COVID tests for fully vaccinated travellers arriving in England are being scrapped, the Government has announced
Announcing the move Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said that the changes mean the UK now has “one of the most open travel sectors in the world”.
adding that while we know Covid can bring surprises, he hopes everybody will now feel confident about booking holidays, business trips and visits to family and friends abroad.
The move will come into force at 4am on 11 February – in time for the half-term holidays.
Passengers who are not fully vaccinated will no longer need to complete a day eight test after they arrive but will still need to fill out a passenger location form while 12 to 15-year-olds will be able to prove their vaccination status via the digital NHS pass for international outbound travel.
Earlier on a visit to Milton Keynes hospital , Boris Johnson said:
“What we’re doing on travel, to show that this country is open for business, open for travellers, you will see changes so that people arriving no longer have to take tests if they have been vaccinated, if they have been double-vaccinated.”
Charlie Cornish, Group CEO of MAG, said: “This important announcement is excellent news for our sector’s recovery.
“This change will be welcomed by the millions of vaccinated people who are desperate to travel and will now be able to do so – restriction-free – for the first time in more than a year.
“The latest research shows travel restrictions do very little to stop the spread of variants like Omicron. Removing them will ensure the many cultural, social and economic benefits of international travel can be realised without any major impact on public health.
“With Britain reopened for business, we’re looking forward to helping people across the country get back to visiting exciting new places, finding fresh trading opportunities overseas, and travelling to see friends and loved ones again.”
