(CNN) – In an effort to protect itself against new variants of the coronavirus, the UK will close all travel corridors starting at 4 am local time on Monday.
UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced the measure at a news conference on Friday, emphasizing that the only way to enter the country is by having a negative coronavirus test.
“This means that if you come to this country, you must have proof of a negative Covid test that you did within 72 hours of departure. And you must have filled out the passenger location form, and your airline will ask you to proof of both before taking off, “said Johnson.
“You can also be checked when you land and face substantial fines for refusing to obey, and on arrival you should be quarantined for 10 days without leaving your home for any reason. Or take another test on the fifth day and wait for proof of another negative result. And we will intensify our inspection, both at the border and in the country, “added Johnson.
The measures apply to all travelers, including British and Irish citizens.
The increased enforcement will support the new rules, including more spot checks on passengers entering the country, the Department of Transport 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 globally has now increased, requiring more stringent measures to block all potential routes through which new strains of the virus could enter the UK while we consider the best way to respond,” said the Department of Transport said.
The new measure will be reviewed on February 15.