The UK officially ended quarantine requirements for vaccinated U.S. and EU travelers on Aug.  2, 2021. Our Universal Aviation FBOs in the UK report that the entry process has been pretty seamless so far. Traffic is expected to start ramping up later this month as the summer holiday travel season starts winding down and business travel picks back up. Here’s what you need to know.

UK no longer requiring quarantine for travelers from the U.S. and EU

In a highly anticipated move, the quarantine requirement for fully vaccinated travelers from the EU and the US arriving in England from an amber list country officially expired Aug. 2, 2021. This is a significant change that sets the stage for a major influx of traffic to the UK toward the latter half of summer 2021 and into the fall.

UK entry requirements

Travelers must follow the UK’s Red, Amber, and Green list rules for entering the UK. NOTE: Effective Aug 8, the country classification list will change, allowing more access for travelers from India, Qatar, UAE and other countries. Mexico will be more restricted.

UK Green List requirements

Fully vaccinated travelers from Green List countries don’t require quarantine.

UK Amber List requirements (U.S. is on Amber List)

Vaccinated Travelers from Amber countries

Fully vaccinated travelers from the EU and U.S. can enter the UK from an Amber List country using Green list country rules, which means:

• Test prior to arrival (lateral flow or PCR)
• Complete pax locator form and book/take a day 2 COVID test
• No quarantine

Unvaccinated Travelers from Amber countries

Unvaccinated travelers from Amber List countries, except UK residents, must quarantine and take COVID-19 tests on the second and eighth days of their quarantine period.

UK Red List requirements

International visitors who have visited or transited through any Red list country in the previous 10 days will be refused entry into England. Only British and Irish citizens, or those with residence rights in the UK, will be allowed to enter, and they must stay in a government approved quarantine facility for 10 days, which has to be booked prior to travel.

UK COVID Health Passes for indoor venues

The UK may soon begin to require COVID passes for entry to night clubs and indoor venues. Nothing official yet.

Additional considerations when operating to the UK in late 2021

Luton’s Night Slot Ban (June 1 – Sept. 30)

London’s Luton Airport announced a new Night Slot Ban is taking effect June 1 through Sept. 30, between the hours of 2200Z to 0600Z.

London-Stansted Airport will be the preferred Luton alternative. Read full details on our blog.

London-Northolt expanded operating hours

RAF Northolt Airport in London has extended its M-F operating hours by three hours to 0800-2000L. This is a big deal because as the closest GA-accessible to central London, as well as the closest airport to Heathrow, these longer hours make it a much better option for international operators. Universal Aviation Northolt worked hard to make this happen.

UK-APD payments

Don’t miss your UK-APD payments – Passenger flights out of the UK are subject to Air Passenger Duty (UK-APD) payments, and many operators forget to pay these within the 7-day deadline. Since we have a local office, we can monitor and manage any payments owed on your behalf. Just send a request to our Global Regulatory Team to get started. It’s a fast and easy setup process.

UK-ETS

A new emissions reporting scheme now applies as a result of Brexit – UK-ETS. If you need help with your UK-ETS monitoring and reporting, we can make this easy for you. Contact our Global Regulatory team directly.

2021 Upcoming UK High-Traffic Events

• Longines Global Champions Tour – London | Aug 13-15 | London, UK
• London Fashion Week – Women’s | Sep 17-21 | London, UK
• NFL Int’l Series London – Jets v Falcons | Oct 10 | London, UK
• NFL Int’l Series London – Dolphins v Jaguars | Oct 17 | London, UK