UK fully reopens to vaccinated tourists (but there is quarantine on return to Italy)
The UK fully reopens to vaccinated tourists from the European Union and the United States. The decision thus fits into the program [...]
LHR
UK fully reopens to vaccinated tourists, from the European Union and the United States. The decision thus fits into the reopening program wanted by Boris Johnson, in spite of the Delta variant that shows no sign of stopping.
UK fully reopens to vaccinated tourists
In this article:
The United Kingdom will allow fully vaccinated travelers from the United States and the European Union to cross its borders without the need to undergo a quarantine period. Quarantine currently involves 10 days of self-isolation.
The measure went into effect this morning at 4 a.m., Monday, Aug. 2.
Thus, one more step is taken toward the recovery of tourism. This time inbound. As early as July 19, in fact, U.K. residents could vacation in the countries on the Amber List without the need to self-isolate for 10 days upon return (except for those returning from France). Now, the government has decided to apply this measure to tourists as well. And, therefore, to those who live in the European Union or the United States and have completed his vaccination cycle.
Initially this rule will cover only England, but soon it will be extended to Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Americans will have to show the vaccination certificate, Europeans (including Italians) the Green Pass.
What will be the rules, then?
- Have received the second dose of the vaccine at least 14 days before
- Take a test in the 72 hours prior to entering the U.K.
- fill in the PLF
- Perform a PCR test on the second day of arrival in the UK, to be booked before departure at a government-approved center at a cost of £40
Children up to age 4 are exempt from the testing requirement.
The rules for returning to Italy
If the UK fully reopens to vaccinated tourists, for Italians some restrictions still exist. At least on return. As of August 2, one will be able to spend one's vacation in London, or in the English countryside or any other corner of England with only the Green Pass and a negative swab. However, Upon return to Italy, self-isolation is still mandatory.
In fact, on July 18, a special ordinance established the rules for those returning to Italy from the UK. It is therefore necessary:
- fill in the PLF
- Submit a negative molecular or antigenic test performed within 48 hours prior to arrival in Italy
- Carry out a 5-day period of self-isolation at one's residence, informing the prevention department of the relevant health company
- Undergo a second molecular or antigenic test at the end of five days
That rule, in effect until July 3, was extended by Minister Speranza who, on Thursday, July 29, signed an order for the recognition on Italian territory of vaccination and recovery certificates issued by Great Britain. And for confirmation of the 5-day mini-quarantine. This, regardless of being vaccinated or not.
For the time being, therefore, the green pass between Italy and the UK is still a bit of a mirage.
