From 4am, 11 February 2022, all eligible fully vaccinated travellers arriving in the UK no longer need to take any COVID-19 tests – resulting in the UK having one of the most free-flowing borders and open societies in Europe.
Eligible fully vaccinated travellers are, therefore, only required to fill out a simplified passenger locator form, confirming their vaccination status, travel history and contact details.
Additionally, arrivals who do not qualify as fully vaccinated will only need to take a pre-departure test in the 2 days before they depart for the UK and a PCR test on or before the end of day 2 after they arrive in the UK, as well as completing the passenger locator form. These passengers will not need to self-isolate on arrival and will only need to do so if they test positive.
Determined to make travel cheaper and easier for families, the decision to remove testing requirements could save the average family around £100.
As the Government goes one step further to reopen the travel sector, the UK will be reconnecting with key global markets, and is accepting vaccine certificates from an additional 16 countries and territories including China and Mexico. This will bring the total list to over 180 countries and territories worldwide.
For any more information on the Government’s removal of all testing requirements for eligible fully vaccinated arrivals, including comments from the Transport and Health and Social Care Secretaries, please visit: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/uks-new-travel-rules-take-flight.
New Antiviral Treatment for Highest Risk
People who are at the highest risk from COVID-19 can now be treated with Paxlovid, a new antiviral treatment, if they test positive for the virus. Paxlovid reduced the risk of hospital admission or death by 88% in clinical trials.
If you're eligible for treatment and you test positive for COVID-19, it's important to start the treatment as soon as you can. Treatments for COVID-19 need to be given quickly after your symptoms start to be effective. The NHS will usually contact you within 24 hours of your positive PCR or rapid lateral flow test result. This will usually be by text, email or phone call.
For more information about the NHS’ new antibody and antiviral treatments for people with COVID-19 who are at highest risk of becoming seriously ill, including who can have a COVID-19 treatment and how to get a COVID-19 treatment, please visit: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/treatments-for-coronavirus/.
Book your COVID-19 Vaccine Today!
It's never too late to come forward for the COVID-19 vaccination. Vaccination centres across the country are continuing to offer first, second and booster doses.
Book an appointment online or go to a walk-in centre for your first, second or booster dose.
For more information, please visit: http://nhs.uk/covidvaccine.
