Covid-19 travel restrictions to be removed for eligible vaccinated arrivals

The UK will also scale back travel restrictions for unvaccinated arrivals. From 11 February, individuals who are not 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, as well as filling out the simplified PLF

All testing measures for eligible fully vaccinated people arriving in the UK will be removed from 4am on 11 February.

Eligible fully vaccinated travellers will only need to fill out the passenger locator form (PLF), which will be simplified, confirming their vaccination status, travel history and contact details, and people will have an extra day to fill it out before travelling.

In addition, children aged 12-15 in England will be able to prove their vaccination status or proof of prior infection via a digital NHS Covid Pass from 3 February for outbound travel. This will make it easier for children and families to travel to countries which require proof of vaccination or prior infection to gain entry, avoid isolation, or access venues or services.

For inward travel, all under-18s regardless of their individual vaccination status will continue to be considered as fully vaccinated.

The UK will also scale back travel restrictions for unvaccinated arrivals from 11 February. Individuals who are not 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, as well as filling out the simplified PLF.

They will not need to self-isolate on arrival, and will only need to do so on receipt of a positive result.

Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said: “We made the right calls at the right time and thanks to our vaccine and booster rollout it’s paying off – allowing us to safely remove nearly all Covid-19 travel restrictions for vaccinated travellers.

“This final step in our stable and safe full return to international travel is a major boost for UK tourism, setting Britain free ahead of the crucial half term and spring holiday season.”

Charlie Cornish, Group CEO of the Manchester Airport Group, said: “This important announcement is excellent news for our sector’s recovery.

“This change will be welcomed by the millions of vaccinated people who are desperate to travel and will now be able to do so – restriction-free – for the first time in more than a year.

“With Britain reopened for business, we’re looking forward to helping people across the country get back to visiting exciting new places, finding fresh trading opportunities overseas, and travelling to see friends and loved ones again.”

www.gov.uk/guidance/travel-to-england-from-another-country-during-coronavirus-covid-19