Day 2 Travel Testing Removed for Double Vaccinated

Passengers who arrive into England will no longer be required to take a Covid test within 48 hours of their arrival, provided they have received at least two doses of an approved vaccine. The change will make travel easier and more affordable for international arrivals, who were previously required to organise a private test at their own cost.

This marks the latest boost for the travel industry, as it was announced earlier this month that pre-departure Covid testing on cruises had also been scrapped. Rules have also been relaxed for unvaccinated travellers, as they are no longer required to take a day eight test.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson confirmed: “What we’re doing on travel, to show that this country is open for business, open for travellers, you will see changes so that people arriving no longer have to take tests if they have been vaccinated, if they have been double vaccinated.”

The government confirmed the changes would come into effect from 4am on 11 February, just in time for the half-term holidays. Passengers will still be required to fill in locator forms, but Transport Secretary Grant Shapps confirmed these would be simplified moving forward. Rules for other parts of the UK so far remain unchanged.