Travel from a Red list country
There is currently a travel ban to the UK from red list countries but this does not apply to those who hold UK residence rights which includes if you hold a student visa or a status under the EU Settlement Scheme. However, if you are coming to Cambridge for a short period of study with a visitor status, you would not be able to travel to the UK at this time.
If you will be arriving in the UK from a Red list country, or have been in a Red list country in the 10 days prior to arrival, you will need to do the following:
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Negative COVID-19 tests
You must have proof of a negative coronavirus (COVID-19) test in order to travel to the UK. You must take the test in the 2 days before the service on which you will arrive in England departs.
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Contact details
Prior to travel, you will need to provide journey and contact details anytime in the 48 hours prior to arriving using an online form. To complete the form you will need your travel details (including times, dates, and flight number), your passport, and the address where you will stay in the UK.
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Stay in a quarantine hotel
On arrival in the UK you will need to stay for 10 days (11 nights) in a government approved quarantine hotel. In addition, you can only arrive in the UK to certain airports, which includes London Heathrow and London Gatwick. You are advised to check this before booking your travel.
You are advised to read the government guidance about booking and staying in a quarantine hotel in full. You will note:
- You must book and pay for the hotel before you travel.
- The cost to stay in a quarantine hotel is £2285 (with additional costs for accompanying family members).
- You will be transported from the airport to your quarantine hotel after arrival.
- Booking for hotel quarantine is managed through a travel management company, Corporate Travel Management.
- It is not guaranteed you will be able to book a hotel for the day you want to arrive in the UK so you should consider the hotel booking alongside making your travel arrangements. The hotel booking can be changed without a financial penalty up to 48 hours before arrival, and/or you may wish to consider booking a flexible flight ticket to the UK.
- Included in your quarantine hotel package are COVID-19 tests to be taken on or before day 2 and on or after day 8 of your quarantine.
- This is a guide on what to expect during the managed quarantine period.
There is no exemption from these requirements if you have been fully vaccinated against coronavirus.
Financial hardship
For students who would be put in significant financial hardship as a result of quarantine costs, there is the option to apply for a deferred repayment plan when booking which would enable you to pay in 12 monthly instalments. You should check the terms and conditions. Further information is linked at the bottom of the booking website.
Students who find themselves in financial hardship upon their arrival in Cambridge due to the cost of hotel quarantine may apply for additional funding through hardship support.
The restrictions, requirements, and categories are subject to change. We would advise you to check regularly for updates.
If you have any queries specifically about the requirements to travel to the UK, the University’s COVID Helpdesk may be able to provide further clarification. You can email them at Covid-helpdesk@admin.cam.ac.uk or telephone +44 1223 339514.