It’s that time again where the government fiddles whilst everything burns around them and plays “Guess Who” with the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office to decide what changes there are.
Yes, its the Travel Corridor Update List
So, what’s changed this week?
Countries/Regions being removed from the UK Travel Corridors List
- The Canary Islands (Spain) – https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/spain
If you arrive after 4am on 12th December, 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.
Countries the are being added to the UK Travel Corridor List:
- Botswana – https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/botswana
- Saudi Arabia – https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/saudi-arabia/
If you arrive after 4am on 12th December, you will no longer have to 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.
But when you are 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.
Remember to 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.
What about the changes to cut quarantine time from the 15th December?
Want to escape quarantine early? I‘ve broken down the changes occurring on the 15th December onwards. The official guide is at https://www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-test-to-release-for-international-travel, with test providers yet to be provided.
You’ll need to pay for testing though…
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