UK’s new Covid-19 protocols set to boost tourism

Vaccinated travellers are no longer required to take pre-arrival PCR tests 

The UK government has announced that from 7 January 2022 fully vaccinated travellers and those under the age of 18 no longer need to take a PCR test before travelling into the UK or after arrival.

It’s hoped that the move, which cuts the cost of holidays, will boost the tourism market as winter sun seekers are more easily able to travel. This is good news for the GCC’s tourism hubs where the UK represents a key market. 

Under the new rules, travellers can take a lateral flow test before the end of the second day in the UK. If a positive result is received on a lateral flow test, the person will need to self-isolate and order a NHS PCR test from the gov.uk website.

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Unvaccinated travellers will still need to take a pre-departure PCR test, and then take an additional PCR test before day two following arrival in the UK and then again on day eight, while self-isolating for 10 days.

Under the ‘Test to Release’ scheme, those in isolation can take a test on day five and if the results of that test and the previous day two test are negative, they can end their isolation period.