UK to further ease entry requirements...

The updated rules for both vaccinated and unvaccinated travellers will apply from 11 February 2022

The UK’s transport secretary Grant Shapps has announced that, from 11 February 2022, fully vaccinated travellers arriving in England will no longer have to undergo a day two PCR test, while unvaccinated travellers will no longer need to take a test on day eight – however, they will still need to take a day two PCR test once in the country and provide a pre-departure negative PCR test result before they can travel.

Other entry procedures will also be eased. Shapps confirmed that everyone arriving in England, regardless of vaccination status, will still need to fill in a passenger locator form, but that these would be made “simpler and easier” to complete.

In addition, from the end of February, passengers will have an additional day to fill out the form before they travel.

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The news has been welcomed by the travel and tourism industry. World Travel & Tourism Council chief executive Julia Simpson said: “WTTC welcomes the government’s decision to scrap testing for those who are fully vaccinated travelling to England.

“There is no longer any need for testing, and we urge ministers across the UK and countries around the world to follow England’s lead and allow the fully vaccinated to travel freely. After a gruelling 18 months for the UK tourism sector, this will provide a massive boost to businesses up and down the country.”

The UK government has also announced that vaccine certificates from a further 16 nations, including China and Mexico will now be recognised.