Reducing restrictions, UK ends most testing on those entering country

Robert Besser
27 Jan 2022, 20:03 GMT+10

Visiting the UK is about to get easier for both vaccinated and unvaccinated travelers
Beginning February 11, fully vaccinated travelers and children under the age of 18 will no longer be required to undergo Covid testing upon entering the UK
Travelers who are not fully vaccinated, however, will still need to test before leaving for the UK and within two days of arrival, but they will not have to self-isolate

LONDON, England: Visiting the UK is about to get easier for both vaccinated and unvaccinated travelers.

Beginning February 11, fully vaccinated travelers and children under the age of 18 will no longer be required to undergo Covid testing upon entering the UK.

Travelers who are not fully vaccinated, however, will still need to test before leaving for the UK and within two days of arrival, but they will not have to self-isolate, unless they test positive for COVID.

All travelers will need to fill out a simplified passenger locator form, stating their contact information, travel history and vaccination status.

"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," Health and Social Care Secretary Minister Sajid Javid said in a statement promoting the government's vaccine and booster rollout.

The U.K. had already eased some restrictions earlier this month, including no longer requiring pre-departure coronavirus testing for fully vaccinated travelers.

"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," said British Transport Secretary Grant Shapps.

This week's announcement notes that travelers from "red list" countries are excluded from the eased restrictions, but there are currently no countries on a "red list" for England, Scotland, Northern Ireland or Wales.