In a press conference this evening, Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced that all travel corridors that are currently open will be suspended as of Monday, 18th January 2021.
Editors note: You can have a generic shot of arrivals at Terminal 3, or a picture of Boris Johnson. I’ve chosen the one that makes me feel happier.
The net result of the move will mean all international arrivals from 4am, Monday, 18th January 2021 – no matter the country you arrive from – are subject to a ten-day self-isolation on arrival (which can be reduced if you take part in the Test to Release programme, or from a very limited number of exempt areas, such as Jersey, Guernsey, Isle of Man or Ireland).
As I covered earlier, you will have a negative COVID-19 test up to three days before you fly (or at https://www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-testing-for-people-travelling-to-england). This applies to entry into England at the same time the travel corridors are being shuttered, whilst in Scotland, this is now a legal requirement as of today.
In Quotes
In a televised address, Prime Minister Boris Johnson stated:
Prime Minister Boris Johnson speaking earlier today – Image, BBC.
(and) to protect us against the risk of as yet unidentified new strains, we will also temporarily close all travel corridors from 0400 on Monday.
Following conversations with the devolved administrations, we will act together so that this applies across the whole of UK
This means that if you come to this country, you must have proof of a negative Covid test that you have taken in the 72 hours before leaving and you must have filled in your Passenger Locator Form, and your airline will ask for proof of both before you take off.
You may also be checked when you land and face substantial fines for refusing to comply
And, upon arrival, you must then quarantine for ten days – not leaving your home for any reason at all, or take another test on day 5 and wait for proof of another negative result.
And we will be stepping up our enforcement – both at the border and in-country.
When does this get reviewed?
The new rules will be for a month at least – at least until 15 February.
What to do next?
If your travel plans involve coming to the United Kingdom unless you meet certain requirements, you will need to self-isolate on arrival for at least 5 days (if using Test to Release) or 10 days.
And that… is that really.
What if I need to leave the UK?
Travel for essential purposes is the only valid reason at this time. As such, you will need to ensure your essential travel purpose meets within the government rules at https://www.gov.uk/guidance/national-lockdown-stay-at-home?#international-travel
Ensure that you can meet your destinations entry rules (such as having a valid negative COVID-19 test), and also ensure that you can legally enter your destination.
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