Even as COVID-19 vaccination statistics continue to rise, travel remains severely constrained across the globe.
Following recent news of a fast-spreading variant of the COVID-19 virus spotted in the UK, Health Secretary Matt Hancock made known to the House of Commons that UK and Irish residents travelling to select countries will now be subject to mandatory quarantine in a hotel upon arriving home from their trips.
The new rule is meant to slow the spread of the virus, but it can create additional expenses and time delays if not managed properly by those travelling. This makes it all the more important that prior to travel, British nationals review the revised “red list countries” and develop a thorough plan to maximise their work or holiday time.
Be Aware of Red List Countries
Whether you are planning a holiday to Dubai or a business trip to Johannesburg, travel restrictions have been dramatically altered for the 33 nations shown below. Accurate at time of publishing.
| Angola | Argentina | Bolivia | Botswana | Brazil | Burundi |
| Cape Verde | Chile | Colombia | Democratic Republic of the Congo | Ecuador | Eswatini |
| French Guiana | Guyana | Lesotho | Malawi | Mauritius | Mozambique |
| Namibia | Panama | Paraguay | Peru | Portugal | Rwanda |
| Seychelles | South Africa | Suriname | Tanzania | United Arab Emirates (UAE) | Uruguay |
| Venezuela | Zambia | Zimbabwe |
While UK citizens are still able to travel to nations that are deemed ‘high risk’, either by commercial or private aircraft, they are now subject to a mandatory 10-day minimum quarantine in a UK hotel.
Travellers are required to plan this in advance, paying a fee of £1,750 for a quarantine package that includes a hotel stay upon returning to the UK, as well as transport to the hotel and COVID-19 testing supplies. For those travelling with a partner or child, the package rate is an additional £650 and £325, respectively.
Expanded Rules Require Careful Planning
The recently-introduced rules are in addition to the mandatory COVID-19 test required prior to flying back to the UK. Passengers will have to obtain a negative result during the three days leading up to the return flight, or else risk having to stay at their destination for an extended period of time.
The new requirements imposed by the UK government make it all the more important that travellers plan out their trips in advance and register for the quarantine package.
Given that the list of risky nations is likely to continue to change, it may also be helpful to consult with a flight support partner to keep you up to date on any necessary forms or new restrictions prior to embarking on travel.
For some travellers, it may make sense to travel to a different location not included in the UK’s red list. However, while not subject to the mandatory hotel quarantine, UK citizens must still self-isolate for 10 days upon returning home.
Bottom Line
Business must go on, and airlines and business jets alike remain critical vehicles for keeping the global economy moving. Whatever your travel destination includes, it is critical that you stay up to date on all travel restrictions and necessary planning.
