Transport Secretary Grant Shapps added two more countries to the UK’s travel corridor lists, meaning holidaymakers to those countries will not have to self-isolate
Holidaymakers returning from two travel hotspots will no longer need to self-isolate due to coronavirus, the Foreign and Commonwealth Office have confirmed.
Transport Secretary Grant Shapps removed Thailand and Singapore off of the Government’s red list on Thursday, adding to the growing list of destinations Brits will not have to self-isolate from upon return.
The FCO still advises against all “non-essential international travel” at the moment, but has created a list of “travel corridors” Brits can venture to isolation-free.
Thailand and Singapore join the likes of Cyprus, Turkey, Germany, Poland and Sweden, which are all countries exempt from self-isolation.
Mr Shapps also confirmed Slovenia and Guadaloupe have been added to the list of countries from which travellers must quarantine when entering England.
He said on Twitter: “Latest data shows we need to remove SLOVENIA and GUADELOUPE from the Travel Corridor list to keep everyone safe. This means if you arrive in the UK from these destinations after 4am Saturday, you will need to self-isolate for 14 days.about:blank?unblock=true
“Separately, we will be adding SINGAPORE and THAILAND to the Travel Corridor list. Please check before you travel as both countries may have extra requirements before entering.”
He added: “A reminder that travellers to the UK (from ANY location) MUST complete a Passenger Locator Form by law. This is vital in protecting public health & ensuring those who need to are complying with self-isolation rules.”
The changes have been implemented to in a bit to curb the spread of coronavirus in the UK, which has continued to rise in recent weeks.
All travellers, including UK residents and visitors, must complete a passenger locator form upon entry to the UK, which holidaymakers can complete “any time in the 48 hour period before you are due to arrive in the UK.”
If a person does not complete the form, the FCO has said it “might take longer” for holidaymakers or citizens to enter the country.about:blank?unblock=true
It comes after British Airways Boss Alex Cruz told MPs people were “still afraid of travelling” as he defended the airline’s decision to cut up to 12,000 jobs.
Mr Cruz told the Commons’ Transport Select Committee on 16 September: “As CEO of British Airways, I have to take responsibility. I cannot ignore the situation. I had to act incredibly fast.
“I deeply, deeply regret that way too many loyal and hardworking colleagues of mine are having to leave our business, and I understand why MPs are concerned.”
