The United Arab Emirates has been added to the government’s ‘red list’ of countries, alongside Burundi and Rwanda.
The move, confirmed in tweets from transport secretary Grant Shapps, means arrivals are banned other than ‘British, Irish or third country nationals with residence rights’ who must self-isolate at home for 10 days on their return.
Those who self-isolate will not be able to use the Test to Release system to shorten their quarantine period.
The rules will come into force from 1pm on Friday, after which there will be no direct flights from Dubai or Abu Dhabi.
Shapps said: “From tomorrow (Friday 29 Jan at 1pm), we’re extending our travel ban with the United Arab Emirates, Burundi and Rwanda all added to the UK’s red list.
“This means people who have been in or transited through these countries will be denied entry, except British, Irish and third country nationals with residence rights who must self-isolate for ten days at HOME.
“Passengers must still have proof of a negative test and completed Passenger Locator Form before arrival – or could otherwise face a £500 fine for each.”
From tomorrow (Friday 29 Jan at 1pm), we’re extending our travel ban with the United Arab Emirates, Burundi and Rwanda all added to the UK’s red list. 1/3
— Rt Hon Grant Shapps MP (@grantshapps) January 28, 2021
Travel from the UK is currently banned unless for a small number of valid reasons, with the government stating on Wednesday that it would introduce tougher measures to reduce the flow of passengers.
It also confirmed plans to introduce a new system of mandatory hotel quarantine for UK arrivals from countries from which travel bans are in place, but has yet to confirm when the measures will be introduced.