FILE – Passengers arrive at Terminal 5 of Heathrow Airport in London, Aug. 2, 2021. British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said Monday Jan. 24, 2022, his government will remove coronavirus testing requirements for vaccinated people arriving in England, news hailed by the travel industry as a big step back to normality. (AP Photo/Matt Dunham, File)
FILE – Passengers arrive at Terminal 5 of Heathrow Airport in London, Aug. 2, 2021. British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said Monday Jan. 24, 2022, his government will remove coronavirus testing requirements for vaccinated people arriving in England, news hailed by the travel industry as a big step back to normality. (AP Photo/Matt Dunham, File)
LONDON (AP) — The British government announced Monday that it is scrapping coronavirus testing requirements for vaccinated people arriving in England, news hailed by the travel industry as a big step back to normality.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson said that “to show that this country is open for business, open for travelers, 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.”
Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said the change would take effect Feb. 11, coinciding with a midterm holiday break for many schoolchildren.
“Border testing of vaccinated travelers has outlived its usefulness,” Shapps said. “Today we are setting Britain free.”
Tourism and travel firms that have been hammered by pandemic restrictions welcomed the move, which makes the U.K. one of the most open countries in the world for international travel.
ADVERTISEMENT
Tim Alderslade, chief executive of airline industry body Airlines U.K., said it was “a landmark day.”
“Nearly two years since the initial COVID restrictions were introduced, today’s announcement brings international travel towards near-normality for the fully vaccinated, and at last into line with hospitality and the domestic economy,” he said.
Johan Lundgren, chief executive of budget airline easyJet, said “testing for travel should now firmly become a thing of the past.”
“It is clear travel restrictions did not materially slow the spread of omicron in the U.K. and so it is important that there are no more knee-jerk reactions to future variants,” he said.
Currently, travelers who have had at least two vaccine doses must take a rapid coronavirus test within two days of arriving in the U.K. Those who are unvaccinated face stricter testing and quarantine rules.
Britain is also easing rules for the unvaccinated, who will have to take coronavirus tests before and after traveling to Britain but will no longer face quarantine.
Monday’s announcement applies to England. The other parts of the U.K. — Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland — set their own public health policies but have generally adopted the same travel rules as England.
Coronavirus cases in Britain soared in December, driven by the extremely transmissible omicron variant, though hospitalizations and deaths have remained well below previous pandemic peaks. Britain has seen over 154,000 deaths in the pandemic, the second-worst toll in Europe after Russia.
Johnson’s Conservative government is also lifting mask mandates and other restrictions this week, and is relying on vaccinations and widespread testing to keep the virus in check.
Britain has recorded more than 150,000 coronavirus deaths, the highest toll in Europe after Russia.
___
Follow all AP stories on the pandemic at https://apnews.com/hub/coronavirus-pandemic.
UK to lift travel test requirements for the vaccinated
RELATED ARTICLES
- Advertisment - 
Recent Comments
on Braun Strowman Reportedly Set for WWE Return Abroad on Promotional Tour After 6 Months Out Injured
on 2023 NFL All-Rookie Team: CBS Sports draft expert, former GM unveil league’s best first-year players
on Boston College vs. Army live stream, how to watch online, CBS Sports Network channel finder, odds
on Disgraced sports doctor Larry Nassar stabbed multiple times at Florida federal prison: AP sources
on Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Shot Tom Cruise’s Bike Stunt Before Knowing The Reason For It
on “Completely Tormented”: How Tom Cruise Was Almost Cast In The Shawshank Redemption (& Why He Wasn’t)
on 2022-23 CBS Sports All-America teams: College basketball’s best, most talented and valuable players
on Abdominal tears and unvaccinated travel are among the many questions for tennis ahead of the US Open
on A weaker dollar, skyrocketing prices and ‘record’ visitor numbers: Good luck in Europe this summer
on Senate Democrats plan to subpoena Harlan Crow and Leonard Leo over Supreme Court justices’ travel
on Kim Kardashian Fans Call Her Out for Annoying Behavior at LA Lakers Game With 8-Year-Old Son Saint
on Dave Portnoy: Taylor Swift’s security should ‘drag Kim Kardashian to jail’ if she attends Eras Tour
