The UK government is making further significant changes to the travel rules. They have been recently announced in Parliament by the Minister of Transport Grant Shapps. You can listen to his entire speech here.

The new rules come into force on the 11th of February 11 at 4am. 

Vaccinated people

There is no need to perform pre-and post-arrival tests. It is only obligatory to fill in the so-called “locator form”, which is to be considerably simplified. In order to be considered vaccinated, it is necessary to have received two vaccine doses (except for the single Johnson&Johnson vaccine).

Unvaccinated people

There is a big change here. Until now, unvaccinated adults had to be quarantined and tested. From the 11th of February, they will have to make an antigen test before arrival and then a PCR test on the second day. Besides this, you only need to fill in the locater-form. That’s all.

Vaccine certificates

For now, Great Britain recognises vaccine certificates from all European Union countries and many others. From the 11th of February, this list will be extended to 180 countries.

Children

Children under 18 are considered fully vaccinated. They only need to complete the locator-form.

Red list

The list of countries from which arrival requires quarantine is currently empty.

„We promised that we would not keep these measures in force a day longer than necessary, (…) so we are abolishing all travel tests for vaccinated people,” said Minister Shapps.

A week ago, Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced the lifting of all covid restrictions in England from the 27th of January. 

The new rules will look as follows:

Covid passports

No more compulsory to enter into nightclubs and major events from 27th of January (although some venues may choose to use the NHS Covid pass).

Back to work

From the 19th of January, it is not recommended to work from home. Employees should discuss returning to the office with employers.

Masks

From the 27th of January, face masks will no longer be compulsory anywhere. From the 20th of January, high school students are no longer required to wear masks in classrooms, and government guidelines for their use in public places will „soon” be removed. Hours later, the Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, questioned the decision and demanded that masks be still in place on the subway and buses.

Quarantine

The quarantine for people who tested positive is reduced to five days. After five days, it is necessary to perform a double antigen test with a negative result to complete the isolation time. After the 24th of March, quarantine will not be required at all, even in the case of a positive test.

These rules apply to England and Scotland for now. 

Cover photo: British Poles

Author: Daria Więcek (translated by Sebastien Meuwissen)