It's been difficult to cross a border if your job is not primarily focused on compliance with border regulations and rules.
We all knew that two years ago we would be experts in the different types of covid-19 testing and the backend systems used by airlines to validate entry restrictions.
The UK had the most complicated entry rules of all, and it was the most difficult. It also had enough bureaucracy to make even the most experienced travel advisors numb. After more than a decade of expert advice on how to travel safely and openly, the government finally listened.
The process of traveling is simplified to a level that almost anyone can understand, without having to be a part of it. Here are the details you need to know if you're planning to travel to the UK or visit.
The UK's New Travel Rules Simplified
One major change in the UK's new travel rules is more freedom and privileges for fully vaccinated residents and visitors. Most of these rules will be effective from October 4. A test is not required for fully vaccinated travellers from many countries.
Another important step is to avoid confusion by having a list with go and no go rather than red, green and amber, each with its own set of confusing rules.
Officially, the amber list will be canceled and the red one shortened.
The Sofitel London St. James is an Accor ALL hotel.
Visitors will now know if they are coming from a country on the red list. If so, they will face severe restrictions, including supervised quarantine.
Look, just get vaccinated. Please. Enough.
My first visit back to the UK will be on October 3rd. This is the day before key changes take place.
Additionally, the red list will be removed from Tuesday 22 September at 4 a.m., inclusive of eight territories and countries. TURKEY, PAKISTAN, and MALDIVES. Rt Hon Grant Shapps MP (@grantshapps) September 17, 2021
People who have been fully vaccinated in accordance with an approved vaccine program in the UK or Europe are no longer required to undergo a pre-departure testing before traveling to the UK. They also don't need to purchase a Day 2+ Day 8 package to test for disease before arriving in the country.
For those who meet these criteria, a Day 2 package will suffice. Before flying, you don't need to pass the covid-19 test. Only fill out the UK passenger locator (PLF) form and arrange a Day 2 flight test package.
Important Note: Post-Arrival Test Types Can Be Changed
A later date in October will see fully vaccinated travelers no longer required to purchase Day 2 PCR tests. Instead, they will be encouraged to buy an (much more affordable) Antigen test for Day 2 post-arriving testing.
You will not need a pre-departure testing kit if you are fully vaxxed from the US, UK or Europe. However, pre-booking this package for Day 2 is a must.
Travel is easy for visitors to this category.
Book a flight. Fill out a form before you fly. Before filling out the form, book a Day 2 test package.
You will still need to buy a Day 2 Antigen Test before you travel. We will update this article once the date is known.
For now, unless you travel in November or later (or earlier), expect to purchase a Day 2 Package for PCR Testing before departing to the UK. Don't forget to get the Passenger Locator Form, (PLF), while you are at it. You are fully vaccinated, as stated above.
These new rules allow visitors to the UK, UK, Europe, or UK Overseas to be vaccinated without any quarantine periods, provided they are not from a country on the red list.
You Must Be Fully Vaccinated in One Of These Places
There has been little change and there will be no more. These restrictions must be followed by unvaccinated visitors or those who were vaccinated at places that don't currently offer the new relaxed rules.
These include pre-departure and post-arrivement PCR tests. There is also home quarantine for up to 10 days from arrivals not on the red-list.
The UK hopes to expand its trusted partners list, so that proof of vaccination from other countries will also be accepted. It is widely believed that Canada, Singapore, and other countries will be included in this trusted vaccination list.
It is a significant step in the right direction for now. We hope to see more.
