Planning a Trip to London This Summer? Here’s What You Need to Know…
With Emirates flights to London and other capital cities already off the ground, there has no doubt been a huge number of enquiries from international clients planning month-long stays in London. However, there is understandably a lot of confusion about the quarantine rules that many have deemed ‘unworkable’.
Here’s a quick rundown from Pippa & Benoit on what you need to know.
1. ENTERING THE UK
2. IN THE AIR
3. DURING YOUR STAY
ENTERING THE UK
Currently, the UK government has ruled that from 8 June 2020 – all visitors to the UK will be required to:
Provide journey and contact details when travelling to the UK
Complete a 14-days quarantine in the place you’re saying. This means not leaving the property except in very limited situations (e.g. for urgent medical treatment or essential supplies that cannot be delivered to you)
If you refuse to provide your contact details on arrival, you may be fined £100. And if you are found to have not self-isolated, you may be fined £1,000 (and could face further action).
However, the government is under considerable pressure to change these rules – largely because they are deemed unenforceable by many. Only 20% of visitors are expected to ever receive a spot check to ensure they’re staying where they said they would. And given the relatively small £100 fine, many travellers may simply refuse to a give an address in the first place.
Under draft plans set to be laid before parliament, new arrivals to the UK may be able to go food shopping, change accommodation, and use public transport during their 14-day quarantine. However, these changes are yet to be confirmed. We will of course be keeping our guests informed of any changes as they develop.
IN THE AIR
There are also rules to be followed at the airport and in the air, e.g.
You’ll need to arrive 4 hours before departure for a health screening
Only travelling customers may enter the terminal
You must wear gloves and a facemask throughout your journey
You must observe social distancing rules
DURING YOUR STAY
Keeping our guests safe and comfortable is always our number one priority. As part of Pippa & Benoit’s Covid-19 Protection Policy, every serviced apartment they manage is deep cleaned and left vacant for 72 hours between stays. They will also provide gloves and face masks for you to use during your stay.
And, as ever, they will be on hand to help organise deliveries and advise on the best local spots. While it’s a developing situation, more and more businesses are re-opening by the day – with the likes of The Dorchester and The Connaught already offering takeaway dishes, and many of London’s top bars and restaurants aiming to open their doors again from 4 July, with outdoor seating and social distancing in place.
Indeed, Ammar Wafai, who owns Al Sultan in Mayfair and Mamounia Lounge in Knightsbridge, has said that Al Sultan will be open for takeaway from 8 June and Mamounia lounge shortly after that, with a view to open up fully later on. So, summer not cancelled after all, it seems!
FOR FURTHER DETAILS
Please contact Pippa Mitchell | Email: pm@pippabenoit.com | Tel: +44 (0) 7739 315 597
ABOUT PIPPA & BENOIT
Pippa & Benoit is a luxury serviced apartment firm that specialises in Prime Central London. It was co-founded in 2017 by Benoit Gallaga, formerly of Harrods Estates, and Pippa Mitchell, a property investor and host of PPN Knightsbridge.