UK travellers from banned "red list" countries say they have been forced to miss flights back home after delays with the Government's quarantine hotel booking system have left them without essential paperwork.
The automated system should immediately provide customers with an invoice for the mandatory £1,750 hotel bill, but some people say they have had to wait to receive this confirmation.
One passenger told PA news agency that the delays have resulted in them missing two flights back from Ethiopia.
Another said she was refused entry on to a plane without the invoice number.
Without an invoice number, travellers cannot complete their 'passenger locator forms', which prove they have booked and paid for accommodation.
Those experiencing the delays have either seen their initial payment for the hotel declined or have opted for a Government deferred repayment plan — likely resulting in those struggling financially being most affected.
UK and Irish nationals and UK residents returning to England from a country deemed at high risk for Covid-19 must now self-isolate in hotels.
The rule applies to people returning to Scotland from any destination. No international flights are operating to Wales or Northern Ireland.
Passengers who do not arrange a quarantine package prior to arrival in England from "red list" countries face a penalty of up to £4,000, on top of the quarantine costs.
The Government's quarantine hotel system is automated and run by travel firm Corporate Travel Management (CTM).
A spokesperson for CTM said: “Bookings need to be approved by the Government before the invoice is issued and as a result, there may be a short delay whilst approval is obtained and an invoice is generated.”
Customers have also reported difficulty getting hold of CTM to resolve issues and get an invoice number, with one person saying she was on hold to the company for almost two hours.
