UK relaxes travel rules for those vaccinated against Covid ahead of half-term getaways
Major changes to the UK’s Covid-19 travel rules have come into force today, making international journeys cheaper and easier for passengers ahead of the half term.
The relaxation in requirements is thanks to the success of the UK’s vaccine and booster rollout and means eligible fully vaccinated travellers arriving in the UK no longer need to take any Covid-19 tests.
Eligible fully vaccinated travellers will henceforth be required to fill out a passenger locator form (PLF), confirming their vaccination status, travel history and contact details.
Also from today, arrivals who do not qualify as fully vaccinated will only need to take a pre-departure test in the two days before they depart for the UK and a PCR test on or before the end of day 2 after they arrive in the UK, as well as completing the PLF.
These passengers will not need to self-isolate on arrival and will only need to do so if they test positive.
Transport Secretary Grant 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 government says that the decision to remove testing requirements could save the average family around £100.
Since 3 February 2022, children aged 12-15 in England can demonstrate their vaccination status or proof of prior infection via a digital NHS COVID Pass for outbound travel.
By the end of February, people will also have an extra day to fill out the PLF before travelling.
Sean Doyle, Chairman and CEO of British Airways said: “It’s great news that restrictions are being lifted in time for families to get away for a much needed break this half-term. We’ve seen a boost to bookings directly as a result of lifting restrictions and customers can now travel, safe in the knowledge that they won’t be burdened by expensive and unnecessary testing to return to the UK. We hope that other countries will soon catch up with the UK’s pragmatic approach.”
