The UK Government has updated testing requirements for people travelling to the UK. If you have students who have not arrived in the UK yet, please read the following guidelines to ensure you are aware of the updates.

 

Additional COVID tests required

 

New arrivals now need to take a COVID test 2 days after arriving in the UK and another test 8 days after arriving. This means you will need to take 3 COVID tests in total:

  • 72 hours before you fly
  • Day 2 of quarantine in the UK
  • Day 8 of quarantine in the UK

Students need to arrange the day 2 and day 8 tests before they travel to the UK as they will need to put their test package booking reference number on the Passenger Locator Form. Failing to put their test booking reference number on the form will result in fines. The tests required during quarantine cannot be done through the University’s on-site testing facility and must be booked through the Government provider. They need to arrange for their test online with the UK Government approved test provider.

 

Students still need to complete the10 day quarantine on arrival to the UK. They will not be able to finish quarantine until they have received both a negative test result for their day 8 test and quarantined for 10 days. If they test positive for either test, they must quarantine for a further 10 days from the day they took the test and will receive further advice alongside their test results.

 

Failing to do the tests can result in fines of up to £2,000. They must ensure they stick to the quarantine and test guidelines when entering the UK.

 

Red list countries

 

Those on Student Visas or with leave to enter or remain can still travel to the UK from the red list countries but must book into a UK quarantine hotel prior to travel and spend their quarantine period in the hotel room. They need to make their booking through the UK Government approved hotel providers and spend 10 day (11 nights) quarantine in the hotel. The hotel stay is a legal requirement and is referred to as the Managed Quarantine Package and includes their hotel stay, food and beverages, transfers, security and the 2 Covid-19 tests.

 

If they have not arranged a quarantine package prior to arrival in England, they face a penalty of up to £4,000 and will still have to pay for the quarantine package on arrival so please ensure they book before they travel.

 

Additional information can be found on the UK Government website.