on Ford Blue Cruise: US regulators investigate fatal crashes involving hands-free driving technology
on Arsenal highlighted for spending 26 seconds taking corner v Everton – Sky Sports’ tweet backfires
on ACC football schedule: League approves 3-5-5 format with all teams in one division starting in 2023
on Get ready for a SpongeBob and slime Super Bowl: CBS and Nickelodeon team up for NFL’s biggest game
on Devout athletes find strength in their faith. But practicing it and elite sports can pose hurdles
on “Completely Tormented”: How Tom Cruise Was Almost Cast In The Shawshank Redemption (& Why He Wasn’t)
on A bearish options trade that pays off if hotel stocks start to feel a travel slowdown like airlines
on Air Force vs. San Diego State live stream, channel, prediction, how to watch on CBS Sports Network
on Ford Blue Cruise: US regulators investigate fatal crashes involving hands-free driving technology
on Dallas Cowboys Will “Bring You Nothing But Bad Luck”, Sports Media Vet Warns Luka Doncic’s Mavericks
on 2024 College World Series: Jac Caglianone keeps Gators alive with homer despite short pitching start
on Arsenal highlighted for spending 26 seconds taking corner v Everton – Sky Sports’ tweet backfires
on 2024 Super Bowl: CBS Sports Network and CBS Sports HQ to combine for 115 hours of weeklong coverage
on ‘I Will Immediately Retire From Boxing and Fight Jorge Masvidal…’: Jake Paul Starts 2023 With a Bang
on Mission: Impossible review: The new version makes it clear what these movies have always been about
on Ford Blue Cruise: US regulators investigate fatal crashes involving hands-free driving technology
on Iowa State starting RB Jirehl Brock among latest college football players charged in gambling probe
on Cruise worker accused of stabbing woman and 2 security guards with scissors on ship headed to Alaska
on If you’re a frequent traveler, these wrap tops from Aday will revolutionize your on-the-go wardrobe
on “Completely Knocked Me Out”: Rob Lowe Recalls Boxing Match With Tom Cruise On 1983 Brat Pack Classic
on Army vs. Coastal Carolina live stream, how to watch online, CBS Sports Network channel finder, odds
on As more abortion bans occur, many patients must travel hundreds of miles for care – or be stranded
on ‘1000-Lb. Sisters’ Tammy Slaton Is Still ‘Too Large’ to Fly in a Plane Despite All the Weight Loss
on CA couple forced to take 8-hour train ride home amid Southwest fiasco: ‘We just want to get home’
on Inside Floyd Mayweather’s Lavish Lifestyle: A Look at His Stunning Car Collection and Private Jet
on Disney Cruise Line Creating New Display on Castaway Cay Honoring Families Who Have Sailed 50+ Times
on College sports giants struggle to get a bailout from Congress as athletes push for employee status
on Johnny Knoxville Talks Jackass Stunts And How They Compare To Tom Cruise’s Mission: Impossible Work
on Napoli owner admits he ‘knew’ Victor Osimhen would end up at ‘Real Madrid, PSG or one English club’
on Lake Tahoe officials tackle overtourism with focus on management, not marketing; new fees may loom
on Massive $1,260,000,000 News Strikes Wrexham’s New League Days After Ryan Reynolds’ Side’s Promotion
on Florida athletic board bans transgender volleyball player from HS sports for a year, school fined
on Daniel Cormier joins the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame Class of 2024 alongside NFL legend Drew Brees
on Camilla Parker Bowles Revealed the ‘Nicest Thing’ She and Prince Charles Do When They Travel Is Free
on Ford Blue Cruise: US regulators investigate fatal crashes involving hands-free driving technology
on Carlos Sainz’s Soccer Fanboy Emerges as Spaniard Shares Defining Moment With This Real Madrid Legend
on Arsenal highlighted for spending 26 seconds taking corner v Everton – Sky Sports’ tweet backfires
on Inside the Michael Jordan ‘Air’ movie, plus why NFL, others are buying into the sports film industry
on As more abortion bans occur, many patients must travel hundreds of miles for care – or be stranded
on David and Victoria Beckham so ‘Charmed’ by Tom Cruise They Have His Photos on Display at Their Home
on Napoli owner admits he ‘knew’ Victor Osimhen would end up at ‘Real Madrid, PSG or one English club’
on Erdogan to attend Turkey-Netherlands Euro 2024 quarterfinal amid diplomatic row with host Germany
on Camilla Parker Bowles Revealed the ‘Nicest Thing’ She and Prince Charles Do When They Travel Is Free
on Ford Blue Cruise: US regulators investigate fatal crashes involving hands-free driving technology
on Gymnastics GOAT Simone Biles Poses With the First American Woman to Land Highly Distinguished Job
on NASA and SpaceX Crew-6 Mission: Experiments Could Reveal Extraterrestrial Travel’s Health Impacts
on Arsenal highlighted for spending 26 seconds taking corner v Everton – Sky Sports’ tweet backfires
