Published on: 23 September 2021
The UK Government has announced new rules for international travellers coming to England – which will take effect from 4 October 2021.
The new rules will replace the current traffic light system of green, amber and red list countries.
Instead, there will be a simplified system with a red list of countries and then a separate list for the rest of the world countries. In addition, fully vaccinated passengers with an approved vaccine from a select group of non-red countries will be able to replace day 2 (polymerase chain reaction) PCR tests with cheaper lateral flow tests – from the end of October – and no longer need to take pre-departure tests (PDTs).
Anyone testing positive will need to isolate and take a confirmatory PCR test, at no additional cost to the traveller.
Testing for unvaccinated passengers from non-red countries will include pre-departure tests, day 2 and day 8 PCR tests.
Our members should be aware that all passengers will still be required to fill in a passenger locator form ahead of travel.
More information on the announcement can be found here.