Since the early hours of 11th February, the UK scrapped all Covid-19 testing procedures for fully vaccinated travellers. Instead, as long as you have an updated Covid-19 vaccination, you will only need to complete a Passenger Locator Form. A pre-departure and Day 2 PCR test will still be required for those who are not fully vaccinated.
This new rule has been put in place just before the start of the school half-term, resulting in more accessible and cheaper holidays for families hoping to travel abroad, saving the average family £100 on the cost of tests. Children aged 12-15 can now either present their full vaccination status or proof of recent Covid-19 infection on departure.
The CEO and Chairman of British Airways, Sean Doyle, 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.”
The Rules
To qualify for the new rules, you must have been vaccinated in an approved country, which consists of more than 180 countries. On 11th February, 16 new countries were added to the list, including China and Mexico.
Sajid Javid, the UK’s Health and Social Care Secretary, stated:
“As we learn to live with COVID-19, we are taking a balanced approach to opening up international travel and removing all tests for people who have played their part and have been vaccinated.
Thanks to the millions of people who have come forward for their COVID-19 jabs, we are one of the most boosted countries in Europe and are able to take these steps today.”
Times are starting to return to the pre-covid era with only a few basic personal details required for the passenger locator form, including; contact details, vaccination status and recent travel history.
Transport Secretary Grant Shapps stated:
“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.”
Shapps also added that he hopes travel remains open for good and that it will help boost the business and travel sector.
Do you think this will encourage more travellers to go abroad this year? Let us know in the comments below!
