The U.K. government has announced that beginning at 4 a.m. on Friday, April 9, Bangladesh, Kenya, Pakistan and the Philippines will be added to England’s COVID-19 “red list.”

Key Points:

  • Travel bans remain in place for visitors to England from the existing “red list” countries. Beginning April 9, the list will also include Bangladesh, Kenya, Pakistan and the Philippines.
  • The travel ban applies to travelers who are either traveling from the “red list” countries or have been in those countries (including in transit) in the previous 10 days.
  • U.K. nationals, Irish nationals and U.K. residents (including Skilled Worker visa holders) are allowed to enter England from the red list countries. However, they will be required to enter a government-approved hotel quarantine facility for 10 days upon arrival.

Additional Information: The new measures mark a tightening of restrictions in light of reported new variants of COVID-19.

Analysis & Comments: The new requirement is essential to note for travelers from Bangladesh, Kenya, Pakistan and the Philippines. Eligible travelers from these countries will need to factor in additional costs of the hotel stay.

Travelers to England are reminded that the existing requirements remain in place for COVID-19 testing 72 hours before travel and on day two and day eight after arrival. The existing requirement to self-isolate for 10 days after arrival (either in the traveler’s accommodation or a hotel if arriving from a red list country) also remains in place. Employers who intend to send employees to the U.K. may wish to consult with Deloitte about their travel plans.

The response to COVID-19 continues to develop, and Deloitte will provide additional updates as information becomes available. Please check Deloitte’s COVID-19 Digital Map, available here, for information on travel restrictions and immigration changes in other countries.

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