If you are an international student in UK with Christmas or New Year plans ready, you might want to think twice before continuing. UK travel restrictions – for those entering and leaving the country – are now in place following an alarming increase in COVID-19 cases, after the Omicron variant led to a rapid rise in infections.
The number of daily confirmed cases in the UK was 91,743 as of December 20. according to the BBC. London was declared “major incidentBy Mayor Sadiq Khan as the city records the highest number of cases in the UK.
⢠Israel bans travel to US and Canada due to Omicron issues
⢠Germany tightens restrictions on British travelersðµ Follow our LIVE blog for the latest updates: https://t.co/fs4158Nc3i pic.twitter.com/3d2v4kAzVv
– English Al Jazeera (@AJEnglish) 20 December 2021
There’s no reason to tone down the holiday spirit just yet, however. As international students, you should exercise extra caution and stay abreast of the latest UK travel restrictions related to Omicron.
That’s why we’ve compiled a quick list of updated travel mandates for travelers from the UK, so you can plan a safe and rewarding vacation. Here’s what you need to know:
Campus exit and entrance
Before you go, check your campus policies on leaving and returning after vacation. Your education provider might have their own regulations and advisory guidelines for students before Christmas and New Years.
If you are going abroad, travel restrictions on returning to the UK could affect your return. For more information on traveling as an international student to the UK see this list of the UK Council for International Student Affairs.
UK travel restrictions: if you are coming from Asian countries
India
If you are an Indian student returning home for winter break, be aware that you will need to get tested upon arrival at the airport and quarantined at home for seven days as outlined in The telegraph. You will need to have another test on the eighth day and monitor your health for the next seven days. The quarantine period will affect how long you stay with your family members, so plan wisely before continuing your trip.
Updated India travel guidelines announced on November 28, 2021.https://t.co/xjwCCEu0mz https://t.co/JwKnhiy2gZ pic.twitter.com/7RLK73LgKN
– India in UK (@HCI_London) November 29, 2021
Hong Kong
The UK entered Hong Kong’s list of “high risk placesâ, And only fully vaccinated travelers can enter. Other travelers who have visited the UK or high risk countries within 21 days of arrival will be barred from entry. There is, however, a catch for successful participants: you will have to undergo a long 21 days of isolation in a designated hotel, plus an additional seven days of self-monitoring.
From December 21, any visitor who has been in the UK in the past 21 days will be required to spend the first 4 days of quarantine at HK’s government quarantine facility Penny’s Bay. They will then be transferred to their designated quarantine hotel to complete their 21-day quarantine.
– UK in Hong Kong ð¬ð§ (@UKinHongKong) December 21, 2021
China and Japan
Few countries have had uncompromising border policies like China and Japan throughout the pandemic. Both countries are still closed to all international travelers. Japanese citizens and residents are permitted to enter, but must quarantine in designated facilities. China remains closed to most foreigners, with the exception of certain business or diplomatic travelers.
UK travel restrictions: UK enters red list in several European countries
France
You can say goodbye to Paris and the Alps for now: France has effectively banned British travelers, The Telegraph reports. Only residents of France and those with “compelling reasons” from the UK are allowed entry from 11pm on December 17th.
The news comes as a hard blow for ski enthusiasts, who were eagerly awaiting the start of the ski season in the Alps. This did not stop British travelers from making last-minute purchases, however: plane, ferry and Eurostar tickets were to settle after the French government’s announcement on Thursday.
UK travelers will not be allowed to travel to France for tourism purposes and will instead be required to show a “compelling reason” to enter the country https://t.co/D0GzqQgrSc
– CNN International (@cnni) December 16, 2021
Our hearts go out to all UK skiers who have been looking forward to enjoying the French mountains at Christmas and New Years. We hope the travel ban will end soon. pic.twitter.com/539IpK76Tx
– French mountains (@FrenchMountains) December 17, 2021
Germany
German Christmas markets might also be off your itinerary, as the country quickly followed in France’s footsteps. Currently only German nationals and UK residents are allowed to enter, as of December 19, the BBC reports. Travelers must test negative and go through a two-week quarantine, whether or not they are vaccinated.
COVID-19: Germany announces quarantine for travelers from UK https://t.co/vxPFjUIWbT
– Sky News (@SkyNews) December 18, 2021
All travelers to Italy and Greece will have to produce a negative COVID-19 test before their arrival, according to CNN. A negative PCR test must be performed within 48 hours of arrival in Italy, while fully vaccinated travelers can have an antigen test no more than 24 hours before departure as an alternative. Travelers to Greece must have a negative PCR test taken within 48 hours before leaving.
Portugal
In the meantime, Portugal has introduced compulsory test for all travelers arriving by air, with Denmark and Norway introducing new travel restrictions to block infection rates, CNN Reports.
Wherever you decide to spend your vacation, don’t forget to be careful and follow safe COVID-19 protocols. Getting your own self-test kit isn’t a bad idea either. Just make sure you have taken all the necessary precautions to have a memorable vacation with your friends and family.