Travel FAQ

As soon as you know your guests' arrival dates, please contact the local authorities. For West Sussex, email communities@westsussex.gov.uk or call 0330 222 7980. Please see our other pages for more information about how you should prepare for your guests' arrival.

Before your guests arrive, please make sure that they have your name and phone numbers, both saved on their phones and in hard copy. They may need to at Customs/Immigration.

We strongly advise that you pick up your guests from the airport/international train station.

Are there free flights available to Ukrainian refugees coming to the UK?

  • Yes, Wizz Air has offered 100,000 free flights. However, only guide or assistance animals will be allowed. Please click the link above for more information. Wizz Air is no longer offering free flights.

Are there free train tickets available to Ukrainian refugees coming to the UK?

  • Yes, Eurostar has offered free travel to Ukrainians. This is now the best free way to arrive in the UK--it is also our recommended method of travel. However, no pets will be allowed.

Is there free travel available within the UK?

  • Yes, National Rail is providing free transport. However, we strongly recommend that you pick up your guests from the airport.

Can pets come?

  • In short, yes, but it can be complicated: see below for more information. The easiest way for pets to come is by car and ferry.

Pets

As the above suggests, the pets situation is evolving, but remains complicated.

If your guests want to bring their pets, it is best to first call APHA at +44 3000 200 301 (option 2) or email: pettravel@apha.gov.uk.

The UK Government has recently relaxed rules about pets. As we understand it, pets will require an emergency license from the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA). Costs of vaccination and quarantine will also be covered by the government. Quarantine may be up to four months. Note that APHA is currently inundated.

  • For more information, go here and here.

  • We are not yet aware of any straightforward free travel options that permit pets. Stena is offering free travel to refugees, but this seems to require an organisational intermediary.

  • Petplan is offering free health insurance to Ukrainian refugees. Call 0330 057 3662 for more info.