New COVID-19 Travel Measures for Arrivals in the UK

In new travel plans announced today, arrivals into the UK will soon have to undergo additional COVID-19 tests. Moreover, arrivals from the red-list countries will have to quarantine in designated hotels at a cost of £1750 per person. Consequently, those who fail to quarantine could face fines of up to £10,000.

COVID-19 Testing Requirements

Air, rail, and boat passengers, including returning residents, will be required to take a PCR COVID-19 test on days two and eight of their 10-day mandatory quarantine period. In addition, they must show proof of a negative COVID-19 result before arrival. The new measures will come into effect on Monday, February 15.

Penalties for Non-compliance

Testing is mandatory. A £1000 fine will be imposed on any international arrival who fails to take a coronavirus test, followed by a £2000 fine for failing to take the second test. Travelers must pay for the tests, which currently cost about £100.

Purpose of the New Rules

A government spokesperson stated that these measures are designed to prevent imported cases of the new variants of the coronavirus, which have emerged in countries such as South Africa and Denmark.

Exemptions from Quarantine

Exemptions will apply for hauliers, children under 11 years old, air and boat crews, and those traveling from countries without the infrastructure available to deliver the tests. Notably, arrivals from Ireland will also be exempt from the plan under the Common Travel Area agreement.

Enhanced Quarantine for Red-List Countries

All arrivals are expected to quarantine; however, from Monday, those rules will be enhanced for passengers, including UK residents, arriving from any of the red-list countries. In England, they will be required to quarantine in specially designated hotels for 10 days. Travelers will be responsible for the costs, which include accommodation, tests, and transport. Health Secretary Matt Hancock indicates that expenses could total around £1750 per person, according to reports.

Regional Travel Rules

Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland each have their own travel rules. In Scotland, the government has proposed that all returning residents, not just those from red-list countries, quarantine in designated hotels. Furthermore, Wales and Northern Ireland are expected to announce stricter restrictions soon.

This article was first published on January 8 and updated on February 9, 2021.