The Minister of Transport in the UK, Grant Shapps, confirmed changes to travel requirements when arriving in England yesterday, after the Prime Minister had announced them in the morning, however, although no tests for vaccinated travellers had been announced, he also confirmed that requirements for non-vaccinated travellers are being relaxed as well, making it easier and cheaper for anyone going to England.
From 4am on February 11th, all testing requirements will be removed for fully vaccinated arrivals, with only a Passenger Locator Form (PLF) now required.
Anyone who is not recognised as fully vaccinated will only need to take a pre-departure test before they fly and a PCR test on or before day 2 after they arrive in the UK, as well as filling out the simplified Passenger Locator Form. They will not need to self-isolate on arrival, and will only need to do so on receipt of a positive result.
Also, children aged 12-15 in England will be able to prove their vaccination status, or proof of prior infection, via a digital NHS Covid Pass from February 3rd for outbound travel, meaning they will now be able to enter Spain and the Canary Islands, which they’ve not been able to do so under current requirements by Spain, which has caused a lot of disruptions to families holiday plans.
For inbound travel, all under-18s regardless of their individual vaccination status will continue to be considered fully vaccinated.
The simplification of travel rules comes just before half term, providing welcome news for families looking to travel abroad during the school holidays, as well as an extra boost for the tourism industry.
Shapps said that “the government is now able to reduce the number of travel restrictions, thanks to the success of the UK’s vaccine and booster rollout, ensuring there is a more proportionate system in place for passengers. Before the end of February, eligible fully vaccinated travellers will only need to fill out the passenger locator form (PLF), which will be simplified, confirming their vaccination status, travel history and contact details, and people will have an extra day to fill it out before travelling.”
Shapps also said that “these new requirements are intended to be ones that will last. They aim to provide stability for travellers and the travel industry throughout 2022, ensuring the UK remains one of the best places in the world to do business.”
“Children aged 12-15 in England will be able to prove their vaccination status or proof of prior infection, via a digital NHS COVID Pass from February 3rd for outbound travel, making it easier for children and families to travel to countries which require proof of vaccination or prior infection, to gain entry, avoid isolation, or access venues or services whilst on holiday.”
It will also enable families to plan holidays for February half term with greater confidence, as parents can be reassured they will quickly be able to evidence their child’s vaccination status or proof of prior infection for outbound travel and meet the requirements of different countries more easily.
This final step in our stable and safe full return to international travel is a major boost for UK tourism, setting Britain free ahead of the crucial half term and spring holiday season.
Health and Social Care Secretary Sajid Javid said: “We have entered a new chapter in our fight against COVID-19 and we’re taking a balanced approach as we learn to live with the virus. Thanks to the success of the vaccination programme, now is the right time to take this additional step towards opening up international travel once again.”
“Extending the NHS Covid Pass to children aged 12-15 in England will also make the outward journey easier for families and I am delighted we have taken this step in time for February half term.”
