Following the effectiveness of booster programs and vaccines in the United Kingdom, the government has declared that all testing requirements for eligible, fully vaccinated persons would be phased out completely. According to sources, the new regulation will take effect at 4 a.m. on February 11, according to the Associated Press.
Passengers who are fully vaccinated will only need to fill out the passenger locator form (PLF), which will be simplified, confirming their vaccination status, contact details, and travel history. People will have an extra day to complete the form before traveling, according to a statement issued by the British High Commission in New Delhi.
In contrast, individuals who are not recognized as completely vaccinated will be required to undertake a pre-departure test, followed by a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test on or before the second day after arriving in the UK. Everyone under the age of 18 will continue to be considered fully vaccinated for purposes of inward travel, regardless of whether or not they have received their individual vaccinations.
As a result, starting at 4 a.m. on February 11, all testing measures for eligible fully vaccinated travelers traveling to the United Kingdom would be lifted. When the government makes this decision, it is taking another step forward in its efforts to reopen the tourism industry. In the United Kingdom, the latest announcement is expected to provide a long-term solution to the disruption caused by COVID-19, which has affected tourism and business operations.
According to sources, London will also add 16 other countries and territories, including Mexico and China, to the list of nations and territories that can accept vaccination certificates. As a result, the total number of internationally recognized vaccination certificates will increase to 180. It should be noted that the list includes all of the nations in South Asia.
The United Kingdom recently announced that it would be relaxing its travel restrictions for anyone who have not been vaccinated.
Since the implementation of the PLF on February 11, 2022, people who are not completely vaccinated will only be required to undergo a pre-departure test and a PCR test on or before the second day after arriving in the United Kingdom, as well as to complete the PLF. Only those who test positive will be required to isolate themselves.