Location: United Kingdom
Event: Health Alert
U.S. Embassy London will be sending a daily update to ensure all U.S. citizens in the United Kingdom have the latest information about COVID-19 and local conditions. Updated information will be prefaced with (NEW). If different or additional information would be useful, please email us with your suggestions at SCSLondon@state.gov.
(NEW) Updated Information on Updated UK COVID-19 Immigration Policies
· The UK government is granting visa extensions for most foreign national visa holders through May 31, 2020. Extensions will be granted for those who are unable to depart the United Kingdom as a direct result of COVID-19. You MUST contact the Coronavirus Immigration Team if your leave to remain in the UK expires between January 24 and May 30, 2020.
· You can apply from the UK to switch to a long-term UK visa until 31 May 2020. This includes applications where you would usually need to apply for a visa from the U.S.
· If your 30-day visa to travel to the UK for work, study or to join family has expired, or is about to expire, you can request a replacement visa with revised validity dates free of charge until the end of this year.
· If you have applied for a Tier 2, 4, or 5 visa and are awaiting a decision, you may start studies/work if certain conditions are met. For information, please visit Advice for UK Visa Applicants and Temporary UK Residents.
Commercial Flights Still Available from UK to USA
The U.S. government does not anticipate arranging repatriation flights from the UK at this time. U.S. citizens in the UK who wish to return to the United States should make commercial flight arrangements or be prepared to remain in the UK for an indefinite period.
International flights from the UK to the United States are departing from London Heathrow Airport (LHR). Four carriers are running daily flights from LHR to the United States. Below is a list of carriers and possible destinations:
· Carriers: American, British, Delta, and United
· Destinations: Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Miami, Minneapolis/St. Paul, New York, Salt Lake City, San Francisco, Seattle, and Washington D.C.
Commercial flights are still available from multiple UK airports connecting to London Heathrow for direct flights to the United States. Trains from Scotland to London are also still available; however, this may change at any moment. Please check the airport and rail websites for the latest information:
· London Heathrow
· Belfast City Airport
· Aberdeen Airport
· Edinburgh Airport
· Glasgow Airport
· Scotrail
· National Rail
Limited Services at London Heathrow Airport
London Heathrow Airport is moving all flights into Terminal 2 and Terminal 5. All passengers should double-check their arrival and departure terminals, as they may change.
Food and other services in transit areas are extremely limited. Passengers must be prepared to be self-sufficient during their transit.
Guidance for Travelers Exhibiting COVID-19 Symptoms
Airline staff may deny boarding to passengers exhibiting potential COVID-19 symptoms. Passengers who are denied boarding will be directed to an airport self-isolation room where they may make quarantine arrangements before departing the airport. Each terminal should have a designated self-isolation room. Travelers exhibiting symptoms will be required to arrange their own transportation and accommodations for the quarantine period.
Please visit: https://www.heathrow.com/customer-support/faq/coronavirus-covid-19 for more airport information and a detailed FAQ section.
Information Regarding Hotel Availability in the United Kingdom
Most hotels in the UK have closed until further notice, per UK government guidance issued on March 23. Travelers are urged to reach out to directly by phone before travel to ensure specific hotels are still operating and accepting guests. The most up-to-date guidance can be found on the UK COVID-19 website.
The Department of State encourages all U.S. citizens to enroll in Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive security and health updates.
On March 23, the Prime Minister advised that people should leave home only for the following reasons:
· Shopping for basic necessities
· One form of exercise a day
· Any medical need/care for a vulnerable person
· Travelling to and from work, only if absolutely necessary
Visit the UK COVID-19 websitefor updated information.
The U.S. Mission to the United Kingdom has suspended routine consular services. For emergency American Citizens Services, including emergency passports, please visit our website for additional information at https://uk.usembassy.gov/.
The Department of State has issued a Global Level 4 Health Advisory for COVID-19.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a Global COVID-19 Pandemic Notice advising travelers to avoid non-essential travel.
Actions to Take:
· Consult the CDC website for the most up-to-date information.
· For the most recent information on what you can do to reduce your risk of contracting COVID-19, please see the CDC’s latest recommendations.
· Visit the COVID-19 crisis page on travel.state.gov for the latest information.
· Have a plan to depart the UK that does not rely on U.S. government assistance. The U.S. government does not anticipate arranging repatriation flights from the UK at this time.
· Check with your airlines, cruise lines, or travel operators regarding any updated information about your travel plans and/or restrictions.
· Visit our updated Embassy webpage on COVID-19 for information on conditions in the United Kingdom.
· Visit the Department of Homeland Security’s website on the latest travel restrictions to the United States.
Assistance:
U.S. Embassy London, United Kingdom
33 Nine Elms Lane
London, UK SW11 8DG
+44 (0) 207-499-9000
from U.S.: 011 44 (0)20 7499-9000
SCSLondon@state.gov
https://uk.usembassy.gov/
U.S. Consulate General Edinburgh
+44 (0) 131 556-8315
Edinburgh-info@state.gov
U. S. Consulate General Belfast
+44 (0) 28 9038-6100
ConsularBelfast@state.gov
State Department – Consular Affairs
888-407-4747 or 202-501-4444
United Kingdom Country Information
Enroll in Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive security updates.
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