What you need to know about the next travel announcement — and the testing requirements
Following two years of travel disruption, all restrictions have been dropped and inbound UK travellers now aren’t required to take any tests – as long as they’re fully vaccinated.
You might be wondering what’s next in store for travel. Here’s everything you need to know.
When is the next government travel announcement?
Transport secretary Grant Shapps has announced that the remaining Covid travel restrictions will be scrapped from 4am Friday March 18. This means the Passenger Locator Form (PLF), which must be presented before flying into the UK, and any testing for unvaccinated arrivals, will no longer be required.
What happened at the last announcement?
The previous update to the international travel rules took place on January 24. Transport secretary Grant Shapps announced that as of February 11 fully vaccinated arrivals into the UK no longer need to take any travel tests. The rules have been loosened slightly for unvaccinated arrivals; they’ll need to take a pre-departure test and a day two PCR, but the requirement to isolate will be dropped. This will be scrapped on Friday March 18.
“Scaling back restrictions before half-term means a simpler travel experience for passengers, especially the fully vaccinated, and stability for the sector throughout 2022,” said Shapps.
It’s also understood that the government is looking at plans to include booster jabs as part of Covid passports.
It’s not known when the next travel update will be, but the government has made clear that if a new variant of concern appears, restrictions could be added at short notice.
https://players.brightcove.net/5436121856001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6292874791001
Up, up and away: here’s a flavour of what Times Travel is all about
What are the travel rules now?
Until March 18, you must complete a Passenger Locator Form at any time in the 48 hours before you arrive back in the UK, although this is due to be dropped imminently. No tests are required for all fully vaccinated arrivals. Unvaccinated travellers must take a pre-booked PCR test after arrival into the UK, before the end of day 2 at the latest. If the test result is positive or unclear, they must self-isolate. These rules are also due to be relaxed.
Source: https://www.thetimes.co.uk/travel/holiday-types/advice/when-is-next-uk-travel-list-update-what-can-we-expect
