Advice for students arriving in the UK from Overseas
Do I need to self-isolate when I return to the University from Overseas?
How long do I need to self-isolate for?
What is the ‘Test to Release’ scheme?
How does the ‘Test to Release’ scheme work?
What happens if I test positive for COVID-19?
What is the passenger locater form?
Can I use public transport to travel to my accommodation?
How will I get food while I am self-isolating?
What restrictions do I need to know on arrival or when my self-isolation ends?
Do I need to self-isolate when I return to the University from Overseas?
Yes, you will need to self-isolate, if you arrive from a country that is not on the travel corridor list (please note this list is subject to change with short notice, so please check before you start your journey). Click here for updated list.
How long do I need to self-isolate for?
If you are required to self-isolate, this will be for a period of 10 days from the date you enter the UK. If you develop COVID-19 symptoms during this time, you will need to isolate for a further 10 days from when your symptoms start. Alternatively you can opt in to the ‘Test to Release’ scheme (payable) before you travel to the UK, which could reduce your isolation period to 5 days.
What is the ‘Test to Release’ scheme?
The ‘Test to Release’ scheme gives you the option to pay for a private COVID-19 test, and if the result is negative you can stop self-isolating after 5 days. Click here for more information.
How does the ‘Test to Release’ scheme work?
To take part in the scheme, you need to:
- book a test with a private test provider before you travel
- choose to opt into the scheme on the passenger locator form
You cannot take the test until a full 5 days after you left the country you are travelling from.
Please note: The ‘Test to Release’ option is only available if you are travelling to England and does not apply to Wales, Scotland or Ireland.
What happens if I test positive for COVID-19?
If your test result is positive, you will need to self-isolate for a further 10 days from the date you took the test. Anyone else living or staying at your address will also need to self-isolate from the date you took the test.
If your test result is inconclusive you must continue to self-isolate for the full 10 days.
If you fail to follow the rules and self-isolate, you can be fined £1,000 in the first instance and £10,000 for any further offences.
How much is the private test?
Prices for the private test from the Government approved list currently range from £90 to £300.
What is the passenger locator form?
You must complete this form online before you arrive in the UK, even if you are arriving from a country on the ‘travel corridor list’. You may be fined if you have not completed the form by the time you reach the UK border. You also may not be allowed to enter the UK (unless you are either British or a UK resident).
To complete the form you need:
- your passport details
- your travel details, including times and dates
- the address where you will stay in the UK
- a booking reference number and the name of the test provider, if you using ‘Test to Release’ to find out if you can end isolation early
You can submit the form anytime in the 48 hours before you arrive in the UK. (This is a free service, you do not need to pay a third party to provide your contact details for you).
After you complete the form you will receive a QR code via email. You can print this out or show it on your phone as proof of completion.
Can I use public transport to travel to my accommodation?
You can use public transport to travel to your accommodation, as long as you adhere to COVID-19 rules:
- wear a face covering
- observe social distancing
For the UK Government safer travel guidance for passengers click here.
If you are travelling from Gatwick or Heathrow airport we would recommend that you book a taxi in advance, as this minimises the amount of people you will come into contact with (the same rules apply).
You can book a taxi online with Starline Minicabs in Chichester.
How will I get food while I am self-isolating?
If you are living in university accommodation and you arrive on or after the 11th January 2021 you will be provided with basic food packs to see you through your self-isolation period. You can also arrange to have food delivered to you from local shops and delivery companies. It is important that you let the accommodation team know your arrival date as soon as it is confirmed.
If you are living off-campus you are responsible for making your own arrangements regarding food. We would recommend that you book a delivery slot with one of the local supermarkets before you arrive. We also recommend that you bring food items with you (space permitting).
For any questions regarding this please contact the accommodation team: accommodation@chi.ac.uk
What restrictions do I need to know on arrival or when my self-isolation ends?
When your self-isolation period ends you will need to check what restrictions are in place for the local area (these are subject to change depending on the current Tier each area is in.