UK: Authorities amend COVID-19-related international entry restrictions for travelers from multiple countries, effective 04:00 Aug. 8 /update 44

Event

Authorities in the UK will amend the country's COVID-19-related international entry restrictions for travelers from multiple countries, effective 04:00 Aug. 8. Under the government's so-called "traffic light" system for foreign travel, various countries and territories are categorized as "green," "amber," or "red" in order of increasing COVID-19 transmission risk based on local disease activity and immunization rates. Authorities will move Mexico, Georgia, and the French overseas territories of Reunion and Mayotte to the red list. At the same time, India, Bahrain, Qatar, and the UAE will move to the amber list, while Austria, Germany, Slovenia, Slovakia, Latvia, Romania, and Norway move to the green list. Finally, France will move from the amber-plus list to the amber list, meaning that fully vaccinated travelers arriving in England, Scotland, or Northern Ireland will no longer need to quarantine.

Travelers arriving from green-listed countries are not required to quarantine unless a mandatory COVID-19 test taken on or before the second day after arriving in the UK returns a positive result. Currently, the green list includes Australia, Bulgaria, Bermuda, Croatia, Gibraltar, Madeira, Malta, New Zealand, Israel, Iceland, Singapore, Brunei, and several other UK overseas territories.

Most countries worldwide, including the US, are currently designated amber. Health officials may perform spot checks to ensure compliance. Arrivals from amber countries must currently self-isolate for 10 days upon arrival and take COVID-19 tests on the second and eighth days of their quarantine periods. Persons without suitable accommodations must stay at their own expense in facilities arranged by the government. All arrivals must fill out a passenger locator form providing contact details and travel history over the past 10 days.

Business travelers arriving from amber countries will be permitted to temporarily leave self-isolation under limited circumstances for critical business purposes. The measure only applies to business executives who can demonstrate that their activity will benefit a UK-based organization employing at least 500 people; such executives must apply for approval to leave quarantine before travel and be subject to all other testing and quarantine requirements.

Travelers arriving from all amber-designated countries who have been fully vaccinated under a state-approved program within the UK are exempt from quarantine requirements if traveling to England. Travelers from France who arrive in England, Scotland, or Northern Ireland before 04:00 Aug. 8 will still be subject to quarantine requirements. All travelers from amber countries still need to provide a negative result from a COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours before travel and submit to a confirmatory test within 48 hours after arrival. Children under the age of 18 arriving in England from amber countries are exempt from quarantine measures. Additionally, children under the age of four are exempt from testing requirements; those aged 5-10 must take a PCR test on day two after arrival, and those aged 11 to 18 will need to take a COVID-19 test no more than 72 hours before departure for England and an additional test on day two after arrival.

Travelers who have visited red countries within 10 days before arrival in the UK are barred from entry. Countries on the red list include, but are not limited to, Turkey, South Africa, Brazil, Kenya, Ethiopia, Egypt, Indonesia, Argentina, Nepal, Bangladesh, Philippines, and Pakistan. British and Irish nationals, visa holders, and permanent residents are exempt from the entry ban; however, all permitted arrivals from red-listed countries must self-isolate in a government-approved hotel quarantine facility for 10 days at their own expense.

All international arrivals must present proof of having tested negative for COVID-19 before boarding their flights for the UK. Any persons arriving without such proof may be fined or denied entry. Arrivals from outside the British Isles and Ireland must be tested no more than 72 hours before departing their country of origin. Exemptions are in place for children under the age of 11, international rail and maritime crews, and certain other categories of travelers. Persons arriving from the British Overseas Territories of Saint Helena, Ascension Island, and the Falkland Islands are exempt. The government has issued online guidance on test criteria and details of certain traveler categories that are exempt.

Authorities have introduced additional procedures for testing certain categories of international arrivals. The system uses lateral flow tests to identify cases, enabling these arrivals to avoid quarantine. The categories include commercial truckers, transport crew, seafarers, seasonal agricultural workers, and certain travelers engaged in essential activity supporting the national interest. Such arrivals will be required to take a test before the end of their second day in the UK; those staying in the UK for longer periods will be required to take two further tests every three days. Arrivals staying in the UK for fewer than two days will not require a test. Tests will be obtained through various means, including workplace and community testing programs, home-testing kits, and - for commercial truckers - testing sites situated along major routes. Individuals receiving a positive result must take a PCR test and self-isolate for 10 days. Arrivals from elsewhere in the British Isles and Ireland will not be subject to the requirements.

Officials review these measures weekly or in response to significant changes in disease activity abroad. Authorities could reimpose, extend, further ease, or otherwise amend any restrictions with little-to-no notice depending on disease activity over the coming weeks.

Advice

Follow all official instructions. Abide by national health and safety measures. Reconfirm all travel arrangements. Consider delaying traveling if experiencing symptoms associated with COVID-19, as they may prompt increased scrutiny and delays. Arrive at the airport early to prevent your seat from being reallocated to a standby passenger. Liaise with trusted contacts for further updates and guidance. Ensure contingency plans account for further disruptive measures or extensions of current restrictions.

Resources

Details of Testing Regime Introduced April 6
UK Country Classification Lists for International Arrivals
UK Passenger Locator Form
Declaration Form for International Travel
List of Exempt Professions
Department for Transport
Testing Parameters and Traveler Exemptions for UK Arrivals