UK Travel Corridors Update: Lots of additions, two removals

So, what’s changed this week?

Countries being removed from the UK Travel Corridors List

• Estonia – https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/estonia
• Lativa – https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/latvia

If you arrive after 4am on 28 November, you will be required to self-isolate for 14 days after arrival (unless exempt). Check the latest guidance for England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales.

The UK FCDO is not advising those already travelling in Estonia Or Lativa to leave at this time. Travellers should follow the advice of the local authorities on how best to protect themselves and others You should contact your tour operator or airline if you have any questions about your return journey.

Countries the are being added to the UK Travel Corridor List:

• Samoa – https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/samoa
• Kiribati – https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/kiribati
• Micronesia – https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/micronesia
• Tonga – https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/tonga
• Vanuatu – https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/vanuatu
• Solomon Islands – https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/solomon-islands
• Bhutan – https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/bhutan
• Timor-Leste – https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/timor-leste
• Mongoli – https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/mongolia
• Aruba – https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/aruba

If you arrive after 4am on 28 November, you will not have to self-isolate on arrival from these countries. If you arrive before then, the full 14 days self-isolation requirement will apply. As usual, there are no reciprocal agreements between these countries and the UK – thus you may be subject to denial of entry or face an isolation period.

The countries lists

As usual, there are two lists you need to be aware of:

• The travel corridors list, its at https://www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-travel-corridors.
• The list of countries where FCDO’s “Do not travel” does not apply is at https://www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-countries-and-territories-exempt-from-advice-against-all-but-essential-international-travel.

There’s still a lockdown in progress

For those still living under a rock, England is in lockdown still. This means From 5 November to 2 December 2020, travelling away from home, including internationally, is restricted from England except in limited circumstances such as for work or education. Therefore, no leisure or family trips out.

Different rules apply in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

And don’t forget when returning to the UK…

All travellers, including those from exempt destinations, will still be required to show a completed passenger locator form on arrival in the United Kingdom unless they fall into a small group of exemptions. Failure to do so will lead to fines if you are caught entering the country without a completed form.

Self Isolate or enjoy a hefty fine.

Yes, it’s not going to be a fun time if you have to self-isolate on returning to the UK. It’ll be a less of a fun time on your wallet if you breach the self-isolation rules when returning from non-exempt countries, with fines increasing have increased from £1,000 for a first offence up to £10,000 for subsequent offences, mirroring penalties for those breaching self-isolation following a positive COVID test or contact from Test & Trace.