In preparation of the introduction of managed hotel quarantine rules for arrivals into both England and Scotland from Monday 15th February, Clyde Travel would like to share with you some further updates that have been released since our last communication and a recap on UK entry requirements.
ENGLAND
From 15Feb: Arrivals from a Red List County – Coronavirus (COVID-19): travel bans to the UK – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
- Only UK/Irish nationals and travellers who are UK residents are permitted to enter into England.
- Passengers must declare any red list country visited in past 10 days on the Passenger Locator Form which is to be completed online prior to travel Fill in your passenger locator form – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
- Travellers must book a hotel quarantine stay via a dedicated online portal prior to travel to England. Cost £1,750 includes transfer, accommodation and two tests. (£650 additional charge for another adult) Booking and staying in a quarantine hotel when you arrive in England – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
- 2 PCR Covid-19 tests to be taken on day 2 and day 8 of their 10-day hotel quarantine.
- At least 10 days quarantine within government managed hotels. Stay will be extended to 12 days if a positive result on day 2 test. Extended to 18 days if a positive test on day 8 test.
- Arrivals into England can only be at one of following commercial airports LHR LGW LCY BHX plus Farnborough for private aircraft.
- Passengers in transit do not need to self-isolate provided they stay air side
- There are tough fines and potential imprisonment for non-compliance
- No exceptions for seafarers or oil and gas workers.
From 15Feb: Arrivals from all other countries (not on the Red List or travelling from the Common Travel Area)
- Passengers to pre-book Government managed PCR test package. This is additional to existing mandatory pre-departure tests. Link to book: How to quarantine when you arrive in England – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
- Test package costs £210 which includes 2 tests to be administered at home while isolating on day 2 and day 8.
- To self-isolate at home for at least 10 days. To be extended to 12 days if a positive result on day 2 test. Extended to 18 days if a positive test on day 8 test.
- Optional ‘Test to Release’ can be privately arranged after Day 5 to shorten self-isolation but the Day 8 Government test must still be taken.
- Seafarers due to work on a vessel or need to transit the UK to join or leave a vessel do not need to take a PCR test prior to departure to England.
- Seafarers are exempt from self isolation when coming from a country not on the Red List.
- Offshore Oil and Gas workers do not need to self isolate if you need to work within the 10day isolation period. PCR test prior to arrival is still required.
SCOTLAND
From 15Feb: Everyone who arrives directly into Scotland by air from outside the Common Travel Area must:
- Declare any red list country visited in past 10 days on the Passenger Locator Form which is to be completed online prior to travel Fill in your passenger locator form – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
- Traveller to provide a COVID-19 test and get a negative result during the 3 days before you travel.
- Travellers must book a hotel quarantine stay via a dedicated online portal prior to travel to Scotland . Cost £1,750 includes transfer, accommodation and two tests. (£650 additional charge for another adult) Booking and staying in a quarantine hotel when you arrive in England – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
- 2 PCR Covid-19 tests to be taken on day 2 and day 8 of their 10-day hotel quarantine.
- At least 10 days quarantine within government managed hotels. Stay will be extended to 12 days if a positive result on day 2 test. Extended to 18 days if a positive test on day 8 test. Additional charge will apply.
- Direct international arrivals into Scotland to only GLA EDI ABZ.
- Currently no exemptions from hotel quarantine for Seafarers/Offshore workers when coming from Red Listed country. Coronavirus (COVID-19): travel bans to the UK – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
- Seafarers are exempt from hotel quarantine when coming from a country NOT listed on the Red List.
- Seafarers are exempt from needing a negative PCR test prior to departure from all countries.
- Offshore oil and gas workers are permitted to leave isolation for essential activities when arriving from countries NOT on the Red List.
Clyde Travel Management continues to monitor the situation and will update customers with travel booked that will be impacted by these new rules.
Clyde Travel Management is contactable 24/7 if you need any assistance.
