New UK travel rules for vaccinated Brits put in place due to Omicron variant

New UK travel rules for vaccinated travellers explained including the latest red list countries which will require quarantine hotel stays and what it means for holidays this winter

The UK government has introduced new rules amidst concerns over the Omicron coronavirus variant – and that includes new rules for vaccinated travellers returning to the UK from abroad.

The changes apply to those travelling back from countries on the ‘rest of the world’ list, which encompasses the majority of countries including popular destinations like Spain, France, Italy and Portugal.

Under the previous rules, vaccinated arrivals simply needed a PCR or lateral flow test on day two.

Under the new rules, which come into force from 4am on November 30, you will need to self-isolate for the first two days back in the UK. On day two, you will need to take a PCR test – and if the result is negative, you will be allowed to end your self-isolation.

As for travellers who are unvaccinated or partially vaccinated, existing rules continue to apply.

This means that if you are returning from non-red list country, then you will need to take a pre-departure test and self-isolate at home for 10 days during which you need to take PCR tests on days two and eight.

As for the red list?

Only British or Irish nationals, and those with residence rights in the UK will be able to enter the UK when returning from a red list country.

Red list arrivals are required to take a pre-departure Covid test within three days before departure, and will need to complete a passenger locator form. You are then required to stay in a quarantine hotel for 10 days including taking two PCR tests. Costs start from £2,285 per adult.

At the time of writing there are 10 countries on the red list; Angola, Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Zambia and Zimbabwe.

The red list can change quickly due to the ongoing situation, so always check the latest Foreign Office advice for a destination before planning or going on a trip.

It’s worth noting that it’s not just the UK’s own travel rules which are changing. Some countries are already tightening up restrictions, including changing entry rules for Brits as there are Omicron cases in the UK.

For example, Spain has announced that it will only welcome vaccinated Brits from December 1 (children under the age of 12 are exempt provided they are travelling with an adult) and Switzerland has introduced a mandatory 10-day quarantine for all arrivals from the UK.

Meanwhile Japan has banned all entry to foreign visitors while the Omicron situation develops, while Morocco has suspended all flights to Morocco for two weeks from November 29.

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