COVID Hotels for Travellers from the Red-List

After much deliberation, the Government has confirmed that travellers (British or those with long term residence permits to the UK) from countries on the Red-List (33 countries) will be required to self-isolate at dedicated #quarantine hotels for ten days.

In Scotland, rather than just those from the list of 33 countries, all travellers from any country will be required to quarantine at a quarantine hotel.

The Red-List includes the following countries:

• Angola

• Argentina

• Bolivia

• Botswana

• Brazil

• Burundi

• Cape Verde

• Chile

• Colombia

• Democratic Republic of Congo

• Ecuador

• Eswatini

• French Guiana

• Guyana

• Lesotho

• Malawi

• Mauritius

• Mozambique

• Namibia

• Panama

• Paraguay

• Peru

• Portugal (including Madeira and the Azores)

• Rwanda

• Seychelles

• South Africa

• Suriname

• Tanzania

• United Arab Emirates (UAE)

• Uruguay

• Venezuela

• Zambia

• Zimbabwe

Travellers from other countries will need to self-isolate at home for ten days (or five days under the test and release scheme).

Travellers will need to pre-book an 11-night stay (10 days) from a dedicated portal which allows travellers to their "quarantine package". The booking portal can be accessed here.

For those that have read up about 5* luxury quarantine hotels, this is unlikely to be the case. Hotels are selected in advance, and no details are given on the hotel (at least whilst booking the hotel).

The quarantine package will include 11 nights of stay, food and beverages, transfers, security and two COVID Tests (one on day two and another on day 8).

Do note that travellers will still be required to undertake the 72 pre-arrival COVID test before travelling to the UK.

The Cost of the packages are:

1. Single Person (1 Room) - £1,750

2. 2 Adults (1 Room) - £2,400

3. 2 Adults and 1 Child (those between 5-12) - £2,725

The Home Office has confirmed that "For those facing significant financial hardship as a result of this charge, there will be an opportunity to apply for a deferred repayment plan when booking. This is only available for individuals who already receive income-related benefits, and you will be required to pay back your debt to the Government in 12 monthly instalments". For all others, the fee must be payable upfront and booked before they travel.

Quarantine hotels are only available for those arriving at Heathrow Airport, Gatwick Airport, London City Airport, Birmingham Airport and Farnborough Airfield. Travellers should therefore ensure that they book their arrivals at those airports when returning from a Red-List country.

For full details of the requirements, visit the Home Office website here.

Shores & Legal are experienced and expert immigration partners for your business and personal immigration requirements. We help companies identify their immigration compliance gaps and help businesses set up and operate an effective immigration compliance programme. If you wish to discuss your UK immigration requirements, contact us at +44 (0) 207 097 6778 or info@shoreslegal.com.