In an effort to contain the mutated version of the coronavirus, the British government is tightening its Rules of entry. Failure to comply with the new travel regulations may even result in imprisonment.

Three coronatests necessary

With the Covid-19 viral mutation most prevalent in the UK and the healthcare system on the verge of collapse, UK Health Secretary Matt Hancock has ordered stricter corona rules for travellers. As a result, a total of three coronatests must be presented starting Monday, February 15. During the ten-day quarantine period that follows immediately after entry, one negative result must be presented immediately on arrival, one on day two and one on day eight. Advance registration online for PCR testing is required. Travellers are responsible for the cost of the tests. Similar measures are also being planned for Wales, Northern Ireland and Scotland.

Hotel quarantine obligation for inbound travellers

All existing quarantine rules and penalties have also been tightened. Entry will still only be granted to nationals and residents of the United Kingdom. What is new is that from Monday these entrants will have to spend their quarantine period in a hotel and also pay for it themselves. "People will have to stay in their rooms and obviously not be allowed to socialise with other guests," Hancock told The Guardian. For the obligatory ten-day quarantine stay in a hotel, you can expect costs of around 2,000 euros. This stay must also be booked in advance.

Breaking the rules could result in a prison sentence

Rule breakers will have to dig deeper into their pockets, because those who do not comply with the prescribed entry measures risk a fine of up to 2,280 euros. Those who refuse a hotel quarantine must expect a fine of up to almost 11,400 euros, and those who conceal the fact that they were in one of the risk areas declared by Great Britain can go to prison for up to ten years.

Hard lockdown until March

At the beginning of the year, the country had already banned tourist travel to and from Great Britain and Northern Ireland. As the British Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab announced, the hard lockdown will continue throughout February. At the beginning of March, possible relaxations will be considered. However, these will take place gradually.

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