After a depressing 2020, things are back on track for international students in 2021. Many preferred destinations have already eased travel and quarantine restrictions, and others are following suit. Even countries like Australia and New Zealand are working on plans to reopen their borders for international students in the foreseeable future. The record number of applications to foreign universities shows that the industry is back on its feet.
If you have study abroad goals, nothing can stop you from pursuing them. Students who are already on track with their admissions, study permits, and visas will probably be excited about flying to their dream destination. But it makes sense to gather information about the latest travel and vaccination guidelines before planning to travel there. Here are the latest guidelines about travel and vaccinations for international students travelling to the UK in 2021 and beyond.
NEW TRAVEL RULES POST 4TH OCTOBER
The travel guidelines in force post 4th October require international students to take a COVID- test three days before their departure. They have to provide a certificate for a negative report while boarding their flights. Travellers arriving in the UK without the certificate will have to pay a £500 penalty. Students need a repeat test on or before day-2 after arrival and another one after day-8. The country strongly recommends that travellers must complete their vaccination before flying down here, though partially vaccinated students can travel for study purposes. As a good gesture, the UK government offers free vaccines to international students regardless of their nationality.
NEW TRAVEL RULES POST 11TH OCTOBER
The UK government announced the new travel rules easing travel restrictions for international students and travellers from 47 countries post-11th October. Fully vaccinated passengers over 18 years have to take a day-2 test after arrival. But they need to self-isolate for ten days or take a test at their expense. Fully vaccinated indicates that you must have completed the course of an approved vaccine 14 days before arrival. Conversely, partially or non-vaccinated individuals from a non-red destination still have to take a pre-departure COVID test, and a day-2 and day-8 test as well. They must complete the requisite ten days of self-isolation, though they can seek the Test to Release option on day 5.
RED, AMBER, & GREEN LISTS OF COUNTRIES
The UK government released a new listing system for categorising countries with respect to the coronavirus in May 2021. The system aimed to regulate international travel while minimising the transmission level in the country. The system marked countries as Red, Amber, and Green, and had different regulations for these categories. Vaccinated people travelling from the Red List countries are considered high-risk and need to undergo 14-day quarantine in UK-administered hotels. They also have to submit COVID tests before and after arrival. Vaccinated people from the Amber List countries have to carry a negative test report taken within 72 hours. Additionally, they need to self-isolate themselves for ten days. Vaccinated people flying in from the Green List countries must take a test within 72 hours before boarding. They have to get repeat testing after arrival on day-3 and day-10. Currently, the Red List has only seven countries. These include Colombia, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Haiti, Panama, Peru, and Venezuela.
IMPLICATIONS OF QUARANTINE
If you need to quarantine or self-isolate on arrival in the UK, you need to understand its implications. You will not be allowed to attend classes, socialise, or leave your accommodation during the period. Contact your university before flying to the UK to find out about the support they offer. Universities in the country have facilities such as food, accommodation, and online options for induction, orientation, and meeting peers and tutors. Let them know your plans, and they will extend as much help as possible.
It is vital to understand and follow the latest travel, vaccination, and quarantine guidelines as you plan to travel to the UK to commence your studies. This comprehensive guide offers complete and relevant information.
If you are considering studying abroad why don’t you discuss your prospects and opportunities with experts at Lurnable’s dedicated study abroad counselling division LurnPathways?
