On the last day of 2019, an unknown virus that causes flu-like symptoms and deadly pneumonia started spreading in Wuhan, China. And just months after, the virus has also begun to spread across the globe. Later on, it was found out that the unknown virus is another strain from the coronavirus family. It was then named Novel Coronavirus or more commonly known as NCOV or COVID19.
The virus has unpredictably spread quickly, which had almost every country in panic. Several restrictions were raised, travel borders were closed, and the world was forced to a halt before everyone knew it. Every country was placed into lockdown, and many had to undergo self-isolation. This health issue had been a threat not only to the citizens’ well-being but also to each country’s economy.
But thankfully, because of the continuous efforts of medical professionals, vaccines were finally developed and rolled out for public use. The vaccines have been a huge help in providing people additional protection from the virus. Also, this is one of the main reasons how the world can function once again.
In July 2021, the UK Government has finally relaxed its laws regarding self-isolation. The government will no longer impose restrictions such as self-quarantine to fully vaccinated individuals. This new rule is applicable to the residents of the UK who were vaccinated before travelling, returning to England from the United States and various European countries (notably, the countries under the amber list). Apart from this, children accompanied by adults who are fully vaccinated under Britain’s vaccination rollout are exempted from the quarantine protocols.
On the other hand, UK expatriates and non-residents who are fully vaccinated abroad are still required to self-quarantine. Nevertheless, this new law aims to ease out the restrictions in hopes of recovering the travel industry.
You are probably excited to travel now after hearing this great news. However, you must still take precautions and take note of the UK’s “traffic light” system. In this system, countries were classified as red, amber, and green according to the COVID-19 risk assessment. With the new law passed, countries under the amber classification will be allowed entry without undergoing self-quarantine as long as travellers are full vaccinated. Otherwise, you will still be required to go through the same health protocols.
Now, if you are wondering if you still need to take COVID-19 tests despite being full vaccinated, the answer is yes. In order to earn an entry pass to the UK, you must take several assessments such as the rapid antigen test and present a negative result. This applies to every traveller, vaccinated or not. Upon arrival to the UK, you must book for a 2-day test. This will ensure that you are not a carrier of the virus.
You must also remember to submit a passenger locator form anytime within 48 hours before arriving in the UK. This is a requirement that will be asked from you when you check in to travel or board a plane, train, or ferry in the UK.
The measures you have to take might sound a little overwhelming. This is why it will be better to seek help from a trusted and government-approved testing provider that offers various COVID tests, such as the rapid antigen test for travel. And if you do not know where to find that, you can either check the net or read the infographic about UK Lifts Quarantine Rules for Vaccinated Travellers created by Harley Medic International. This will also help you know everything that you should do and follow as you travel across the UK.