Heading to London for a short city break over a long weekend? Before the pandemic, such short trips were very popular with young and old. But UK's strict entry regime deterred numerous travelers from visiting the metropolis in recent months. This could now change again.
Indeed, Boris Johnson, the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, announced significant relaxations of the entry requirements for fully vaccinated travelers and underage individuals - started at 4 a.m. Friday, Jan. 7, the new rules took effect in England.
A person is considered fully vaccinated if he or she has received the second dose of Oxford/AstraZeneca, Pfizer BioNTech, Moderna, Sinovac-CoronaVac, Sinopharm Beijing or Covaxin vaccines at least 14 days ago. For the Johnson & Johnson vaccine, one dose is sufficient.
Specifically, a negative PCR test result is no longer required to enter the UK. Self-isolation after arrival until another negative PCR test result is received is also eliminated. Instead, tourists must take a rapid antigen test on the second day. Only if it is positive, another PCR test is required, and if positive again, isolation.
Unvaccinated individuals must continue to present a negative PCR test when boarding the aircraft and undergo another test upon arrival and isolation until the negative result is obtained.
Incidentally, the government of Wales has also agreed to the new entry regime. There is also speculation that Scotland and Ireland will follow suit. The airline industry is pleased about these travel facilitations. Easyjet CEO Johan Lundgren said: "This makes travel much easier and more convenient. Our customers can book and travel with confidence."