The UK Home Office announced changes to pre-departure testing that will go into effect at 4 am, Tuesday, December 7, 2021:
- All people 12 years old and over must take a PCR or LFD COVID-19 test in the 2 days before they travel to England from abroad.
- This requirement applies whether the traveler qualifies as fully vaccinated or not.
Exemptions apply for children ages 11 and younger, patients traveling for urgent medical treatment (and their accompanying travel companion), individuals with a medical condition that prohibits them from taking a test, and some people based on their jobs.
Additionally, the Red List includes Nigeria from 4 am on Monday, December 6, 2021. The Red List is now Angola, Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Nigeria*, South Africa, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.
Travelers from Red List countries must:
- Take a COVID-19 test in the 3 days before traveling to England
- Book a quarantine hotel package, including 2 COVID-19 tests
- Complete a passenger locator form
- Quarantine for 10 days and take 2 COVID-19 tests
These requirements apply to all travelers from Red List countries, regardless of their vaccination status.
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.