England relaxes some of its travel restrictions
Fully vaccinated passengers arriving in England from Europe and the US will not have to quarantine when entering, as part of a range of new measures designed to continue to drive forward the reopening of international travel
From 2 August 2021, passengers who have been fully vaccinated in the EU or in the US will be able to travel to England without having to quarantine or take a day-eight test on arrival.
Arrivals from amber countries (on the UK traffic light system) who have been fully vaccinated in the US and European countries will still be required to complete a pre-departure test before arrival into England, alongside a PCR test on or before day two after arrival. Separate rules will continue to apply for those arriving from France. Those vaccinated in the US will also need to provide proof of US residency. Passengers from all countries cannot travel to the UK unless they have completed a passenger locator form.
Following the close monitoring of epidemiological evidence, gained through the restart of the domestic cruise industry earlier this year, the UK government has also confirmed the go ahead for international cruise sailings to restart from England in line with Public Health England guidance.
Breakthrough MOU signed by UK and cruise industry
To further support the safe restart of international cruise travel, the government and cruise industry have signed a breakthrough memorandum of understanding (MOU) to help the industry build back from Covid-19 while protecting British nationals from future pandemic-related disruption.
Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said: “We’ve taken great strides on our journey to reopen international travel and today is another important step forward. Whether you are a family reuniting for the first time since the start of the pandemic or a business benefiting from increased trade – this is progress we can all enjoy.”
Health and Social Care Secretary Sajid Javid added: “Our vaccination programme is building a wall of defence against this virus so we can safely enjoy our freedoms again, with seven in 10 adults in the UK now double jabbed. By reopening quarantine-free travel for travellers who have been fully vaccinated in European countries and the US, we’re taking another step on the road to normality which will reunite friends and families and give UK businesses a boost.”
These announcements come after the travel industry criticised the UK government, believing more clarification would help travel and tourism to recover faster.