Some good news…

With hospital admissions falling across the nation and 48.5 million Britons getting fully vaccinated, many experts are now saying that we may finally be nearing the end of the pandemic. The end is finally in sight.

And there is more good news.

The UK government is set to remove all travel testing requirements for fully vaccinated people next Friday, making it even easier for people to travel abroad.

For those of you who have not been able to travel abroad over the past two years, this is probably music to your ears. After two years of being cooped up inside, you are probably desperate to get away and enjoy some much-needed sunshine.

Here is a rundown of the new rules set to be implemented by the UK Government:

• From 4 am on 11th February, all testing requirements will be removed from eligible fully vaccinated arrivals with only a Passenger Locator Form (PLF) now required.

• Arrivals who are not recognised as fully vaccinated will only need to take a pre-departure test and a PCR test on or the day before day 2 after they arrive in the UK.

• Children aged 12 to 15 in England will now be able to prove their vaccination status or proof of prior infection via a digital NHS COVID Pass from the 3rd of February for outbound travel, allowing families to travel abroad for the February half term.

Before you start packing your flip flops and bikinis, there are a couple of other things you should know. 

Check foreign travel advice.

It is essential that before booking any flights or accommodation, you check foreign travel advice for the country you want to visit.

You can find all the necessary information on the UK Foreign Office website for entry requirements. This will tell you:

• the country will allow people to enter from the UK

• you will need to show proof of vaccination status or proof of a negative COVID-19 test

• you will need to quarantine on arrival

It is important to note that these requirements can change very quickly.

Arrange any covid-19 tests.

Whilst you won’t need a covid test to enter the UK from February the 11th, this may not be the case elsewhere.

You will need to check ahead to check if the country you plan on visiting requires you to take a test or not.

You cannot use an NHS test for this and must use a private test provider. It is essential that you do this before you depart, otherwise, you will not be allowed to enter the country. 

Find out how you can use the NHS Covid Pass

Some countries require proof of vaccination status before you can enter so we suggest you find out how to use the NHS Covid Pass to prove your vaccination status abroad.

Face masks.

In England, there is no longer a legal requirement to wear a face-covering – although it is still recommended to wear a face mask in crowded places and enclosed spaces, so we suggest you wear them at the airport and when on the plane. 

In Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland face masks must continue to be worn on transport, in shops and hospitality venues, unless you are sitting down to eat or drink.
When wearing a face covering:

• It is important to wash or sanitise your hands before and after touching your face covering.

• Use a waste bin to dispose of it – you should not put face coverings in a recycling bin or drop them as litter.

• Be mindful that a face covering may inhibit communication with people who rely on lip reading, facial expressions and clear sound.

Are you ready to travel?

Once you have done your research and are up to date with everything you need to do, you can book your flights and pack your bags.

Just don’t forget your sunscreen.