Advertisement

UK ends Covid test requirements for fully-vaccinated travellers

The Local France
The Local France - [email protected]
UK ends Covid test requirements for fully-vaccinated travellers
Photo: Sam van de Wal/AFP

The British government has from Friday brought an end to testing requirements for fully vaccinated travellers, including the post-arrival Day 2 tests that travellers from Europe have previously been forced to pay for.

Advertisement

Announcing the changes, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said: "This country is open for business, people arriving no longer have to take tests if they’ve been double vaccinated.”

The new rule came into effect at 4am on Friday, February 11th.

Advertisement

The UK had already scrapped the requirement for pre-departure tests for fully vaccinated arrivals, so this change means that no tests at all are required for fully vaccinated arrivals. 

The Passenger Locator Form is still required, and must be completed before boarding transport to the UK, but passengers can upload proof of their vaccination status instead of a Day 2 test booking reference.

The UK does not require a booster shot in order to be considered 'fully vaccinated'.

Travellers who are not fully vaccinated still require a pre-departure test and a Day 2 test, but will no longer have to quarantine on arrival or take a second PCR test after arriving.

Under 18s do not require any tests. 

More

Join the conversation in our comments section below. Share your own views and experience and if you have a question or suggestion for our journalists then email us at [email protected].
Please keep comments civil, constructive and on topic – and make sure to read our terms of use before getting involved.

Please log in to leave a comment.

info_281868 2022/01/31 12:40
In fact in the UK the number of covid deaths is nearly double that of Germany per million inhabitants. I feel much safer over here.
info_281868 2022/01/31 12:09
But then here in Germany I think you have to consider the death rate compared to the UK. <a href="https://www.statista.com/statistics/1115043/coronavirus-deaths-timeline-in-the-eu-5/" rel="nofollow ugc"></a>Find more statistics at <a href="https://www.statista.com" rel="nofollow ugc">Statista</a> We have nothing to shout about.
Anonymous 2022/01/26 00:38
Looks like this text part is from previous regulation version, so should be amended. "However it is still mandatory to pay a private company for a Day 2 test, which is taken on or before the second day or your stay in the UK. Under current rules the Day 2 test can be an antigen test rather than the more expensive PCR tests, and arrivals do not have to quarantine while awaiting the results."
  • Anonymous 2022/01/26 04:07
    This will be scrapped from feb 11th or 12th for all vaccinated people. Unvaccinated are still required to book day 2 and day 8 tests. And isolation for 10 days. To be shortened to 5 with the purchase of an extra test.and entry into a government scheme.
  • Anonymous 2022/01/26 03:55
    The new rules don’t come into force until Feb 11 so the article is stating what is currently in force.
Anonymous 2022/01/24 19:49
The EU has completely ignored how well England and devolved nations have fared whilst removing restrictions. While in Germany could not imagine granting freedoms back to the people. And despite numbers the overloards are adamant its either worse or about to get worse.
Anonymous 2022/01/24 18:34
Now France needs to follow suit
Anonymous 2022/01/24 18:11
Funny how these policies aren't getting much serious airtime or debate in the European press

See Also