The UK to introduce strict new COVID-19 entry rules for travelers

In new travel plans announced today, arrivals in to the UK will soon have to present a negative COVID-19 test before they are allowed to enter the country or face fines of up to £500.

Air, rail and boat passengers, including returning residents, will be required to show proof of a negative COVID-19 result from a test taken within 72 hours before departure. The rule applies to England and will come into effect next week, though it is expected that Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland will implement similar measures soon. Failure to comply will result in a £500 fine.

Those arriving from countries not on the travel corridor list, i.e. countries deemed high-risk, will still be required to quarantine, even if they present a negative test result. They will be allowed to leave quarantine if they test negative after undergoing a second COVID-19 test five days after arrival.

Britain's transport minister Grant Shapps, said the move is designed to prevent imported cases of the new variants of the coronavirus, after they emerged in countries such as South Africa and Denmark. In recent days governments in Canada, the US, and Ireland have also implemented new rules that require arrivals to present negative COVID-19 test results.

"Taken together with the existing mandatory self-isolation period for passengers returning from high-risk countries, pre-departure tests will provide a further line of defence - helping us control the virus as we roll out the vaccine at pace over the coming weeks," Mr Schapps said.

Exemptions will apply for hauliers, children under 11-years-old, air and boat crews, and those "travelling from countries without the infrastructure available to deliver the tests". Arrivals from Ireland will also be exempt from the plan under the Common Travel Area agreement.