LONDON – The United Kingdom government yesterday announced a dramatic reduction to its coronavirus travel “red list”, scrapping bans on non-citizens travelling to England from 47 countries.
Under the new rules that come into effect on 0300 GMT next Monday, only seven nations – Colombia, the Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Haiti, Panama, Peru and Venezuela – will remain under the restrictions.
Removal from the red list for the 47 countries and territories, including Brazil, Mexico and South Africa, means passengers will no longer be required to enter hotel quarantine.
Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said the move is possible because of “the increased vaccination efforts around the globe”.
The government also announced that it is extending inbound vaccinated arrivals to a further 37 countries and territories, including India and Turkey.
This mean fully vaccinated individuals entering England from the 37 locations will be exempt from quarantine, a pre-departure test, and a day-eight post-arrival test.
British and Irish nationals, and those living in the UK, are allowed to travel from countries on the red list, but must quarantine at a hotel for 10 days on arrival.
The UK government in London sets health and transport policies for England only. The devolved Parliaments in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland set the Covid-19 travel policies for their regions, and have largely followed previous rule changes for England. – AFP, October 8, 2021
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