UK Government Reinstates “Red List” and Issues Temporary Travel Ban for Six African Countries

On Thursday, November 25, the UK Government reinstated the “Red List” category adding six African countries to the list — Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Namibia, South Africa, and Zimbabwe. The changes went into effect at 12 pm on Friday, November 26. If a traveler has been in a Red List country in the 10 days before they arrive in England, they are only permitted entry if they are British or Irish Nationals or have residence rights in the UK.

  • From 12 pm on Friday, November 26 to 4 am on Sunday, November 28, there is a ban on all direct commercial and private flights from the Red List countries to England.
  • Travelers who have been in these countries and arrive in England between midday Friday, November 26 and 4 am on Sunday, November 28, must follow the guidance on their passenger locator form, quarantine at home for 10 days, and take a COVID-19 PCR test on days 2 and 8.
  • After 4 am on Sunday, November 28, travelers from these Red List countries will have to quarantine at a managed hotel. More information about these requirements is available here.

 

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