Every traveller to the UK will now have to have a negative pre-departure Covid test in order to enter the country. The change will come in at 04:00 on Tuesday, Health Secretary Sajid Javid has announced.
As well as the lateral flow or PCR test before departure, they will also need to take a PCR test before the end of their second day in the UK and have to self-isolate at least until their negative result comes back.
The move on pre-departure testing comes after the Labour Party demanded it and leaked minutes from the Sage advisory committee said such a change would be valuable.
It follows concerns about the Omicron variant of Covid, which has also led to quarantine being reintroduced for travellers from some African countries.
What is the rule for post-arrival PCR tests?
If you are entering the UK from a foreign country (apart from Ireland), you have two days to take a PCR test – a lateral flow test will no longer be accepted.
The PCR test must be booked before you travel, and bought privately from a government-approved list of providers.
While you are waiting for a result, you must self-isolate – whether or not you have been vaccinated. You can stop self-isolating if your test is negative.
Which countries are on the red list now?
Ten southern African countries had already been added to the UK’s travel red list, because of fears about Omicron.
These are South Africa, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Lesotho, Eswatini, Angola, Mozambique and Zambia. Nigeria has also been added to the list from 04:00 on Monday.
The only people allowed to enter the UK from these countries are UK or Irish nationals, or UK residents.
They will have to pay for and self-isolate in a pre-booked government-approved hotel for 10 days.
Rates are:
- 10 days (11-nights) for one adult – £2,285
- Additional adult (or child over 11) – £1,430
- Children aged five to 11 – £325
What other rules are there for travelling to the UK?
All travellers coming to the UK must fill in a passenger locator form – even if they are just passing through – which they need to fill in 48 hours or less before their journey.
Before travelling to the UK
Until Tuesday 04:00, fully vaccinated passengers travelling to the UK from many countries do not have to take a Covid test before setting off.
This applies to people vaccinated in the UK, the EU, the US and dozens of other recognised countries – including Brazil, Hong Kong, India, Pakistan and Turkey. You must be able to prove you are fully vaccinated.
The same rules also apply to under-18s resident in one of these countries, whether or not they are vaccinated.
After 04:00 on Tuesday all travellers will have to take a pre-departure test irrespective of vaccinated status.
What if I’m unvaccinated?
The current UK rules say that if you aren’t fully vaccinated – and you’re over 18 – you need to:
- take a PCR or lateral flow/antigen test (not a free NHS test) in the three days before you travel to the UK
- take a test on or before day two and on or after day eight after your return.
- self-isolate at home for 10 days after arrival in the UK
Test to Release will remain an option for unvaccinated passengers to England who want to shorten their quarantine.
What are the rules in the US?
There is no quarantine requirement for fully vaccinated people, but they need to show proof of a negative test taken no more than 24 hours before travelling.
Another test, three to five days after arriving in the US, is recommended.
Vaccine certificates – including the NHS Covid Pass and equivalents from Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland – are accepted.
Masks are mandatory on planes and in airports, and travellers must follow state and local rules at their destination.
What’s happening in Europe?
Some European countries are tightening rules.
In France, from 15 December, over-65s must have had a booster jab to travel or visit restaurants and museums. It is not clear whether this will apply to UK visitors.
People in England and Wales can now show they have had a third dose using the NHS Covid Pass.
Rules can change quickly, not only for Europe, but for all countries. You should keep checking the UK Foreign Office rules for your destination for the latest updates.
Source: BBC