As the travel restrictions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic continue, international students are unsure when they will be able to return to their study locations.
It may be challenging to keep up with the most current information on travel limitations with regular updates and regulation changes from nation to country. This is particularly true for overseas students who have managed online learning while keeping up with the most recent travel notices.
This guide explains COVID travel test Birmingham requirements for international students enrolled at universities in the United Kingdom. Using this information, you can be better prepared for a stress-free travel experience, no matter where you’re headed.
Current International Student Travel Regulations In The UK
International Students are permitted to travel to the United Kingdom under Current Rules.
The United Kingdom has a traffic light system with different travel rules for other countries based on their COVID-19 levels.
Entry requirements for testing and quarantine in the United Kingdom are dependent on whether you are travelling from a red list country and if you have been fully vaccinated with unapproved vaccine. If you have been vaccinated, make sure to check the government website to see if your vaccine is approved.
Travel From A Country On The Red List
Non-UK and Irish visitors from South Africa, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Lesotho, and Eswatini will be banned from entering England at noon on November 26. Any UK resident travelling from these countries will be required to self-isolate at home for ten days. Flights from these countries have been suspended until the hotel quarantine has been finished.
Travellers from the six countries identified will be called and requested to do a PCR travel test. Within 48 hours of arrival, all travellers to the UK must fill out a passenger locator form. The form will ask for your passport number, travel details, and UK address. The form is available on the UK government’s website.
Travel From A Country Not On The Red List
If you are not coming from a red list nation, the rules you must follow are determined by whether you are deemed ‘completely vaccinated.’
If You Are Considered “Completely Vaccinated”
If completely vaccinated, students must:
- Take a COVID-19 exam within two days of arrival in the UK. You must have a negative coronavirus (COVID-19) test to enter the UK. You must take the test two days before your flight to England.
- Fill out a passenger locator form within 48 hours.
- Make an appointment for a PCR COVID-19 test on or before your second day in the UK. This must be scheduled well in advance of your trip. If the test results are positive, you will be quarantined for 10 days.
- You must isolate yourself in your own home. If your day 2 PCR test results are negative, you may exit self-isolation.
If You Are Not Considered “Completely Vaccinated”
If not completely vaccinated, students must:
- Take a COVID-19 pre-departure exam three days before coming to the UK. You must have a negative coronavirus (COVID-19) test to enter the UK. You must take the test two days before your flight to England.
- After arriving in the UK, take a COVID-19 test on day 2 and day 8.
- Fill out a passenger locator form within 48 hours.
- Upon arrival, you must quarantine for 10 days. By paying for an extra COVID-19 test on day 5 of quarantine, it may be able to reduce the self-isolation duration. If the test is negative, you may finish the quarantine immediately. Using the ‘test to release’ method requires the day 2 and day 8 tests. If your day 2 test is positive, you cannot leave quarantine early.
Remember that COVID-19 restrictions differ slightly between England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, so make sure to check the rules for the country where you’ll be studying and follow any local restrictions.
Because the restrictions, requirements, and categories are subject to change, you should check back frequently for updates.
