The UK Government has issued new guidance for fully vaccinated travelers to go into effect from Tuesday, November 30. This follows new updates for travelers coming to England from “Red List” countries. Red List rules apply to all travelers, regardless of vaccination status.
Entry rules for England vary based on the traveler’s vaccination status. Fully vaccinated travelers from non-Red List countries can enter and have to test on or before Day 2 after arrival and quarantine until the results are available.
To qualify as fully vaccinated, you have to have proof of full vaccination from an approved vaccine program.
Requirements for Fully Vaccinated Travelers
Before traveling to England, fully vaccinated travelers must:
- Book and pay for a COVID-19 PCR test to be taken within the first 2 days in England
- Complete a passenger locator form in the 48 hours before arriving in England
Upon arrival, fully vaccinated travelers must:
- Quarantine until they receive a negative day 2 COVID-19 PCR test, or until they leave England, whichever is sooner. If the test result is positive, travelers must self-isolate for 10 full days. The day of the test is day 0.
Requirements for Unvaccinated Travelers
Before traveling to England, unvaccinated travelers must:
- Take a COVID-19 test in the 3 days before traveling to England;
- Book and pay for day 2 and day 8 COVID-19 PCR tests to be taken after arrival in England; and
- Complete a passenger locator form in the 48 hours before arriving in England
Upon arrival, unvaccinated travelers must:
Exemptions
The fully vaccinated rules will apply to the following groups, even if they are not fully vaccinated:
- Children under 18 years old;
- Individuals taking part in an approved COVID-19 vaccine trial in the UK or the USA; and
- Residents in England who have an approved medical exemption.
Erickson Insights
The COVID-19 pandemic is rapidly evolving, and guidance from government agencies and health advisories change often.
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.