The COVID-19 roadmap out of lockdown included a commitment to relaunch the Global Travel Taskforce to consider a safe return of international travel. The Global Travel Taskforce report published in April committed to three checkpoint reviews – at the end of June, July and October.
The first was completed on 24 June and focused on easing border health measures for those fully vaccinated in the UK. Following the second checkpoint review, the Government will be extending the policy on fully vaccinated passengers arriving from amber list countries to include those who have been vaccinated in the United States and in Europe (EU Member States, EFTA countries and a number of European microstate countries). Separate rules will continue to apply for those arriving from France, following the persistent presence of cases in France of the Beta variant, which was first identified in South Africa. This marks a critical next step in efforts to restart economic links with key partners and recognises the value of transatlantic and European routes for both individual travellers and the economic recovery of the sector.
The changes will come into force on Monday 2 August at 04:00 and will mean that those vaccinated in the US and in Europe will not have to take a day 8 test or quarantine. They will, however, still be required to take a pre departure test before arrival into England as well as a PCR test on or before day 2 after arrival. Any positive results will be genomically sequenced to continue to manage the risk from importing variants. The rules will also apply to British nationals vaccinated in these countries and returning to England.
Children under 18 who are ordinarily resident in the US and Europe will also be exempt from quarantine and the day 8 test. Children aged 11 and over will still need to complete a pre departure and day 2 test. Children between the ages of 5 and 10 will only need to complete a day 2 test, and children aged 4 and under do not need to take any tests.
Passengers vaccinated in Europe by a vaccine approved by the European Medicines Agency (and those vaccinated as part of the vaccine rollout in Switzerland) will be required to provide proof via an EU Digital COVID Certificate, and those vaccinated in the US will be required to provide proof via the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Card. The policy does not currently cover those who have proof of recovery from COVID-19.
This is just the first step in recognising vaccines given in other countries. The Government recognises that there are UK nationals resident in countries not included in today’s announcement who have been fully vaccinated, which is why the Government is working with international partners to ensure that our certification regimes are robust and we will extend this policy further in due course.
Additionally, following engagement with the sector and taking account of the evidence from the restart of domestic cruise earlier this year, international cruises will also now fully restart in line with the traffic light system. FCDO advice on international cruise travel advice will be amended to encourage travellers to understand the risks associated with cruise travel and take personal responsibility for their own safety abroad.
The Government is also relaxing the testing requirements for certain critical workers, who by the nature of their work do not mix with the public or leave their vehicles helping free up running times by removing undue burdens.
All measures announced today will be kept under review and be guided by the latest data. Public health remains our top priority, and we will not hesitate to act should the data show that countries risk ratings have changed.
For more information on the latest steps towards reopening international travel, please visit: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/uk-travel-update-government-waives-quarantine-for-arrivals-fully-vaccinated-from-europe-and-usa-while-also-confirming-international-cruise-restart.
