Yesterday, the Government announced that all travel testing measures will be removed for vaccinated arrivals, setting Britain free ahead of the crucial half term and spring holiday season.

The Government made the right calls at the right time – and thanks to the success of our vaccine and booster rollout, we are now able to open up travel to the world. That is why, from 04:00 on 11 February, all testing requirements will be removed for fully vaccinated eligible arrivals, with only a simplified Passenger Locator Form (PLF) now required – saving around £100 for the average family going abroad and providing a major boost for UK tourism.

Thanks to the success of the UK’s vaccine and booster rollout, the Government is now able to reduce the number of travel restrictions, ensuring there is a more proportionate system in place for passengers. The simplification of travel rules comes just before half term, providing welcome news for families looking to travel abroad during the school holidays, as well as an extra boost for the tourism industry. The changes announced mean that the UK has one of the most free-flowing borders across Europe in addition to having the most open economy and society.

Additionally, 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.

The Government will be further reconnecting with key global markets, and from 4am on 11 February, the Government will recognise vaccine certificates from 16 further countries and territories at the border, including China and Mexico. This will bring the total list to over 180 countries and territories worldwide, and the full list of eligible countries and territories can be found on gov.uk.

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, making 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.

We already have one of the most open economies and free societies in Europe, and because of these changes, we now have a travel sector to match it. For any more information on the Government’s latest Changes to COVID-19 testing measures for travellers arriving in the UK from 4am 11 February, including comments from the Transport and Health and Social Care Secretaries, please visit: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/uk-open-for-travel-with-all-restrictions-removed-for-eligible-vaccinated-arrivals.