If its’ Thursday, it must be time for the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office to update its travel corridor lists.
And it’s a little interesting this week as the UK flexes it’s targeting muscles.
Countries where travel advice has been modified to “all but essential travel”, whilst will require self-isolation upon entry to the United Kingdom
- French Polynesia – https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/french-polynesia
- Mainland Portugal – https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/portugal (note, that Azores and Madeira are still allowed as travel corridors)
- Hungary – https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/hungary
- Réunion – https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/reunion
These changes go into effect from 04:00BST on 12th September.
As usual, Check the latest guidance for England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales depending on your final destination in the UK (in particular, Portgual has different requirements in the four home nations
Countries that have been taken off the self-isolation requirements list:
Whilst Sweden being added to the list of countries where self-isolation on return to the UK is not required, you. will still need to provide your journey and contact details before you travel. See guidance on entering or returning to the UK.
This change will go into effect from 04:00BST on 12th September.
The full list of countries where you do not need to self-isolate when returning to the United Kingdom is at https://www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-countries-and-territories-exempt-from-advice-against-all-but-essential-international-travel .
Onto the data…
So, let’s go with HM Government explanation of why they’ve taken the action
Data shows that there has been a consistent increase in newly reported cases in Portugal over the past 3 weeks, with an 81% increase in newly reported cases over 7 days from 1464 to 2652 between 26 August and 9 September.
Data from Hungary shows a 192% increase in newly reported cases over the past week, with the number of cases increasing from 1042 between 27 August and 2 September to 3047 between 3 and 9 September, indicating a sharp rise in COVID-19.
Data shows that there has been a consistent increase in newly reported cases in French Polynesia over the past 4 weeks, with a 77% increase in newly reported cases over 7 days from 78 to 138 between 19 August and 9 September.
There has been a consistent increase in newly reported cases in Réunion over the past 4 weeks, with a 231% increase in newly reported cases over 7 days from 201 to 667 between 19 August and 9 September.
And fill in that locator form
And a message from the Transport Sectary Grant Shapps
All travellers returning to the UK MUST complete a Passenger Locator Form by law. This is vital in protecting public health & ensuring those who need to are complying with self-isolation rules. It is a criminal offence not to complete the form and spot checks will be taking place
— Rt Hon Grant Shapps MP (@grantshapps) September 10, 2020
The form is located at https://www.gov.uk/provide-journey-contact-details-before-travel-uk. UK Border Force do carry out spot checks, and travellers who refuse to provide their contact details face a fine starting at £100.
Which is the last thing you need when are travelling.
Welcome to Economy Class and Beyond – Your no-nonsense guide to network news, honest reviews, with in-depth coverage, unique research as well as the humour and madness as I only know how to deliver.
Follow me on Twitter at @EconomyBeyond for the latest updates! You can follow me on Instagram too!
Also remember that as well as being part of BoardingArea, we’re also part of BoardingArea.eu, delivering frequent flyer news, miles and points to the European reader.
If they had the chips, they’d use them.