On December 15, the UK Home Office announced it would remove the 11 southern African nations most recently on the Red List — Angola, Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Nigeria, South Africa, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. There is currently no Red List. The changes went into effect at 4 am on December 15.
The Red List was most recently reinstated on November 25 in response to the Omicron variant.
Travel Requirements
Fully vaccinated travelers from non-red list countries must:
- Take a COVID-19 test within the two days before travel;
- Complete a passenger locator form within 48 hours before travel;
- Book and pay for a day 2 COVID-19 PCR test to be taken after arrival in England, and;
- Self-quarantine until they receive a negative result.
Erickson Insights
The UK Government explains that because the Omicron variant is now so widespread, the selective Red List is not as effective in slowing the transmission. However, travelers should continue to check GOV.UK travel guidance, including Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) travel advice before, during, and after travel to keep up to date with entry requirements.
Erickson Immigration Group will continue to share updates as more news is available. If you have questions about anything we’re reporting above or case-specific questions, please contact your employer or EIG attorney.