UK residents and Irish nationals arriving from certain countries will have to quarantine in hotels from 15 February.
The measure is aimed at limiting the spread of coronavirus variants first identified in South Africa and Brazil.
Which countries are affected?
The UK government has drawn up a “red list” of 33 countries – mostly in South America and Africa – where it’s feared Covid variants may have already spread.
One European country – Portugal – is included because of its links to Brazil. The United Arab Emirates is also on the list.
UK and Irish nationals, long-term visa holders and residents entering from these countries already have to enter quarantine for 10 days.
From 15 February, they will have to pay to stay in a hotel selected by the government for 10 nights.
Non-UK travellers who have been in these countries in the 10 days before travelling are banned from entry.
What are the new rules for hotel quarantine?
Arrivals will be met at the airport or point of entry and taken to the hotel. If travellers wish to go outside, for example to smoke, they will be accompanied by security guards.
Hotels near airports including Heathrow, Gatwick, London City, Birmingham, Bristol, Manchester, Edinburgh, Glasgow and Aberdeen are expected to be used.
The government said the measures showed it was taking “the necessary steps to protect people and save lives”. But Labour said it had acted too late and hotel quarantine should be for all international travellers.
