Before you start your journey to the UK
Everyone travelling to the UK, regardless of what list the country is on, will need to take a COVID-19 test in your own country and complete a Passenger Locator Form where you will record your result. You will only be allowed to travel to the UK if you have recorded a negative test.
When you arrive in the UK
Depending on what category the country you are travelling from is in, when you arrive you will have to follow the rules set out by the UK Government on quarantine and testing. Countries are on either red, amber or green lists with red countries having the strictest rules.
You should check which list the country is on that you are travelling to the UK from. The rules apply to any country you were in during the 10-days before you arrive in the UK, including any you have transited through during your journey.
Red list: rules if travelling from a red list country
The UK government is refusing general entry to the UK to those from red list countries. There is an exception for British nationals, Irish nationals and those who have residence rights in the UK. You have residence rights in the UK if you have indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), Pre-Settled or Settled Status, a long-term visa or residence permit such as a Student visa.
If you have been in any of the countries on the red list the following rules apply:
- Quarantine: you will need to quarantine in a government managed hotel for the duration of your 10-day quarantine period and buy a government approved hotel quarantine package. From 12 August the cost is £2,285 which includes travel from and back to the airport, 11 days accommodation, three meals a day and 2 PCR tests. The university will contribute financial support up to £875 to help with quarantine costs. The university contribution will be administered as a reimbursement after the start of your course. As such you will need to book and pay for the hotel quarantine package yourself and keep proof of payment.The process for applying for the University reimbursement has not been finalised yet, but eligible red list students will be able to able to claim the financial support due to them as a cash payment after enrolment at the University and confirmed eligibility. Details of how to complete the claim process will be published shortly, which will include providing proof of payment for relevant costs incurred..
- Testing: you will need to do a PCR test on day 2 and day 8 of your stay and these are included in your hotel package. The day after you arrive at the hotel is considered day 1.
Amber list: rules if travelling from an amber list country
If you are travelling to the UK from an amber list country the following rules apply:
- Quarantine:you are required to quarantine for 10 days in your own accommodation whether you have arranged Halls or are staying in private accommodation.
- Testing:you will be required to do a PCR on day 2 and day 8 after arriving in England. You can order a test kit to arrive at your UK accommodation on theUK government website. You can also sign up to theTest to Release Schemewhich allows you to leave quarantine earlier if you have a negative test result on day 5.
Fully vaccinated amber list rules*
*only applicable if you are vaccinated by approved programmes in the UK, US or certain parts of Europe
- Quarantine:You do not need to quarantine If you are fully vaccinated and your vaccination took place under the UK vaccination programme, the UK vaccine programme overseas or an approved vaccination programme in Europe or the USA - not all are recognised in England. You must also be travelling from an amber list country. You should check theUK government approved list of vaccination programmesand what you need to show to prove your vaccination status. Please note that the vaccination must have taken place under an approved programme in either the UK, US or Europe. You cannot rely on vaccinations undertaken in other countries, even they are the recognised by the UK, USA or in Europe. E.g. if you had a Pfizer vaccination but this was not undertaken in the UK, UK overseas programme, or approved programmes in the USA or Europe this is will not exempt you from quarantine.
- Testing:you are required to test on day 2 after arriving in England. You can order aUK government approved testto arrive at your UK accommodation.
- The University will contribute up to £100 towards testing packages for Amber list students. This will be administered as a reimbursement after the start of your course. As such you will need to book and pay for the tests yourself and keep proof of payment. The process for applying for the University reimbursement has not been finalised yet, but eligible amber list students will be able to able to claim the financial support due to them as a cash payment after enrolment at the University and confirmed eligibility. Details of how to complete the claim process will be published shortly, which will include providing proof of payment for relevant costs incurred.
Green list: rules if travelling from a green list country
If you are arriving in England from a green list country the following rules apply:
- Quarantine: there is no requirement to quarantine
- Testing: you are required to test on day 2 after arriving in England. You can order a UK government approved test to arrive at your UK accommodation.
You should check the different lists on the government website before you make any travel plans as the lists are updated regularly.