The United Kingdom has removed Botswana and other 46 countries from its Covid-19 red list as the latter eases entry rules.
This means that Batswana will not have to be subjected to the list which requires travellers to quarantine in an approved hotel at their own cost for 10 days.
The UK Government said continued progress on vaccination both at home and around the world means it could confidently reduce the size of the red list to focus on countries which pose the highest risk, informed by UK Health Security Agency’s (UKHSA) assessment.
Eligible fully vaccinated passengers and eligible under 18s returning from countries and territories not on the red list, can do so with just a day 2 test.
Other passengers who are not fully vaccinated with an authorised vaccine returning from a non-red destination must still take a pre-departure test, a day 2 and day 8 test and complete 10 days self-isolation (with the option of Test to Release on day 5).
The UK said the latest travel update builds on the announcement from the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office earlier this week that it has lifted advice against all but essential travel for over 30 countries and territories. More advisories will be removed as countries and territories come off the red list, making it easier for people to be covered by insurance when travelling to a wider list of destinations.
Commenting on the latest development, UK’s Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said: “With half-term and winter sun around the corner, we’re making it easier for families and loved ones to reunite, by significantly cutting the number of destinations on the red list, thanks in part to the increased vaccination efforts around the globe.”
Shapps added: “Restoring people’s confidence in travel is key to rebuilding our economy and levelling up this country. With less restrictions and more people traveling, we can all continue to move safely forward together along our pathway to recovery.”
UK’s Health and Social Care Secretary Sajid Javid said their robust border measures have helped protect the phenomenal progress of our vaccination programme.
“It is because of this success both here and around the world that we can safely open up travel further and we can visit friends and family abroad. We’re now making it easier and cheaper for people to travel by allowing fully vaccinated travellers from non-red list countries to use lateral flow tests on day 2 of arrival, as long as they provide proof of use,” noted Javid.
