13 May 2020

On 11 May 2020, the government published its COVID-19 recovery strategy. Included in this strategy are details of a range of new measures and restrictions to be introduced at the UK border for all international arrivals. The aim of these measures is to contribute to keeping the overall number of transmissions of COVID-19 in the UK as low as possible.

The measures and restrictions are listed below – all international arrivals (unless exempt) will be:

• Able to access increased information at the border about the UK’s social distancing regime.
• Required to supply contact and accommodation information.
• Strongly advised to download and use the NHS contact tracing app.
• Required to self-isolate in accommodation for 14 days from the day of arrival in the UK. If the individual(s) cannot demonstrate where they shall be self-isolating, suitable accommodation will be arranged by the government.

All journeys within the Common Travel Area (i.e. all journeys between the UK, Crown Dependencies and Ireland) shall be exempt from these measures. Additional exemptions are to be confirmed in an official list which should be published shortly. The strategy indicates that this list will include individuals who are involved with the protection of supply into the UK, national security, critical infrastructure and ensuring the UK meets international obligations.

The effective date of these measures is yet to be confirmed, however the government is aiming to introduce the measures ‘as soon as possible’ – details and guidance should be published shortly. We shall provide updates as soon as there are any further official announcements.

Get in touch

If you have any UK immigration queries regarding these new measures or COVID-19, please read our comprehensive COVID-19 immigration FAQs or contact your assigned LDI lawyer or enquiries@lauradevine.com.