UK Entry Conditions and Quarantine Procedures
The UK has put in place strict entry conditions and quarantine procedures to protect its citizens from the spread of COVID-19. This article will cover the entry conditions and quarantine procedures in place for those entering the UK, including FAQs at the end.
Entry Conditions
As of August 2021, the entry conditions for those entering the UK depend on the country they are arriving from. The UK is operating a traffic light system for international travel, categorizing countries as either red, amber, or green.
Red List
Those arriving in the UK from a country on the red list must:
- Take a COVID-19 test within 72 hours before departure
- Book and pay for a quarantine package, which includes two COVID-19 tests
- Quarantine in a government-approved hotel for 10 days upon arrival
Amber List
Those arriving in the UK from an amber list country must:
- Take a COVID-19 test within 72 hours before departure
- Complete a passenger locator form
- Take a COVID-19 test on or before day 2 of their arrival
- Quarantine for 10 days, either at home or in the place of their destination
- Take a COVID-19 test on day 8 of their quarantine period
Green List
Those arriving in the UK from a green list country must:
- Take a COVID-19 test within 72 hours before departure
- Complete a passenger locator form
- Take a COVID-19 test on or before day 2 of their arrival
- They do not need to quarantine unless they receive a positive COVID-19 test result
Quarantine Procedures
Those required to quarantine upon arrival in the UK must follow strict guidelines.
Red List Quarantine Procedures
Those arriving from a country on the red list must quarantine in a government-approved hotel for 10 days. During this time, they will take two COVID-19 tests on the second and eighth day of their quarantine period. They are not allowed to leave their hotel room, and they can only receive essential deliveries.
Amber List Quarantine Procedures
Those arriving from an amber list country must quarantine for 10 days, either at home or in the place of their destination. They must take a COVID-19 test on or before day 2 of their arrival and on day 8 of their quarantine period. They are also not allowed to leave their quarantine location, except for specific reasons such as medical emergencies.
Green List Quarantine Procedures
Those arriving from a green list country do not have to quarantine unless they receive a positive COVID-19 test result.
FAQs
Q: Do I have to quarantine when entering the UK?
A: It depends on the country you are arriving from. Those arriving from a country on the red list must quarantine in a government-approved hotel for 10 days. Those arriving from an amber list country must quarantine for 10 days, either at home or in the place of their destination. Those arriving from a green list country do not have to quarantine unless they receive a positive COVID-19 test result.
Q: Do I have to take a COVID-19 test before traveling to the UK?
A: Yes. All travelers must take a COVID-19 test within 72 hours before departure.
Q: What happens if I receive a positive COVID-19 test result?
A: Those who receive a positive COVID-19 test result must quarantine for 10 days, either at home or in the place of their destination.
Q: How much does the quarantine package for those arriving from a country on the red list cost?
A: The cost of the quarantine package is £2,285 for one adult.
Q: Can I leave my quarantine location for any reason?
A: No. Those in quarantine are not allowed to leave their quarantine location, except for specific reasons such as medical emergencies.
In conclusion, the UK has put in place strict entry conditions and quarantine procedures to protect its citizens from the spread of COVID-19. Before traveling to the UK, it’s important to check the latest entry conditions and quarantine procedures in place for your country of origin.