UK: Authorities expand travel ban to DRC and Tanzania from 0400 Jan. 22 /update 20

Event

As part of ongoing efforts to limit the spread of coronavirus disease (COVID-19), from Jan. 22 health officials in the UK have barred entry for arrivals who have visited the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) or Tanzania in the previous 10 days due to the rapid spread of the new strain of COVID-19 in the region. Officials previously banned entry for travelers from several southern African nations with strong travel links with South Africa, namely Angola, Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Malawi, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Seychelles, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. Nonresident foreign nationals will not be permitted entry into the UK if they arrive from, have been in, or have transited South Africa or one of the aforementioned countries within the past 10 days. Flights with South Africa remain suspended as of Jan. 22.

Authorities have also banned international arrivals from Portugal, as well Argentina, Brazil, Bolivia, Cape Verde, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, French Guiana, Guyana, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Suriname, Uruguay, and Venezuela. Freight transporters arriving from Portugal are exempt from this measure. British and Irish nationals, visa holders, and permanent residents, are exempt from the entry bans but must self-isolate for 10 days on arrival, along with the rest of their household.

All international arrivals must present proof of having tested negative for COVID-19 before boarding. Any persons arriving without such proof may be fined or denied entry. Arrivals from outside of the UK, Ireland, the Isle of Man, and the Channel Islands 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 crew, 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 as well as details of certain traveler categories that are exempt.

In addition, international arrivals to the UK must currently self-isolate for up to 10 days upon entry; travelers can reduce the required self-isolation period by taking a COVID-19 test five days after arrival at their own expense. Such individuals may be released from self-isolation upon receipt of a negative result. Health officials may perform spot checks to ensure compliance. Persons without suitable accommodation must stay in facilities arranged by the government at their own expense. All arrivals must also fill out a passenger locator form providing contact details and their travel history over the previous 10 days.

Senior executives, or individuals with senior managerial responsibility in a business organization, are exempt from quarantine requirements. The executives, whether visiting or returning, must be engaged in specific business activities that deliver a significant benefit to the UK economy, including those that create or preserve 50 or more jobs in the UK or purchase goods or services for at least GBP 100 million (USD 134 million) from a UK-based business with at least 50 employees. Additionally, aerospace engineers, data infrastructure maintenance personnel, elite athletes, journalists, IT workers, and seasonal agricultural workers do not need to self-isolate upon entering the country.

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.

Emphasize basic health precautions, especially frequent handwashing with soap and water, or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are unavailable. Practice good coughing/sneezing etiquette (i.e., covering coughs and sneezes with a disposable tissue, maintaining distance from others, and washing hands). There is no evidence that the influenza vaccine, antibiotics, or antiviral medications will prevent this disease, highlighting the importance of diligent basic health precautions.