Transport for London (TfL) have a list of exemptions from the current requirement to wear face coverings on buses, trains and other public transport services. If you meet one of the exemption criteria, you can download and print out a card that highlights your exemption to other passengers and Tfl staff, from the TfL Face Coverings website.

The requirement to wear a face covering on TfL’s public transport stations, platforms and services does not apply to:

  • Children under the age of 11
  • Employees of, or persons providing agreed services to, TfL
  • Police constables (including British Transport Police officers) acting in the course of their duty
  • Members or employees of the emergency services responding to an emergency

You also do not need to wear a face covering if you have a good reason not to; such as:

  • If you have a physical or mental illness or impairment, or a disability that means you cannot put on, wear or remove a face covering
  • If putting on, wearing or removing a face covering would cause you severe distress
  • If you are travelling with, or providing assistance to, someone who relies on lip reading to communicate
  • If you are travelling to avoid injury or escape the risk of harm, and you do not have a face covering with you
  • If you need to remove it during your journey to avoid harm or injury or the risk of harm or injury to yourself or others
  • If you need to eat, drink, or take medication you can remove your face covering
  • If you are asked to remove your face covering by a police officer or other official, for example to check your railcard