BRITS will find going on holiday much easier as more of the UK’s travel restrictions have been scrapped.
Fully vaccinated arrivals no longer need to have any Covid tests to return to the UK.
The pre-arrival Covid test had already been scrapped, but Brits still had to take a Covid test before or on Day 2 after arrival, which is also no longer in place.
The change will save families from forking out for lateral flow tests when they get back from a holiday.
Arrivals to the UK only need to fill in a Passenger Locator Form when they enter, as long as they are fully vaccinated, which will also be simplified.
Vaccinated travellers only need to confirm their vaccination status, travel history and contact details.
Unvaccinated Brits still need to show proof of a negative Covid test taken within 48 hours before travelling, and take a PCR test when they return, as well as complete a Passenger Locator Form.
They do not need to quarantine unless the result of the PCR test is positive.
Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said yesterday: “From 4am tomorrow, eligible fully vaccinated arrivals no longer need to test when arriving into the UK, and just need to fill out a simplified Passenger Locator Form.
“As we become one of the most open countries in the world, again from 4am tomorrow, arrivals who do not qualify as fully vaccinated will only need to take a pre-departure test and a PCR test on or before day 2 after they arrive in the UK.
“After nearly two years of necessary but complex travel arrangements these changes will make it cheaper & easier for families to travel, taking advantage of the UK’s high levels of vaccination, and keeping us all safe.”
Airlines and tour operators have praised the easing of travel restrictions – BA boss Sean Doyle said: “It’s great news that restrictions are being lifted in time for families to get away for a much needed break this half-term.
“We’ve seen a boost to bookings directly as a result of lifting restrictions and customers can now travel, safe in the knowledge that they won’t be burdened by expensive and unnecessary testing to return to the UK.”
EasyJet boss Johan Lundgren said they had also seen “strong late bookings” ahead of half term since the travel restrictions were reduced, something TUI boss Andrew Flintham echoed.
He said: “There remains a huge pent up demand for international travel and we’ve seen strong and sustained booking patterns since the announcement as customers look to go abroad with ease and without the added expensive of testing.”
The change comes on the day most kids in the UK will break up for half term – a popular time for families to take a trip abroad.
There’s more good news for holidaymakers as an increasing number of hotspots are scrapping test requirements – meaning vaccinated Brits can take a trip without needing a single Covid test.
Greece and Portugal are the latest countries to announce Brits no longer need a negative Covid test to enter if they are fully vaccinated.
France is expected to follow suit, as local media reported the country will scrap the Covid test requirement “in the coming days”.
As reported in The Local, Europe Minister Clément Beaune told France 2 TV: “We again required rests in December over the Omicron variant.
“In the coming days we will announce that tests are no longer needed for vaccinated people.”
However, it’s not all good news as some Brits might be banned from destinations if they haven’t had their Covid jab.
Seven European holiday hotspots have put expiration dates on vaccine certificates, so while some double jabbed Brits can still enter, if your second jab was too long ago, you won’t be allowed in unless you’ve had a booster.
These are the 33 countries Brits are still banned from due to Covid restrictions.
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