On 11 May the Government published its COVID-19 recovery strategy for the UK.

This includes a policy, due to be introduced as soon as possible after 13 May, for most international arrivals to the UK to self-isolate in their accommodation for 14 days on arrival to the UK. This will include arrivals by air, rail and sea.

As elements of the UK’s lockdown are progressively lifted and UK visa processing resumes, the Government believes this measure will help to minimise the risk of COVID-19 cases rising due to people arriving from abroad. 

Travellers will be required to provide their contact and accommodation details. Those who cannot demonstrate where they would self-isolate will need to do this in accommodation arranged by the UK government. 

Those arriving in the UK will also be provided with current information on the UK’s social distancing measures, and will be encouraged to download and use the planned NHS contact tracing app. The app is currently being trialled on the Isle of Wight.

Some people will exempt from the self-isolation measures, including those who arrive from the Common Travel Area (which comprises the UK, the Republic of Ireland, the Isle of Man and the Channel Islands), as well as individuals required to enter the UK more rapidly under international obligations, to provide supplies or to support national security or critical infrastructure work.

It is not yet clear whether the required information will be gathered at the border or before arrival, whether temporary accommodation such as in a hotel or serviced apartment will be considered acceptable and what travel arrangements people will need to make to get to their accommodation. The Government plans to publish further details and guidance in the near future, with the requirements and list of exemptions being reviewed on a regular basis. 

If you have any queries about this announcement, please get in touch with a member of the immigration team.