Many of us hope that international travel will return to some level of normalcy in 2021. While much of Europe is off-limits to American travelers, it has been possible to fly to the United Kingdom. However, a new “mutant strain” of the coronavirus sparked a new U.K. travel ban. Here’s the latest from across the pond.
New National Lockdown
While we’re in a brand-new year, the global coronavirus situation remains elusive and can change rapidly. Shortly before the holiday season, researchers found a new coronavirus strain that is up to 70% more transmissible.
While the U.K. was one of the first regions to detect the variant strain, confirmed cases are reporting throughout the world. To stem the spread, U.K. Prime Minister Boris Johnson issued a third nationwide lockdown on Monday, January 4, 2021.
The newest lockdown measures require U.K. residents to remain home except for essential activities. Some of the essential activities include buying food, seeking medical care and exercising. Restaurants can serve takeout and delivery.
Prime Minister Johnson hopes to end the lockdown by mid-February.
As one might expect, the new lockdown measures make it difficult to travel to or from the United Kingdom. Below are the current details of the ongoing U.K. travel ban.
Essential Travel Only
U.K. residents only have permission to travel within their country and internationally for legally-permitted reasons. One of the essential reasons can be traveling for work. However, leisure travel is impermissible.
Each nation has varying travel restrictions. If traveling to a specific country, it’s best to visit the official travel website for each nation:
Can I Fly From The United States To The U.K. Now?
Airlines continue operating flights between the United States and the United Kingdom. As is the theme for the past ten months, fewer flights are operating.
Before flying, it’s important to know about several travel requirements.
10-Day Self-Isolation
The United Kingdom requires travelers arriving from over 170 countries to self-isolate for ten days. It’s possible to waive the remaining self-isolation period by taking a diagnostic test on day 5 of self-isolation.
However, air passengers arriving from the United States must self-isolate for up to 10 days. This mandatory isolation requirement likely will not ease until the United States infection rate decreases.
Safe Travel Corridors
International travelers in 2021 will become familiar with the term “travel corridor.” Countries and airlines are starting to offer “COVID-free” flights between select travel corridors.
Travelers from select regions do not have to self-isolate when they have been in a qualifying country for the last 10 days. Over 50 countries are currently on the “safe travel corridors list.” Many of the exempt countries are in continental Europe, the Caribbean and Asia.
A mandatory quarantine isn’t necessary when traveling within the United Kingdom under most circumstances. But, due to the newest lockdown measures, people can only leave home for essential reasons. As a result, there is an indirect self-isolation for all travelers.
Travelers from Colombia and South Africa currently cannot enter the United Kingdom.
Passenger Locator Form
Incoming U.K. residents and foreign travelers entering the United Kingdom must complete a passenger locator form. This mandatory form lists the travel dates, lodging details and contact information for each traveler.
This form isn’t necessary for travelers that have been in Ireland, the Channel of Islands or the Isle of Man for the last 10 days. Some jobs are also exempt from completing the form.
You can submit this form up to 48 hours before arriving in the U.K.
USA Travel Restrictions
What about U.S. residents returning to the United States from the U.K.? There are travel restrictions for returning U.S. residents and U.K. nationals flying into the United States.
Negative Pre-Travel Test To Enter The United States
Effective December 28, 2020, the CDC requires air passengers to obtain a negative pre-travel test result within 72 hours of flying from the U.K. to the USA. Travelers can either take a PCR or a LAMP antigen test.
The flyer will need to provide written or electronic proof of the negative diagnostic test result. Also, the airline must confirm that all passengers onboard have a negative test result. Not having valid evidence or refusing to take a diagnostic test means the traveler cannot fly.
It’s possible to schedule an in-airport test at London Heathrow and other authorized testing centers. Contacting the airline can be the best way to schedule a pre-flight test.
Travel Restrictions For Foreign Nationals
Since the early days of the pandemic, it has been difficult for non-citizens to enter the United States. On March 14, 2020, President Trump signed a presidential proclamation suspending entry of most foreign nationals who have been in the United Kingdom in the past 14 days.
This order is still active despite the pleas to rescind the order.
U.K. residents can enter the United States for a few reasons. One reason for entry is the spouse or dependent of a U.S. resident. Alternatively, essential work reasons, being a U.S. permanent resident, and receiving an invite from the U.S. government also qualify as essential reasons.
However, non-essential travel between both nations is on pause until the pandemic subsides.
Up To 14 Days Self-Quarantine
Several states have a mandatory quarantine of up to 14 days for travelers entering from the United States. In some states, it’s possible to waive all or part of the quarantine by taking a pre-travel diagnostic test (which is now mandatory to enter the United States from the U.K.).
Other states may require travelers to self-quarantine for the entire period.
Some states with the most restricting quarantine measures include:
- Connecticut
- New Jersey
- New York
- Massachusetts
- Maine
- Vermont
- New Hampshire
- Pennsylvania
- New Mexico
- California
- Oregon
- Washington State
- Washington, D.C.
- Alaska
- Hawaii
It’s possible to waive the mandatory quarantine period if traveling for essential reasons.
Regardless of the state travel restrictions, the CDC currently recommends travelers self-quarantine for up to 14 days after international travel.
If participating in “higher risk activities” when abroad, the CDC recommends these actions:
- Get tested 3-5 days after returning home and stay home for seven days after travel
- Stay home for ten days if choosing not to get a post-arrival test
The CDC also advises avoiding contact with high-risk persons for 14 days after returning to the United States. As always, if testing positive, stay home and avoid contact until symptoms end and you receive a negative test result.
The CDC currently assigns a Level 4 Travel Health Notice (COVID-19 Very High) to the United Kingdom. This is the highest-possible health notice level and means traveling to the U.K. is currently a higher-risk activity.
Summary
While there isn’t a total U.K. travel ban, non-essential travel isn’t possible. For now, travel between the United States and the United Kingdom should be for essential reasons, like work. Mandatory pre-flight testing reduces risk exposure, but the coronavirus continues to spread on both continents.
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