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Posted on October 08 2020

More countries high on COVID-19 risk restricted by the UK

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By  Editor
Updated May 25 2023

The UK has been taking all the necessary measures to ensure that the COVID-19 pandemic is kept at bay. Those arriving on permits like UK visitor visa have been put under strict scrutiny.

One of the preventive steps is the regular revision of the list of countries the UK deems risky with regards to the pandemic. Travelers from these countries who arrive in the UK are asked to follow the compulsory self-quarantine of 14 days.

Lately, the UK authorities have resolved to add more nations into the list of countries with a high risk of COVID-19. The decision to take such a step has been announced by the FCDO and Department for Transport via a press release published in the UK government’s official website gov.uk.

The press release says that from October 3, 2020, 4 am all travelers arriving from the following countries and islands must practice self-quarantine for 14 days in England:

  • Turkey
  • Saba
  • St Eustatius
  • Poland
  • Bonaire

The basis for including these countries into the restricted nation list is the data taken from Public Health England and Joint Bio security Center. These bodies detected a significant change in the pace and level at which confirmed cases of COVID-19 are occurring.

For instance, Poland has shown a 66% increase in the number of COVID-19 cases per 100,000 people coming out weekly. The test positivity for Poland has nearly doubled in a week’s time. That increase has occurred from 3.9% to 5.8%.

The situation in the islands of St. Eustatius, Saba, and Bonaire is also a matter of concern. There has been a 740% increase in the number of new COVID-19 cases. This has occurred in a different way compared to the definition used by international organizations like ECDC and WHO.

Upping the ante to ensure the strict implementation of preventive measures in the UK, increased penalties have been imposed on those violating self-isolation upon arrival in the country. This will be implemented from October 2, 2020.

Upon breaching quarantine after being tested positive for COVID-19, the defaulter will now pay a fine from £1,000 for a first-time offense to up to £10,000 for subsequent offenses.

The FCDO has also updated its travel advice. It urges its citizens to avoid all travel except the essential ones to the newly added countries to the COVID-19 high-risk nations.

Look out for the regularly revised advisories for UK immigration and the updated restricted country list to make the right travel plan to the UK.

If you are looking to Study, Work, Visit, Invest or Migrate to the UK, talk to Y-Axis, the World’s No.1 Immigration & Visa Company.

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Note:

FCDO - Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office

ECDC - European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control

WHO – World Health Organization

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UK Immigration

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