UK Removes All Countries from Its Travel Red List
Last week, the UK government removed all recently added countries from the UK red list. This decision was made only one week after reintroducing the list upon the emergence of the Omicron coronavirus variant.
From 15 Dec. 2021, all arrivals from 11 African countries are no longer obliged to undergo a hotel quarantine. Moreover, those who are currently quarantining in the UK can end it earlier as long as they are tested negatively for COVID-19.
All existing testing procedures, however, are still in force.
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Countries removed from the UK's red list
The countries that were removed from the UK red list as of 15th Dec. are as follows:
- Nigeria
- Namibia
- Malawi
- Zimbabwe
- South Africa
- Botswana
- Angola
- Lesotho
- Mozambique
- Eswatini
- Zambia
Current testing requirements for UK arrivals
The UK recently announced new travel restrictions according to which, fully vaccinated travelers arriving in the UK must:
- provide a negative PCR/lateral flow COVID-19 test taken within 48 hours before the planned arrival time
- take a post-arrival PCR test on the 2nd day of stay in the UK and isolate themselves until receiving the negative result
Non-vaccinated or not fully vaccinated arrivals additionally need to undergo a 10- day quarantine upon entry to the UK. Moreover, no matter their vaccination status or travel purpose, all travelers must fill out a passenger locator form no earlier than 48 hours of the intended departure time.
Quarantine for red list countries
Upon the UK decision to empty its red list, those visitors who were currently undergoing hotel quarantine could end their isolation period earlier. However, they had to provide the negative COVID-19 test.
The recent travel restrictions will be updated in the first week of January and are subject to change according to the rapidly changing coronavirus situation.
