(CMR) The UK has relaxed a number of travel rules, including its traffic light system. Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said the changes would enable more people to travel around the world.
From 4 October, the amber and green lists will be scrapped in England, leaving a single red list that has been downsized. Under the new set of rules, England will also ease testing requirements for fully vaccinated travelers from countries that are not under the “red list.”
Fully vaccinated travelers from non-red countries will not need to take a pre-departure test before arrival as of 4 October, Shapps announced Friday. They will also be able to replace the day two PCR test with a cheaper, rapid lateral flow test.
According to BBC reports, the airline industry welcomes the changes stating that the relaxation of travel restrictions in England will give airlines a “shot in the arm.”
Airlines UK welcomed the government simplifying the traffic light system and reducing testing requirements. It said it “moves us much closer to the reopening of UK aviation.”
Tim Alderslade, chief executive of Airlines UK, said: “This is a positive step which moves us much closer to the reopening of UK aviation and provides greater reassurance to passengers desperate to travel.
“By reducing the number of red list destinations and scrapping PCR testing, ministers have paved the way for people to get away this October half-term and into the winter following 18 months of uncertainty. It will provide a real shot in the arm for a sector that until now has not been allowed to trade properly.”
Thomas Cook said it expected the coming weekend to be its best for sales in 2021, adding that customers “are booking in droves,” BBC reported.
As of 4 October, if fully vaccinated, travelers to England must:
-complete a passenger locator form within 48 hours before arrival.
-book and pay for a post-arrival coronavirus test to be taken on or before day two of the trip.
If unvaccinated or partially vaccinated, travelers to England must:
-complete a passenger locator form within 48 hours before arrival.
-take a pre-departure coronavirus test within three days before travel.
-book and pay for two post-arrival coronavirus tests to be taken on or before day two and on or after day eight.
-quarantine for 10 days after arrival. The self-isolation period can end early if a traveler pays for a private coronavirus test.
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