UK: from Feb. 11 it will be easier to enter, rules
It will be much easier for UK-bound travelers to get the green light from the authorities. This is whether [...]
United Kingdom
It will be much easier for UK-bound travelers to get the green light from the authorities. This is the case whether people are vaccinated or unvaccinated.
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"We want to show that our country is open for business and travelers," Prime Minister Boris Johnson said in announcing the new measures for foreign visitors, which will see starting on February 11, 2022. "Although one must still be cautious, it is possible to see that the situation is beginning to improve," the British premier added, explaining that shortly people arriving in the United Kingdom will no longer need to be swabbed if they have completed the vaccination cycle. But there is news for those who have not yet been vaccinated as well.
How to enter the UK: the new rules
Currently, entry into the UK is contingent on a negative swab result for Covid-19. In addition to having to be tested before departure, vaccinated travelers are required to undergo a period of self-isolation with a swab on the second day, which, if negative, allows them to move freely in the country. As for the unvaccinated tourists, there is a 10-day inbound quarantine, during which two tests must be performed, one on the second and one on the eighth day. But, according to a note released by the British government, as of February 11, things will change. In fact, the new rules for entering the UK will no longer require self-isolation and testing on entry.
As for those who have not yet received even one dose of the vaccine, however, the requirement to swab at day eight will be removed. This means that, in order to move freely in the country, a person will have to take a test before departure and then another one two days after arrival, after remaining in isolation for safety reasons. In case of a negative result, he will have no further restrictions.
This move is expected to ease the grip around the tourism sector, which has been hard hit by the pandemic. In particular, airlines, while showing a marked improvement from a year ago, are facing a 41% reduction in bookings compared to pre-Covid levels.
In short, to enter the U.K. from Feb. 11 you will need to follow these rules:
- For those vaccinated (full cycle): no testing required
- For those not vaccinated (with full cycle): test before departure and test on day 2 after arrival
