Is the travel ban in the UK lifted?

Many of us are hoping that international travel will return to some level of normality in 2021. While much of Europe is off-limits to American travelers, it has been possible to fly to the UK . However, a new ‘mutant strain’ of the coronavirus has triggered a new travel ban in the UK. Here is the latest news from across the pond.

New national lockdown

As we are in a whole new year, the global coronavirus situation remains elusive and can change quickly. Shortly before the holiday season, researchers discovered a new strain of coronavirus that is up to 70% more transmissible.

While the UK was one of the first regions to detect the variant strain, confirmed cases are being reported around the world. To stem the spread, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson issued a third national lockdown on Monday January 4, 2021.

The latest lockdown measures force UK residents to stay at home except for essential activities. Some of the essential activities include buying food, seeking medical attention, and exercising. Restaurants can serve take out and deliveries.

Prime Minister Johnson hopes to end the lockdown by mid-February.

As might be expected, the new lockdowns are making it difficult to travel to or from the UK. Below are the current details of the UK travel ban.

Essential travel only

UK residents are only allowed to travel within their home country and abroad for legally permitted reasons. One of the main reasons may be to travel for work. However, leisure travel is prohibited.

Each nation has varying travel restrictions. If you are traveling to a specific country, it is best to visit the official travel website for each country:

Can I fly from USA to UK now?

Airlines continue to operate flights between the United States and the United Kingdom. As is the theme of the last ten months, fewer flights are operated.

Before flying, it is important to know several travel requirements.

10-day self-isolation

The UK is forcing travelers from more than 170 countries to self-isolate for ten days. The remaining self-isolation period can be waived by performing a diagnostic test on day 5 of self-isolation.

However, airline passengers arriving from the United States must self-isolate for up to 10 days. This mandatory isolation requirement is unlikely to be eased until the infection rate in the United States decreases.

Safe travel lanes

International travelers in 2021 will familiarize themselves with the term “travel corridor”. Countries and airlines are starting to offer “COVID-free” flights between certain travel corridors.

Travelers from certain regions do not have to self-isolate when they have stayed in an eligible country in the last 10 days. More than 50 countries are currently on the “list of safe travel corridors”. Many exempt countries are found in continental Europe, the Caribbean and Asia.

A mandatory quarantine is not necessary when traveling to the UK under most circumstances. But, due to the latest foreclosure measures, people can only leave their homes for essential reasons. As a result, there is indirect self-isolation for all travelers.

Travelers from Colombia and South Africa cannot currently enter the UK.

Passenger tracking form

UK residents and foreign travelers entering the UK must complete a passenger locator form. This mandatory form lists travel dates, accommodation details and contact information for each traveler.

This form is not required for travelers who have stayed in Ireland, the English Channel or the Isle of Man in the last 10 days. Some jobs are also exempt from filling out the form.

You can submit this form up to 48 hours before arriving in the UK

Travel restrictions in the United States

What about US residents returning to the US from the UK? There are travel restrictions for US residents and returning UK nationals traveling to the US.

Negative pre-travel test to enter the United States

Effective December 28, 2020, the CDC requires air passengers to have a negative pre-travel test result within 72 hours of flying from the UK to the US. Travelers can have a PCR or LAMP antigen test.

The leaflet must provide written or electronic proof of the negative result of the diagnostic test. In addition, the airline must confirm that all passengers on board have a negative test result. Not having valid evidence or refusing to take a diagnostic test means the traveler cannot fly.

It is possible to schedule a test at London Heathrow Airport and other authorized test centers. Contacting the airline may be the best way to plan 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 the entry of most foreign nationals who have stayed in the UK in the past 14 days.

This order is still active despite requests to cancel the order.

British residents can enter the United States for several reasons. One reason for entry is the spouse or dependent of a US resident. Alternatively, essential business reasons, being a permanent U.S. resident and receiving an invitation from the U.S. government can also be considered essential reasons.

However, non-essential travel between the two countries is on hiatus until the pandemic subsides.

Up to 14 days of self-quarantine

Several states have a mandatory quarantine of up to 14 days for travelers entering the United States. In some states, it is possible to waive all or part of the quarantine by taking a pre-travel diagnostic test (which is now mandatory for entering the United States from the United Kingdom).

Other states may require travelers to self-quarantine for the entire period.

Some states with the most restrictive quarantine measures include:

• Connecticut
• New Jersey
• New York
• Massachusetts
• Maine
• Vermont
• New Hampshire
• Pennsylvania
• New Mexico
• California
• Oregon
• Washington state
• Washington DC
• Alaska
• Hawaii

It is possible to waive the mandatory quarantine period if you are traveling for essential reasons.

Regardless of state travel restrictions, the CDC currently recommends travelers self-quarantine for up to 14 days after international travel.

If you participate in “high-risk activities” abroad, the CDC recommends these actions:

• Get tested 3-5 days after you return home and stay home for seven days after travel
• Stay home for ten days if you choose not to take the test after arrival

The CDC also advises avoiding contact with high-risk people for 14 days after returning to the United States. As always, if the test is positive, stay home and avoid contact until the symptoms subside and you receive a negative test result.

The CDC is currently issuing a Level 4 (Very High COVID-19) Travel Health Advisory in the UK. This is the highest possible level of health advisory and means that traveling to the UK is currently a higher risk activity.

Summary

While there is no total travel ban in the UK, non-essential travel is not possible. For now, travel between the US and UK should be for essential reasons, such as work. Mandatory pre-flight testing reduces exposure to risk, but the coronavirus continues to spread across both continents.

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