(CNN) – In an effort to protect against new coronavirus variants, the UK will close all travel corridors from 4 a.m. local time on Monday.
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced the move in a press conference on Friday, emphasizing that the only way to enter the country is to have a negative coronavirus test result.
“This means that if you come to this country, you must have proof of a negative Covid test taken in the 72 hours before your departure. And you must have completed your passenger locator form and your airline will ask for proof of it. both before you leave, ”Johnson said.
“You can also be checked when you land and face significant fines for refusing to comply, and then quarantine for 10 days upon arrival without leaving your home for any reason. Or take another test on day five. and await evidence of another negative result. And we will step up our enforcement, both at the border and in the country, “Johnson added.
The measures apply to all travelers, including British and Irish nationals.
More enforcement will support the new rules, including more random checks on passengers who have entered the country, the Department of Transportation said in a press release.
The move suspends travel corridors that have existed between the UK and a variety of destinations since July 2020.
“The level of risk associated with the emergence of new variants worldwide has now increased, requiring more stringent measures to block all possible avenues for new strains of viruses to enter the UK, while considering how best to respond,” it said. Ministry of Transport. said.
The new measure will be reviewed on February 15.