The United Kingdom is “ready for an international tourism boom”, the Prime Minister has said.
The announcement comes after it was revealed that fully vaccinated tourists could visit Britain without testing for the coronavirus.
The new measures – which come into effect from 4am on 11 February 2022 – remove all testing and quarantine requirements for eligible travellers arriving in Britain.
Fully vaccinated passengers will instead be asked to complete a passenger locator form (PLF), confirming their vaccination status, travel history and contact details – saving the average traveller around £100 in Covid-19 tests.
Children aged 12 to 15 in England, meanwhile, will be able to prove their vaccination status or proof of prior infection via a digital NHS COVID Pass from 03 February 2022 for outbound travel – making it easier for families to travel to countries which require proof of vaccination.
It means the UK will have one of the “most free-flowing borders” in Europe – incentivising tourists from all over the world to visit Britain.
Commenting on the new measures, Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said tourists can now plan holidays for February with “greater confidence”.
“We already have one of the most open economies in Europe with the least restrictions, and because of the changes today we now have a travel sector to match it,” he said.
“This final step in our stable and safe full return to international travel is a major boost for UK tourism, setting Britain free ahead of the crucial half term and spring holiday season.”
Prime Minister Boris Johnson added: “Thanks to the phenomenal success of our booster campaign and the extraordinary efforts of the public, the UK is officially one of the most open countries in Europe and ready to welcome visitors from across the globe.”
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