Misco60

What did your Congressman say when you told him that you had been detained briefly by CBP?

SanePlaneJane

Yes, that is the plan. Thanks for confirming that I don't need to do self-isolation before staying with my family member, I can do it while I'm there, and then leave the UK before the 14 days are up.

Jet Ranger

Some thoughts from me, as I have traveled between MIA and LHR during this pandemic.

Arrival into MIA involved being interviewed off the jetway by a representative from the CDC who took your temperature with a digital thermometer, handed out a Covid-19 info leaflet, and then onto to Federal Inspection. There is no automated arrival, so no ePassport gates and no global entry. Everyone has to go to an officer. It was fairly cursory - look at the passport, where have you been, how long for, and do you have anything to declare? And then waved through. Usual luggage collection, through the customs check (wasn’t stopped or spoken to) and out.

Departure from MIA for the 7.40pm flight to LHR was an absolute PITA - this was 3 weeks ago.
Check in was ok - no Flagship First check in so have to join the regular security line rather than escorted through.
The lines for TSA and TSA Pre were about 90 mins - 2 hours wait. We were HBO and arrived at the airport 30 mins before boarding due to start, and we thought we were going to miss our flights. Initially no one was willing to help us - TSA or airline staff. We eventually found a sympathetic AA supervisor who took us to the front of the TSA Pre line, with about 5 mins before boarding, so be aware of the potential lines.

It seems flights are ramping up, but TSA opening check points is not. So something to be aware of. This was a few weeks ago, so things may have improved.

Finally, for me, quarantine at each end was fine, as I work from home, so it really wasn’t too difficult.

konagirl2

Can you get insurance that will cover you in the UK? If you aren't resident here (even if a citizen) then you would have to pay for health care if you fell ill, so are you able to get that cover at this time? Is there an equivalent to the FCO advice that basically means leisure travellers are not covered?

Arsey00

At the moment I don't think it's stupid, as long as you're willing to change your mind should the risks change. I booked an august trip for my dual citizen daughter who's at uni in the states. We're obviously watching the recommendations and changes in both country’s situations carefully, but haven't seen a reason to cancel yet.

Misco60

Emergency care is free to everyone in the UK, regardless of nationality or place of residence. This specifically includes testing and treatment for covid-19.

However, travel insurance is still a good idea for non-emergency situations.

frogster

But travelling back to the airport would be breaking quarantine (or rather self-isolation).
It's 2 weeks in self-isolation, then one week free to do as you please (e.g. visiting family) and then 2 weeks quarantine in the US.

Since you will presumably purchase a return ticket with a 7 days stay, it will be quite apparent to immigration officials.

wilko1

Emergency care is not free, only to those who are 'ordinarily resident' in the UK. GP and A&E care is free to all, but if you needed admission to hospital (including ITU) this would be chargeable at 150% of the normal rate. If it is an emergency you will not get charged upfront, but they will pursue you for the costs afterwards. Reportedly they are getting far more aggressive at doing this, including letting immigration know, and registering a debt with credit agencies etc.

COVID testing is free regardless.

KARFA

Just to clarify, the self isolation period is 14 days or when you leave the UK. You can come to the UK and to your place of self isloation and for example after 3 days head to the airport and leave.

Obviously there are requirements for when you are in your self isolation period. Whilst you can have contact with the people in the household you are isolating in, you should not be meeting with people in other households.

corporate-wage-slave

No, that's not correct. The Statutory Instrument says in words of (almost) one syllable that self isolation ends after 14 days or when leaving (e.g.) England, whichever is sooner. The SI also says you can return to the airport to depart.

LondonElite

Does self-isolation work with a family member with whom you're not ordinarily resident?

KARFA

yes that's fine.

tjcxx

Yes. That is also spelled out very clearly.

(edit -- Snap)

corporate-wage-slave

The legislation allows it for friends too, at least in England and Northern Ireland. For Wales and Scotland it is a more complicated position.. There is a detailed, if perhaps overloaded thread in the Coronavirus forum with a lot more detail.

jjLDNY

Agree on the above. Ultimately it's to stay inside. Now, once you're inside, you should still be mindful that if you have just travelled and stepped into a home with people who have not, that you may carry the virus.

So, some people are isolating in a room for a few days for example. It depends how much you care for said person I guess