COVID-19: New travel system implemented, red list reduced

IMPACT – HIGH

The Home Office implemented a new simplified travel system and modified the entry requirements for individuals traveling to England and removed countries from the red-list.

Red-list travel requirements:

• Only British nationals, Irish nationals or those with residence rights in the U.K. will be allowed to enter England if they have been in a red-list country within 10 days of arrival.
• Individuals who are able to enter England from a red-list country regardless of their vaccination status must:
  • Take COVID-19 test within three days before departure.
  • Book a quarantine hotel package and take two additional COVID-19 tests.
  • Complete the passenger locator form within 48 hours of arrival.
• More information regarding red-list travel requirements can be found here.

Rest of world travel requirements:

• Fully vaccinated individuals who are traveling to England from a country not on the red list must:
  • Book and pay for a COVID-19 test to be taken on or before day two of arrival.
  • Complete the passenger locator form within 48 hours of arrival.
• Individuals who are not fully vaccinated and who are traveling to England from a country not on the red list must:
  • Take COVID-19 test within three days before departure.
  • Book and pay for two additional COVID-19 tests to be taken on or before day two and on or after day eight of arrival.

• Quarantine for 10 days.
  • Complete the passenger locator form within 48 hours of arrival.

• As of Oct. 11, the red list includes: Colombia, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Haiti, Panama, Peru and Venezuela.

Additional Information: Children under the age of five who are traveling from a red-list country are exempt from testing requirements but must carry out the mandatory quarantine. Travel requirements for Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales may be different than the requirements for England. More information regarding travel from a country not on the red list and who qualifies as fully vaccinated can be found here.

BAL Analysis: The Home Office intends to simplify the travel requirements for those traveling to the U.K. Travelers should check the territory specific requirements before planning travel to the U.K. The response to the COVID-19 pandemic continues to develop, and BAL will provide additional updates as information becomes available.

This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice Group. For additional information, please contact berryapplemanleiden@bal.com.

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