End of the travel test
» Noisolation for unjabbed including kids » Restrictions lift in time for half-term hols
FULLY vaccinated passengers returning from overseas will no longer have to take any Covid tests as restrictions are eased next month.
And unvaccinated travellers – including children – will not have to quarantine for 10 days on arrival here under new rules announced yesterday.
The end of day-two tests for jabbed holidaymakers brings a return to test-free travel for the first time since autumn 2020.
The changes start on February 11, days before schools break for half-term, making it easier for families to enjoy a much-needed getaway. Transport Secretary
Grant Shapps told MPs: “After months of pre-departure testing, post-arrival testing, self-isolation, additional expense, all that fully vaccinated people will now have to do when they travel to the UK is to verify their status via a passenger locator form.”
He said he wanted to ensure that “2022 is the year in which restrictions on travel are firmly placed in the past”. Children will also finally get access to the NHS Covid pass app. It currently excludes those aged 12 to 15, which makes it difficult for them to prove their vaccination status.
Many European destinations, including France, Spain and Italy, require all over-12s to prove they are double jabbed or face tougher restrictions such as quarantining and daily testing.
Mr Shapps also said the UK is set to recognise vaccine certificates from 16 further nations.
Labour MP Ben Bradshaw welcomed the announcement on international testing, but asked why the Government is keeping the passenger locator form which he called a “massive irritant”.