Time for a quick travel corridor update – this time involving the United Arab Emirates.
Both Scotland and England have re-imposed self-isolation restrictions for arrivals from the United Arab Emirates (including Dubai and Abu Dhabi).
More importantly, this applies to passengers who are either departing the UAE or transiting via there – so if you are connecting at Dubai International or Abu Dhabi, you will need to factor in the self-isolation time when you get back to the United Kingdom.
The restrictions when travelling from the UAE
Per https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/united-arab-emirates
The FCDO advises against all but essential travel to the whole of the United Arab Emirates, based on the current assessment of COVID-19 risks.
If you are returning to Scotland from Dubai on or after 4am on 11 January, you need to self-isolate on your return. If you are returning to Scotland from the remainder of the UAE on or after 4am on 12 January, you will need to self-isolate on your return. Check the latest guidance for Scotland.
If you are returning to England, Northern Ireland, and Wales from the UAE on or after 4am on 12 January, you will need to self-isolate on your return. Check the latest guidance for England, Northern Ireland, and Wales.
The move comes after an increase in Covid cases by 52% in the UAE in the last seven days. and cite “a significant acceleration in the number of imported cases”.
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.
Remember that the isolation time has changed from 14 days to 10 days. This has been covered on this blog and the update is here.
What about Test to Release?
Test to release is now live for arrivals that will be staying in England. I’ve covered the changes on the blog here. In theory, you can cut down the time you spend in isolation if you get
The official guide is at https://www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-test-to-release-for-international-travel, with test providers at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/list-of-private-providers-of-coronavirus-testing/list-of-private-providers-of-coronavirus-testing#test-to-release-for-international-travel.
You’ll need to pay for testing though…
Remember – International Travel is restricted from the UK
With the UK Government imposing a national lockdown, travel is limited.
If you are in England, you should not travel abroad. You can only travel internationally if you have a legally permitted reason to leave home. There are similar restrictions in place in Scotland, Wales and also some restrictions in Northern Ireland.
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 we are part of the BoardingArea community, bringing you the latest frequent flyer news from around the world.
