The United Kingdom has moved India to the ‘Amber’ category, reopening travel visas for Indian citizens.
The U.K. had placed India under the ‘Red’ category in view of a surge in COVID-19 cases that came along with a stringent quarantine requirement, which too will be relaxed under the new set of rules.
A statement from the British High Commission informed that as part of the ‘Amber’ list, visitor visas will be available to Indian travellers, along with “other long-term visas that have remained open”.
According to the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) all arrivals from India who have been vaccinated with both the doses can choose to isolate at home. The individuals no longer need to shell out 1, 750 pounds per head for 10 day quarantine at a government-approved facility. Moreover, people vaccinated in UK or Europe are exempted from home quarantine requirements as well. Moreover, work is ongoing to determine which non-UK vaccines and certification solutions will be recognised. This comes as the UK reviews its three-tier international travel restrictions with a color-coded list of countries (red, amber & green).
There have been some speculations over Covishield, the Serum Institute of India made Oxford\AstraZeneca vaccine being considered with wider UK- approved vaccines. But the only vaccine made by Oxford/Astrazeneca currently recognised by UK’s Medicine and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency in its exemption rule is Vaxzervria.
The requirement for a compulsory 10-day self-isolation in a government-approved facility at an additional cost of 1,750 pounds per head will no longer apply.
The passengers must quarantine at home or in the place they have confirmed as their location for 10 days on arrival in England. They will need to take a Covid-19 test on or before day two and on or after day eight.
Under-18s and those fully vaccinated in the UK are exempt from the home quarantine, as well as those who have received both jabs in the EU and US.
Quarantine rules are also exempted for individuals who were vaccinated with UK vaccination drive overseas, those under 18 on the day you arrive in England and resident in the UK or in a country with a vaccination programme approved by the UK; and part of a UK-approved vaccine trial.
Only a limited number of flights now operate between India and UK under its bilateral agreement. Air carriers have also witnessed a record surge in bookings after India’s name was taken off the red List. The move was welcomed by the Indian diaspora in England hoping for India visits during the ongoing summer break in the country.
Entry from Indian nationals was restricted in England since April end due to the surge in Covid-19 cases caused by the Delta variant limiting travel only for British residents who had to self-isolate in a government-sanctioned hotel at a considerable additional expense.
