UK Scraps Arrival Testing For Fully Vaccinated Travellers In Major Boost To Travel Industry
Spain News
Published: 11 February 2022 16:30 CET
The lifting of post-arrival testing rules for fully vaccinated travellers arriving in the UK came into force today, with the transport secretary Grant Shapps saying it was “a landmark moment for international travel”.
The new rules mean that from 4 am on Friday, February 11, fully vaccinated travellers will no longer need to take a Covid test, with only the requirement to complete a Passenger Locator Form (PLF).
Those who are not recognised as being fully vaccinated will only need to take a pre-departure test and a PCR test on or before day 2 before they depart for the UK and a PCR test on or before day 2 after they arrive. These passengers will not be required to self-isolate unless they test positive.
Shapps said, “The UK has eased international travel measures for Covid-19 and now has one of the most free-flowing borders in the world – sending a clear message that we are open for business.
“As our travel sector rapidly recovers, and we accelerate towards a future where we want travel to remain open for good, these rule changes coming ahead of half-term are good news for families, businesses and the travel sector.”
The news comes as hundreds of thousands of Brits prepare for the half-term break.
Alberto Martin, CEO at London Luton Airport, said: “These numbers are very encouraging, especially following such a prolonged and difficult period for the aviation industry at large. Whilst there is still a long way to go, the lifting of restrictions is a significant milestone.
"We look forward to seeing passengers return in their numbers once more, and hope this signals a promising moment for the industry’s long-term recovery.”
Travel trade organisation ABTA described the easing of restrictions as “a new chapter” for the industry’s recovery.
The UK government said that the move will save the average around £100 in lateral flow tests.
The new rules come into force at the same time that the Spanish government announced that it too would be making life easier for UK families by lifting restrictions on 12 to 17-year-olds entering the country.
Under the new measures, those between the ages of 12 and 17 years from outside of the EU and Schengen Areas will be able to enter the country even if they have not been vaccinated for Covid.
However, they will still need to show proof that they are free from Covid by producing a negative PCR test result within 72 hours of arrival.
The move from both countries is a welcome boost to both countries tourism sectors which have been hit heavily by international travel restrictions since early 2020 when the pandemic began.
Source
https://www.gov.uk/government/news/uks-new-travel-rules-take-flight
Image Credit: https://www.flickr.com/photos/192333790@N05/
