UK Travel Update
Government waives quarantine for arrivals fully vaccinated from Europe and USA
UK Travel Update: Government waives quarantine for arrivals fully vaccinated from Europe and USA
• Passengers fully vaccinated with vaccines authorised by the EMA and FDA in Europe and the USA will be able to travel to England from amber countries without having to quarantine on arrival from 4am 2 August
• Part of the second Global Travel Taskforce review, these latest changes will boost economy and make it easier for those vaccinated in Europe or USA to return to England and unite with family and friends
The UK Government has today (28 July) announced that passengers arriving from amber countries who have been fully vaccinated in Europe (EU Member States, European Free Trade Association countries and the European microstate countries of Andorra, Monaco and Vatican City) and the USA will not have to quarantine when entering England, as part of a range of new measures designed to continue to drive forward the reopening of international travel, set out as part of the second Global Travel Taskforce checkpoint review.
From 4am 2 August, passengers who are fully vaccinated in the EU with vaccines authorised by the European Medicines Agency (EMA) or in the USA with vaccines authorised by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), or in the Swiss vaccination programme, will be able to travel to England without having to quarantine or take a day 8 test on arrival.
Amber arrivals who have been fully vaccinated in the USA 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 2 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.
Health and Social Care Secretary Sajid Javid said:
“Our vaccination programme is building a wall of defence against this virus so we can safely enjoy our freedoms again, with 7 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 USA, we’re taking another step on the road to normality which will reunite friends and families and give UK businesses a boost.”
All measures announced today will be kept under review and be guided by the latest data. Public health remains our top priority, and we will not hesitate to act should the data show that countries risk ratings have changed.
If travelling abroad, you should continue to take the steps to keep safe and prepare in case things change before you go or while you are there. Check the booking terms and conditions on flexibility and refunds and subscribe to FCDO travel advice updates to understand the latest entry requirements and COVID-19 rules at their destination.
• Passengers vaccinated in Europe and the USA must demonstrate specific forms of certification to be exempt from quarantine and day 8 testing on arrival. For European countries this will be the EU Digital Covid Certificate (EU DCC) and for the USA this will be the US CDC card. The term Europe applies to people from EU27+ EFTA (Norway, Iceland, Switzerland, Lichtenstein) + microstates (Monaco, Andorra, Vatican City).
• These rules do not currently apply to France. Anyone arriving from France to England must continue to quarantine for 10 days, at home or in other accommodation, even if they are fully vaccinated against COVID-19.
• The US CDC card will be paper based. European countries will each have their own apps with the EU DCC bearing the individual countries flag and the certificate having a common layout overall.
• Travellers will need to be ready to show their COVID-19 vaccine certification documents to their carrier on departure. Anyone not complying with health measures could face a fine, and carriers are required to ensure proper checks are carried out.
• Participants of approved US and EU clinical trials for COVID-19 vaccines and adults who can prove they are unable to be fully vaccinated on medical grounds will also be exempt from any quarantine requirements on arrival from amber countries.
• Children under 18 who are ordinarily resident in the US and Europe will also be exempt from quarantine and the day 8 test. They will still need to complete a pre departure and day 2 test. Children between the ages of 5 and 10 will only need to complete a day 2 test.
• The government recognises that there are UK nationals resident in other countries who have been fully vaccinated. The government is taking a phased approach to restarting international travel. Ensuring safe and open travel with our global partners is a clear priority and we are engaging with international partners on certification to ensure travel for vaccinated people is unhindered in the future.
