The annual number of international visits to friends and family in the United Kingdom (UK) decreased remarkably in 2020 over the previous year, as a result of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Overall, the number of overseas visits to friends and family in the UK reached roughly 3.45 million in 2020, dropping from over 12 million in 2019.
Number of overseas visits to see friends and family in the United Kingdom (UK) from 2011 to 2020
(in millions)
Data can be found under Table 1.03 in the source's Excel sheet.
These figures represent the annual estimates of overseas travel to the United Kingdom, based on interviews with passengers upon entering or leaving the UK by the main air, sea and tunnel routes.
Estimates based on the International Passenger Survey (IPS). Interviews are conducted with passengers arriving and departing from the country and include visits for all purposes, including for vacation, business, study, visiting friends and family, and other leisure purposes.
The data for 2019 was produced using a new improved estimation method. Figures from 2009 to 2018 shown here have been revised according to the new method. The impact of the improved methodology can be viewed here. Due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, the Office for National Statistics relied on administrative sources of passenger travel data for the period covering April to December 2020.
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Office for National Statistics (UK). (May 24, 2021). Number of overseas visits to see friends and family in the United Kingdom (UK) from 2011 to 2020 (in millions) [Graph]. In Statista. Retrieved December 02, 2024, from https://www.statista.com/statistics/616827/number-of-business-visits-to-the-united-kingdom-uk/
Office for National Statistics (UK). "Number of overseas visits to see friends and family in the United Kingdom (UK) from 2011 to 2020 (in millions)." Chart. May 24, 2021. Statista. Accessed December 02, 2024. https://www.statista.com/statistics/616827/number-of-business-visits-to-the-united-kingdom-uk/
Office for National Statistics (UK). (2021). Number of overseas visits to see friends and family in the United Kingdom (UK) from 2011 to 2020 (in millions). Statista. Statista Inc.. Accessed: December 02, 2024. https://www.statista.com/statistics/616827/number-of-business-visits-to-the-united-kingdom-uk/
Office for National Statistics (UK). "Number of Overseas Visits to See Friends and Family in The United Kingdom (Uk) from 2011 to 2020 (in Millions)." Statista, Statista Inc., 24 May 2021, https://www.statista.com/statistics/616827/number-of-business-visits-to-the-united-kingdom-uk/
Office for National Statistics (UK), Number of overseas visits to see friends and family in the United Kingdom (UK) from 2011 to 2020 (in millions) Statista, https://www.statista.com/statistics/616827/number-of-business-visits-to-the-united-kingdom-uk/ (last visited December 02, 2024)
Number of overseas visits to see friends and family in the United Kingdom (UK) from 2011 to 2020 (in millions) [Graph], Office for National Statistics (UK), May 24, 2021. [Online]. Available: https://www.statista.com/statistics/616827/number-of-business-visits-to-the-united-kingdom-uk/