The UK’s vaccine rollout has been a huge success in preventing and lowering hospital admissions due to covid-19, as well as decreasing the risk of infection from person to person. Through the vaccine rollout, the UK has managed to protect the elderly and the most vulnerable from the virus.
As restrictions continue to ease, the travel industry is slowly but surely getting back on its feet to welcome travellers and tourists from all around the world. With vaccinated and unvaccinated passengers eager to get back on their holidays, visit loved ones and explore, it is important to know the current UK travel guidance that is in place to ensure you have a smooth-sailing vacation.
What Does ‘Fully Vaccinated’ Mean?
In England, at the moment, the term ‘fully vaccinated’ applies to those who have had 2 doses of a two-dose vaccine or those who have had their jab of a one-dose vaccine such as the Janssen vaccine. However, in Scotland to be considered fully vaccinated you must have had a booster if your first dose was more than 120 days ago.
It is vital to check the specific country’s rules on vaccines before travelling as they are varied like Scotland and England for example.
Travel Guidance For Fully Vaccinated Passengers
Throughout the UK, if you are a fully vaccinated passenger, you must complete a passenger locator form which is used to contact the person if someone they are travelling with tests positive. However, being vaccinated will mean that you are not expected to take any COVID tests before you arrive in the UK (this includes lateral flows and PCR’s). You are also not required to quarantine; however, you will be expected to show verified proof of vaccinated status.
Travel Guidance For Unvaccinated Passengers
Unvaccinated travellers are still welcome to the UK, however there are some measures that have to be met and followed before and after arrival. For example, if you are travelling to Croydon, London as an unvaccinated passenger, you must complete a passenger locator form and take a covid travel test 2 days before you plan to fly. Remember to include your PCR booking reference on your locator form. After you arrive you would be expected to pay for a day 2 PCR test Croydon to ensure you are still uninfected.
Are There Plans To Scrap Travel Restrictions?
At the moment, the government has not made any mention of changing, adding or taking away any of the current travel measures that are in place. However, it has been mentioned that they may plan to add a booster jab to covid passports as further vaccination proof.
However, it is important to note that regulations change quickly and can happen at any time which is why it is crucial to keep up to date with government advice, especially if you are planning to travel.
Conclusion
The process of travelling may look different for vaccinated and unvaccinated travellers, and the guidance can change swiftly. However, every change over recent week has been a step in the right direction to encourage a more ‘normal’ way of living with the virus. With the travel industry eager to get passengers back on board, tourists are just as hopeful. Ensure to always check what the covid situation is like in the country you plan to visit, to keep yourself and others around you safe. Always plan ahead before travelling and be prepared for any unforeseen circumstances.