UK announces 14-day Quarantine rules for Residents and Visitors

Last updated on 29 May 2020

The UK government has implemented a new (14-day quarantine rule) for returning residents and international visitors to curb the spread of the coronavirus in the country.

According the press release by the United Kingdom Border Agency…

From 8 June, there will be new rules in place for entering the UK because of coronavirus (COVID-19). The rules are for residents and visitors.

When these rules are in place, you will:

• need to provide your journey and contact details when you travel to the UK
• not be allowed to leave the place you’re staying for the first 14 days you’re in the UK except in very limited situations (known as ‘self-isolating’)

You do not need to do these things now. But you should check the latest public health advice on coronavirus before you travel, or if you’ve just arrived in the UK.

Once the rules come into place you may be fined £100 if you refuse to provide your contact details, £1,000 if you refuse to self-isolate in England and Wales, or you could face further action. You’ll be able to find more information on enforcement measures in Scotland and Northern Ireland on this page soon.

You should also download the NHS contact tracing app. You’ll be able to find the app on this page when it’s available.

Provide your journey and contact details when you travel to the UK

From 8 June, if you’re travelling to the UK you’ll need to fill in an online form to provide your journey and contact details before you travel.

You’ll be able to find the form on this page when it’s available – check again before you travel.

You might need to show that you’ve completed the form when you arrive at the UK border.

If you refuse to fill in the form, you may be fined. You also may not be allowed to enter the UK (unless you’re either British or a UK resident).

The government will use this information to contact you if you or someone you’ve travelled with develops coronavirus symptoms, and to check that you’re self-isolating for the first 14 days after you arrive in the UK.

If you develop coronavirus symptoms

Do not travel if you have coronavirus symptoms.

If you develop coronavirus symptoms when you’re travelling to the UK, tell the crew or driver on your plane, ferry, train or bus. They’ll let staff in the airport, port or station know, so they can tell you what you should do next when you arrive.

Self-isolate for your first 14 days in the UK

When you arrive in the UK, go straight to the place where you will self-isolate. Your friends or family can collect you from the airport, port or station. Only use public transport if you have no other option. If you do use public transport, wear something that covers your nose and mouth and stay 2 metres apart from other people.

You must not leave the place you’re staying for 14 days.

You can only leave if:

• you need urgent medical treatment
• you need support from social services
• you need food and medicine and cannot get them delivered or get a friend or family member to bring them
• you’re going to the funeral of a close relative, or for other compassionate reasons
• there’s an emergency, for example there’s a fire at the place you’re staying

You cannot have visitors, including friends and family, unless they are providing essential care.

If you’re at home or staying with friends or family, avoid contact with the people you’re staying with and minimise the time you spend in shared areas.

If you’re staying in a hotel or guest house, you cannot use shared areas such as bars, restaurants, health clubs and sports facilities. Stay 2 metres away from all other guests and staff.

If you will not be able to safely self-isolate at the place you’re planning to stay, tell Border Force officers when you arrive in the UK. They’ll give you a choice of accommodation to stay at.

After 14 days

If you do not have any coronavirus symptoms after 14 days, you can stop self-isolating. You will then need to follow the same rules as people who live in the UK.

Who does not need to provide their details or self-isolate for 14 days

You will not need to fill in the form or self-isolate for 14 days if you’re travelling to the UK from:

• Ireland
• the Channel Islands
• the Isle of Man

There are other reasons why you might not need to fill in the form or self-isolate. Read the list of who does not need to fill in the form or self-isolate.

The rules about who does not need to fill in the form or self-isolate will remain under review and may change in the future. You’ll be able to find more information on this page when it’s available.