United Kingdom Ending All Testing Requirements For Vaccinated Tourists

By the end of January, the United Kingdom will no longer require vaccinated tourists to undergo any tests. According to the Times, Britain’s Transport Secretary, Grant Shapps, is in favor of eliminating the testing regime.

The British government plans to make a statement on January 26. On the same day, the media expects Boris Johnson to lift all COVID-19 limitations in England after imposing modest restrictions following the discovery of Omicron, such as indoor mask-wearing and PCR testing for travelers.

“We are looking at removing all Covid testing for vaccinated travelers by the end of January,” a source close to Grant Shapps said, “which is likely to coincide with the evaluation of the plan B measures on January 26.”

All vaccinated passengers, including U.S. citizens, will be able to enter the United Kingdom without having to worry about testing or quarantine.

The Current Entry Requirements.

If you’re fully vaccinated:

Currently, if you’re fully vaccinated, you’ll need to take a COVID-19 test after you arrive. This can be a PCR test or a lateral flow test. However, travelers must book and pay for this test—through a private provider—before entering the United Kingdom. 

Although the U.K is still offering incredible amounts of free lateral flow tests, the government doesn’t allow travelers to use these. You need to take the lateral flow test at home or at your accommodation by the end of your second day in the United Kingdom.

You do not need to self-isolate until you’ve taken your lateral flow test, and you can take the lateral flow test on the same day you arrive in the United Kingdom. 

If you’re unvaccinated:

Unvaccinated travelers can still enter the United Kingdom, but they must quarantine at home or in their accommodation for 10 full days. Then, unvaccinated travelers must take their first COVID-19 test before day 2 ends and the second test after day 8. These tests must be PCR tests. However, if your day 2 and 8 tests are negative, you can leave quarantine on day 8. 

Source: https://bit.ly/3IflJNU