India to issue new rules for UK travel

A day after the UK announced lifting of its quarantine rule for Indian travellers, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Friday spoke to his British counterpart Elizabeth Truss with a focus on issues relating to travel between the two countries.

The UK on Thursday announced Indian travellers fully vaccinated with both doses of Covishield or any other vaccine approved by it will not require to undergo a 10-day mandatory quarantine on arrival from October 11. “Good to talk to UK Foreign Secretary @trussliz. Agreed to facilitate travel between our two countries. This will help to implement the Roadmap 2030,” Jaishankar tweeted.

The Roadmap 2030 was adopted at a virtual summit between PM Modi and his British counterpart Boris Johnson at a virtual summit in May. The roadmap is aimed at elevating bilateral ties to a comprehensive strategic partnership and guide cooperation over the next decade in the key areas of trade and economy, defence and security, climate change and people-to-people connect among others.

“From Monday, a traveller from India to the UK, double jabbed with Covishield or another vaccine recognised by the UK regulator does not have to quarantine. It will be easier and cheaper to enter the UK. This is great news,” Ellis said in a video statement.

Separately, the UK issued a fresh travel advisory and said the “red list” will reduce to seven countries and “proof of vaccination will be recognised from 37 new countries and territories including India from 4 am on Monday.

“Ministry of Health is going to issue fresh guidelines for foreign nationals from the UK after the country ordered to discontinue mandatory testing and quarantine norms for those vaccinated with Covishield travelling from India to the UK,” sources said on Friday.