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COVID-19: New travel rules come into force

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Fully vaccinated passengers no longer need to take a COVID-19 test when arriving in the UK, the Department of Health and Social Care has announced

Fully vaccinated passengers no longer need to take a COVID-19 test when arriving in the UK, the Department of Health and Social Care has announced.

Eligible fully vaccinated travellers are, therefore, only required to fill out a simplified passenger locator form, confirming their vaccination status, travel history and contact details.

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‘As we learn to live with COVID-19, we are taking a balanced approach to opening up international travel and removing all tests for people who have played their part and have been vaccinated,’ said Health and Social Care Secretary Sajid Javid.

Additionally, arrivals who do not qualify as fully vaccinated will only need to take a pre-departure test in the 2 days before they depart for the UK and a PCR test on or before the end of day 2 after they arrive in the UK, as well as completing the passenger locator form. These passengers will not need to self-isolate on arrival and will only need to do so if they test positive.

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‘Thanks to the millions of people who have come forward for their COVID-19 jabs, we are one of the most boosted countries in Europe and are able to take these steps today,’ added Mr Javid.