What the UK’s new travel rules mean when travelling abroad
From 11th February, fully vaccinated passengers no longer need to take a COVID-19 either before departure or on arrival.
The changes have now come into force
Key changes to the rules
Fully vaccinated travelers (two doses from a country with ‘approved proof of vaccination’) & under-18s no longer need to take a test either before or after they arrive in England, Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland.
What about the Unvaccinated?
If you are Unvaccinated, travelers still have to show proof of a negative Covid test taken two days before departure. They must also take a post-arrival PCR test two days after arrival. This must be booked before travelling to the UK and bought privately. In the case of a positive result, they need to self-isolate.
However, Unvaccinated travelers no longer have to self-isolate on arrival, or take a test on day eight.
All Unvaccinated travelers to the UK must complete a passenger locator form before departure.
How about travelling to & from other Countries?
It is still your responsibility to check the ever-changing rules and restrictions that apply in other countries. It’s still the case that very few countries allow unrestricted access to those people who have not been vaccinated, with an estimated 80+ holiday destinations around the world still requiring all UK travelers to take a pre-departure PCR test before arrival.
For the latest advice always check the Foreign Office website before travelling or booking a trip abroad: https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice
Key changes
- From 11 February all testing requirements were removed for eligible fully vaccinated arrivals, with only a simplified passenger locator form needed.
- Arrivals who do not qualify as fully vaccinated will only need to take a pre-departure test and a PCR test on or before day 2 after they arrive in the UK
- These changes come as children aged 12 to 15 in England can now prove their vaccination status or proof of prior infection for outbound travel with the digital NHS COVID Pass.
Read the full article on www.gov.uk: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/uks-new-travel-rules-take-flight
