelling) so there is an unmitigatable risk which for a non-essential journey is not appropriate. This applies even if a cabin is pre booked for the journey, and if the travel has been a veterinary requirement.
Collection and Travel with Children and Family members
Can I travel to the UK wait on board the boat, wait for a child or family member to board and not have to self isolate on return to the Isle of Man?
No. If collecting a child or family member, there is no way to completely avoid contact with others and household isolation would require you to self-isolate anyway. If you are planning to collect a family member or child who is not going to join your household, you (and your household) would still.
See
Self Isolation and Household and Exercise
Planning to travel
Before travel consider:
- Purchase and use of face coverings
- Observe social distancing requirements
- Personal hygiene during travel
- Transportation to and from port
- Travel registration and landing forms
Face coverings
A face covering should be worn at all times when entering port or airport buildings and throughout travel until you arrive at your home or booked accommodation.
You should be prepared to remove your face covering if asked to do so by staff for the purposes of identification. Refer to the travel provider information pages for further guidance.
There are some places where you must wear a face covering by law. Different rules exist in different parts of the UK. For the latest advice on face covering use within the UK refer to the UK Face Coverings guidance.
The UK Government's latest aviation guidance includes advice for passengers on how to travel safely and on how to follow social distancing measures at each stage of their journey.
Practical advice includes wearing face coverings when in the airport, washing hands regularly and touching any surfaces and checking in all baggage including hand luggage.
Local port guidance for COVID-19:
Also see: Isle of Man Guidance on facemasks
Travel Registration and Landing form process
Travel Registration Form
Current Border restrictions require passengers travelling to the Isle of Man to register. For details click the button below.
Further guidance is available for:
Isle of Man residents, keyworkers, compassionate travel, patient travel, private vessels and aircraft and for people wishing to move to live or work on the Isle of man can be found on the general guidance page within the Travel Registration section.
Landing Form
Before travellers enter the Isle of Man they should complete a Landing Form. This should be done no more than 48 hours prior to travel.
For details click the button below
Departure Port: Check-in Process
When you arrive at the port/airport the Port or the Airport Security officer will ask arriving passengers to show a copy of your Entry/Exemption Certificate, you can then check-in as usual.
Arriving in the Isle of Man
When you arrive at the port/airport the Port or the Airport Security officer will ask arriving passengers to show a copy of your or Entry/Exemption Certificate, photographic ID or a copy of your completed Landing Form.
Isle of Man residents who have already registered, will only need to show their Landing Form.
As part of the arrival process passengers will be issued with a Direction Notice
Transport on arrival
- Arriving passengers cannot use public transport
- Hire cars should dropped off to a designated area for collection on your arrival
- You may drive your own vehicle home or to the place you will self-isolate
- You may use a pre-booked taxi service (check guidance in place with providers)
- You may also be collected by a member of your household - this only applies if you have been given specific permission to isolate together (i.e. patient return where the patient needs care, or a child) - this only applies if you have been given specific permission to isolate together (i.e. patient return where the patient needs care, or a child)
All arriving passengers should then travel from the port/airport to their accommodation or home.
Failure to adhere to the conditions of your self-isolation is an offence under the Entry Restriction Regulations or the Potentially Infectious Persons Regulations.
The travel entry processes in place will help arriving travellers to fully understand the 14 day self isolation rules which includes the penalty for non-compliance, this may also include up to 3 months imprisonment and/or a fine up to £10,000.
For further guidance see:
Self Isolation and Household and Exercise
Reviewed: 20 November 2020