As of March 18th, the government has announced that all Covid restrictions on travel in the UK will be coming to an end. The move is the next step in their ‘living with Covid’ plan. But the decision to ditch these final rules appears to be somewhat of a divisive issue amongst the general population.
The changes that are about to take place are only applicable to the rules for travel in the UK. So, it’s important to note that for those travelling to destinations outside the UK may still have requirements to fulfil before being able to enter a different country.
What does the end of covid restrictions mean for British travellers & travellers to the UK?
The UK has seen a significant decrease in Covid restrictions since the beginning of this year, including in the travel industry. But this change will remove all remaining restrictions. There is no longer the need to fill out the passenger locator form prior to arriving in the UK. The unvaccinated will no longer have to take a Covid test before arriving in the country. Nor will they have to book and take a PCR test upon arrival.
Put simply, the change means anybody who intends to visit the UK can do so without any prerequisites for entry.
The change has produced a mix of reactions. With the travel and tourism industry pleased for final barriers to be removed so that business can return to normal.
Good news from the UK for the entire travel & tourism sector and the economy. We need more countries to lift travel restrictions across Europe. https://t.co/7VyzAjcqpj
— Olivier Jankovec (@OJankovec) March 16, 2022
Meanwhile others in the country are concerned about the move increasing the country’s vulnerability to variants.
https://twitter.com/bwalya_xoxo/status/1503873810457669641
Response from Government
In response to the concerns raised by individuals, the government has said it will be remaining vigilant. They have “a range of contingency measures in reserve, which would enable it to take swift and proportionate action to delay any future harmful variants of COVID-19 entering the UK”.
But ultimately, only time will tell whether the government is truly leading the way in its ‘living with covid’ strategy. Or, whether it will come back to bite them.
