UK removes COVID-19 test, quarantine for travellers

The United Kingdom Government says it will remove COVID-19 international travel restrictions for all passengers starting from Friday, March 18, 2022.

This was disclosed in the latest update published on the UK government website.

This update indicates that there would no longer be the need for unvaccinated passengers to take a pre-departure test and a day two post-arrival test.

“As one of the first major economies to remove all its remaining COVID-19 travel restrictions, this is a landmark moment for passengers and the travel and aviation sector.

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“From 4am Friday 18 March, all COVID-19 travel restrictions will be lifted, including the passenger locator form for arrivals into the UK, as well as all tests for passengers who do not qualify as vaccinated. This change, therefore, removes the need for unvaccinated passengers to take a pre-departure test and a day 2 post-arrival test.

“This step reflects the decisions taken by the government, as set out in the living with COVID plan, and the success of the UK’s vaccine and booster rollout, with 86 per cent of the population having received a second dose and 67 per cent of the population with a booster or third dose,” the website stated.

The Transport Secretary, Grant Shapps said the UK was leading the world in removing all remaining COVID-19 travel restrictions.

He said, “And today’s announcement is a testament to the hard work everyone in this country has put in place to roll out the vaccine and protect each other.

“I said we wouldn’t keep travel measures in place for any longer than necessary, which we’re delivering on today – providing more welcome news and greater freedom for travelers ahead of the Easter holidays.

“I look forward to continuing to work with the travel sector and partners around the world to keep international travel moving.”

Health and Social Care Secretary, Sajid Javid said, “As we learn to live with COVID-19, we’re taking further steps to open up international travel once again ahead of the Easter holidays.

“We will continue monitoring and tracking potential new variants and keep a reserve of measures that can be rapidly deployed if needed to keep us safe.

“We can remove these final restrictions thanks to the incredible success of our vaccination programme, which has seen more than eight out of 10 adults across the UK boosted.”

The UK government, however, noted that while there will be no border health measures on arrival in the UK from March 18, other countries are at different stages in the pandemic and many still require passengers to comply with requirements.

“Travelers should continue to check GOV.UK travel guidance including Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office travel advice to keep up to date with other countries’ entry requirements.

“Passengers are also encouraged to carefully check booking conditions for flexibility in amending bookings prior to buying tickets. People will continue to be able to access their vaccine and recovery records through the NHS COVID Pass to use when travelling overseas,” it stated.