Travelers arriving in the U.K. from dozens of countries no longer have to quarantine for two weeks.
What we know:
- Arrivals from France, Italy, Germany, and dozens of other countries no longer have to self-isolate for two weeks. In all, the U.K. relaxed its quarantine rules for 75 countries and British overseas territories. People who arrived from those countries earlier will still be required to isolate for the full two weeks.
- There is confusion amongst travelers because the list of approved countries is still in flux. For example, the U.K. reinstated its quarantine rule for travelers from Serbia after relaxing it, and Scotland is keeping its isolation requirement for arrivals from Spain even though England, Wales, and Northern Ireland have all relaxed their protocols.
- The Foreign Office and the official government guidelines appear to contradict each other on their position for arrivals before July 10. According to the Foreign Office, all people who arrived from exempt countries can stop quarantining on July 10. The U.K. government’s official stance is that all arrivals before July 10 should quarantine the full two weeks.
- According to travel agents, there is some demand for short trips, but confusion over the restrictions and fear of coronavirus are still stopping most people from traveling. Along with keeping some of its travel restrictions in place, Scotland also made face coverings mandatory. The Foreign Office continues to discourage travel by cruise ship.
The U.K.’s coronavirus death toll is 44,650, and over 500 people have tested positive since Thursday.
