THE coronavirus pandemic has already transformed the way we travel - and now another major change has been introduced.

Passengers flying into the UK from another country must now complete a Passenger Locator Form up to 48 hours before arrival.

The government has said it's a coronavirus safety measure so people can be tracked in case of emergencies.

Travellers must fill in the form online and leave themselves enough time to complete it to reduce delays at the border.

Maldon and Burnham Standard: Anyone entering the UK now needs to fill out this formAnyone entering the UK now needs to fill out this form

Failure to complete the form, which asks for details of your journey, is a criminal offence.

Gatwick Airport has issued a warning to passengers to make sure they don't get caught out.

"Don't forget you must fill in a Government form before you land back in the UK after a holiday or if you're visiting," a post on Twitter read.

"You'll need to provide travel and contact details. Set a reminder up to 48 hours before you fly to save time at Passport Control."

The airport has already introduced several new measures to help prevent an outbreak of coronavirus, including temperature scans, mandatory face coverings and shields at desks to reduce direct contact.

Government advice on travel: 

If you develop coronavirus symptoms

Do not travel if you have coronavirus symptoms.

If you develop coronavirus symptoms when you’re travelling to the UK, tell the crew or driver on your plane, ferry, train or bus. They’ll tell staff in the airport, port or station, so they can tell you what you should do next when you arrive.

Maldon and Burnham Standard: Travelling has changed dramatically during the pandemicTravelling has changed dramatically during the pandemic

If you’re travelling with other people

You and the people you’re travelling with must all complete a separate form.

If you’re travelling with someone under 18 years old, they do not need their own form if you:

  • will arrive and leave together
  • will stay at the same UK address
  • add their details into your form

If you will enter the UK more than once in 48 hours

You can include multiple journeys in your form if you will enter the UK more than once in 48 hours, for example if you’re a haulier or crew member.

Who does not need to complete the form

You do not need to complete the form if you’re travelling from one of the following places, and you were there for 14 days or more:

  • Ireland
  • the Channel Islands
  • the Isle of Man