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Planning To Travel To The UK From India? Know The Latest Rules & Restrictions

by Tania Tarafdar
Planning To Travel To The UK From India? Know The Latest Rules & Restrictions

Have you been planning to travel to the UK? You might face a lot of hiccups as India continues to be on UK’s red list. As of now, visas have been put on hold. But even if you have a long-term travel visa to the UK, you cannot take a direct flight to the UK. You must first fly to a country that is on UK’s green list and stay in the transit country for at least ten days before you take your flight to the UK. Read on for all the details.

Can Indians Travel To The UK Via Green List Countries?

The countries in UK’s green list include Faroe Islands, Gibraltar, Iceland, Israel and Jerusalem, New Zealand, Singapore. South Georgia and South Sandwich Islands, St Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha. However, none of these countries are allowing travellers from India. As of now, only Turkey, South Africa, Russia, Egypt, and Nepal have relaxed travel restrictions for passengers from India.

Also read: Travelling To Dubai This Summer: Arrival Rules, Visa, Insurance & Everything You Must Know Before You Book

What Are The Arrival Rules In The UK From Different Countries?

The flight options and routes to the UK are limited. The UK has categorised countries in three different lists that have a different set of norms and restrictions. However, in case, you find a flight via a specific country that is destined for the UK, here’s what you should know.

Green list: If you are travelling via green list country you must take a COVID-19 test two days before arrival.

Amber list – If you are taking a flight via a country which falls in the amber list, you must quarantine in the country you are travelling to and take two COVID-19 tests.

Red list – If you are travelling via a ‘red list’ country you must quarantine in a hotel and take two COVID-19 tests. That said, you cannot enter the UK if you’ve been in or travelling via a red list country unless you’re British, Irish or you have the right to live in the UK. The exemptions include students as well as skilled labour.

Also read: Should Indian Students Travelling To The US Get Re-Vaccinated? Everything You Should Know

Can You Travel To The UK If You Are A Long-Term Visa Holder?

Besides, London’s Heathrow Airport has opened a dedicated new terminal for arrivals from ‘red list’ countries. Travellers arriving from such destinations will be directly moved to a government-approved quarantine facility booked at the passengers’ own expense. That said, it is nearly impossible to enter the UK right now. The UK government is not issuing any fresh visas and allowing only British, Irish and long-term visa holders, from green countries. So even if you are a long-term visa holder, travelling to the UK may not be possible. UK removed From Abu Dhabi’s Green List; Mandatory Quarantine For Travellers From Britain.

Watch out this space for more travel updates.