It’s that time of the week where Her Majesties Government pretends to know what it’s doing and it actively managing its travel corridors between different countries.
So let’s dive into this week’s changes.
Countries where air corridors are being re-established
If you arrive from Portugal after 04:00 on the 22nd August will no longer be subject to quarantine/self-isolation requirements in the United Kingdom. If you want to grab a quick break to Portugal, book now.
Countries where air corridors are being removed
- Austria – https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/austria
- Croatia – https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/croatia
- Trinidad and Tobago – https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/trinidad-and-tobago
- Switzerland (Entries into Scotland) – https://www.gov.scot/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-public-health-checks-at-borders/pages/exemptions/
Arrivals to the United Kingdom after 04:00 on the 22nd August will be subject to quarantine/self-isolation requirements in the United Kingdom. You will typically have to self-isolate for 14 days.
In a series of tweets, the Transport Grant Shapps Secretary said:
Data shows we need to remove Croatia, Austria and Trinidad & Tobago from our list of #coronavirus Travel Corridors to keep infection rates DOWN. If you arrive in the UK after 0400 Saturday from these destinations, you will need to self-isolate for 14 days.
— Rt Hon Grant Shapps MP (@grantshapps) August 20, 2020
Data also shows we can now add Portugal to those countries INCLUDED in Travel Corridors. As with all air bridge countries, please be aware that things can change quickly. Only travel if you are content to unexpectedly 14-day quarantine if required (I speak from experience!)
— Rt Hon Grant Shapps MP (@grantshapps) August 20, 2020
The great rush
For some, there will be a rush to get home before the deadline (especially from Croatia or Austria). The challenge, of course, trying to get home with the currently limited capacity out there. Prices are jumping for these routes (and don’t bother to travel via France or Netherlands, as you’ll trigger the quarantine for entering those territories).
Meanwhile, for those wanting a cheeky break to Portugal, the time to strike is now, however ticket prices are starting to rise as noted by Simon Calder:
First the good news: Portugal has been removed from the “no-go” list, where it has been since 17 March.
A good time to book that late summer break, though fares are already soaring: Manchester-Faro for Saturday morning doubled from £50 to £98 in 30 minuteshttps://t.co/da6giZsSt4— @simoncalder (@SimonCalder) August 20, 2020
As usual, try to plan ahead – as much as Her Majesties Government would allow you to these days…
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