The U.K. has been one of the countries hit the most by the pandemic in Europe. Also, it has registered some of the highest numbers of deaths from COVID-19 in the world. All that resulted in multiple lockdowns.
Most safety restrictions have been lifted. However, there are still fears over the new, more contagious Delta variant.
On the other hand, the U.K. was one of the first countries to start the vaccination program. Up to date, all adults have been offered at least the first dose, and nearly 80% of the country’s population has been vaccinated fully.
Therefore, even for the high number of coronavirus cases, visiting the U.K. should be relatively safe.
Latest updates
October 9 – The U.K. travel red list cut to only 7 countries
On Monday, October 11, 47 countries will be removed from the U.K. travel red list, including South Africa, Brazil, and Mexico.
The move should help boost the airline industry. Also, it should allow families and close friends to reunite easier after nearly two years of strict entry measures, said Grant Shapps, the Transport Secretary.
For now, Panama, Colombia, Venezuela, Peru, Ecuador, Haiti, and the Dominican Republic will remain on the red list.
Source: BBC
Stats & current COVID-19 situation in the U.K.
Since the beginning of the pandemic, the U.K. has reported more than 8 million COVID-19 cases. At least 160,000 of them resulted in death.
At the moment, there are 1,350,234 active infections. The 7-day average is around 36,060 new cases daily.
According to the CDC, the U.K. is now an area of very high coronavirus transmission – red. Traveling there should be reconsidered. If you still want to visit the U.K. this autumn, make sure you are fully vaccinated.
The U.K. hotspots
Vaccination progress in the U.K.
The U.K. is a vaccination champion. At least 85.4% of its over-12 population have received at least one dose, while 78.4% of the country’s residents have been vaccinated fully.
Who can enter the U.K.?
International travel to and from the U.K. is managed according to a ‘traffic light’ system that divides countries into three groups – red, amber, or green.
All U.K. arrivals must present a negative COVID-19 test no older than 72 hours and fill out a ‘Passenger Locator Form.’
Non-U.K. residents traveling from a ‘red list’ country cannot enter the U.K.
On the other hand, U.K. and Irish nationals and residents arriving from a ‘red list’ country must book a ‘quarantine package’ before the start of their journey. The cost covers a 10-day hotel quarantine, including food and two COVID-19 testing kits.
Vaccinated visitors from the ‘amber list’ countries must test on day 2 after arrival. They don’t have to quarantine. Unvaccinated travelers must get tested on days 2 and 8. Also, they are subject to a 10-day home quarantine.
For detailed information and the latest updates, please visit the complete guide here.
Local safety measures
Most safety measures have been lifted in the U.K. However, there are still some local restrictions in place.
In England and Wales, most shops, restaurants, bars, and venues have now reopened. There is no longer a limit on people at gatherings. Social distancing and masks (except in London public transport and some indoor settings) are not required either by the law. However, they are still recommended.
In Scotland, the majority of businesses are open as well. Nevertheless, people are required to wear face coverings in all public places and public transport. Indoor events are limited to 2,000 attendees, while outdoor events can accept up to 5,000 visitors.
In Northern Ireland, people still have to observe social distancing. Face masks are mandatory in public transport and some indoor settings. There are also limits on the number of people at gatherings. Night clubs remain closed. However, they should reopen as of October 31. The social distancing mandate should also be scraped on that day.