on Britney Spears And Sam Asghari Both Seen Without Wedding Rings As Singer Vacations With Her Manager
on Southwest Airlines made $683 million in Q2, as a hectic summer travel season led to record revenue
on Georgia Senate passes sports betting bill, but odds dim with as constitutional amendment required
on Arsenal highlighted for spending 26 seconds taking corner v Everton – Sky Sports’ tweet backfires
on Devout athletes find strength in their faith. But practicing it and elite sports can pose hurdles
on Exercise Scientist Reveals an Unlikely Benefit of Using Creatine: “Many People Did Not See Coming”
on Southwest Airlines made $683 million in Q2, as a hectic summer travel season led to record revenue
on Hollywood Reporter: Tom Cruise negotiated with movie studios over AI before the actors strike began
on A weaker dollar, skyrocketing prices and ‘record’ visitor numbers: Good luck in Europe this summer
on “Completely Knocked Me Out”: Rob Lowe Recalls Boxing Match With Tom Cruise On 1983 Brat Pack Classic
on Joe Manchin and Tommy Tuberville introduce bill on name, image and likeness rules for college sports
on 2023 NBA playoffs: Scores, results, series schedules, times as Clippers steal Game 1, Nuggets cruise
on How Does Jack Nicklaus Travel? Exploring the Private Jets Owned by the ‘Golden Bear’ Over the Years
on Katherine Paprocka allegedly embezzled nearly $600k from school for family vacations, IVF treatment
on Napoli owner admits he ‘knew’ Victor Osimhen would end up at ‘Real Madrid, PSG or one English club’
on Not to be missed on Netflix is a romantic and light film that will make you travel through time
on Camilla Parker Bowles Revealed the ‘Nicest Thing’ She and Prince Charles Do When They Travel Is Free
on Mad Dog’s
on Angel Reese Launches Foundation Dedicated To Empowering Women Through Sports & Financial Literacy
on Billionaire Vince McMahon Once Spent a Whopping Amount of $175,000 For Brock Lesnar’s Convenience
on Joe Manchin and Tommy Tuberville introduce bill on name, image and likeness rules for college sports
on Cruise guest gets stuck on ‘claustrophobic’ water slide suspended over ocean: ‘That is super scary’
on Dave Portnoy: Taylor Swift’s security should ‘drag Kim Kardashian to jail’ if she attends Eras Tour
on EXCLUSIVE: Former KBM Crew Chief Makes Revelations About Kyle Busch but Keeps Hush About KBM Sale
on College basketball rankings: Virginia joins preseason Top 25 And 1, ready to contend for ACC title
on Drawing Comparisons to Stephen Curry, Stephen A. Smith Lauds Caitlin Clark for Achieving a Rare Feat
on CBS Sports, Serie A announce new TV rights deal; Paramount+ to air over 400 Italian soccer matches
on Inside Floyd Mayweather’s Lavish Lifestyle: A Look at His Stunning Car Collection and Private Jet
on A bearish options trade that pays off if hotel stocks start to feel a travel slowdown like airlines
on Johnny Knoxville Talks Jackass Stunts And How They Compare To Tom Cruise’s Mission: Impossible Work
on Braun Strowman Reportedly Set for WWE Return Abroad on Promotional Tour After 6 Months Out Injured
on Lake Tahoe officials tackle overtourism with focus on management, not marketing; new fees may loom
on Napoli owner admits he ‘knew’ Victor Osimhen would end up at ‘Real Madrid, PSG or one English club’
on CBS Sports, Serie A announce new TV rights deal; Paramount+ to air over 400 Italian soccer matches
on Camilla Parker Bowles Revealed the ‘Nicest Thing’ She and Prince Charles Do When They Travel Is Free
on Cruise guest gets stuck on ‘claustrophobic’ water slide suspended over ocean: ‘That is super scary’
on Devout athletes find strength in their faith. But practicing it and elite sports can pose hurdles
on ‘Pokémon Scarlet’ and ‘Violet’ Fan Theories Suggest Legendary Time Travel, Alternate Dimension Plot
on Cruise worker accused of stabbing woman and 2 security guards with scissors on ship headed to Alaska
on Can Tom Cruise Save The Box Office Again With Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning? An Investigation
on Can Tom Cruise Save The Box Office Again With Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning? An Investigation
on Can Tom Cruise Save The Box Office Again With Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning? An Investigation
on Johnny Knoxville Talks Jackass Stunts And How They Compare To Tom Cruise’s Mission: Impossible Work
on Napoli owner admits he ‘knew’ Victor Osimhen would end up at ‘Real Madrid, PSG or one English club’
on Camilla Parker Bowles Revealed the ‘Nicest Thing’ She and Prince Charles Do When They Travel Is Free
on CBS Sports, Serie A announce new TV rights deal; Paramount+ to air over 400 Italian soccer matches
on Can Tom Cruise Save The Box Office Again With Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning? An Investigation
on ‘1000-Lb. Sisters’ Tammy Slaton Is Still ‘Too Large’ to Fly in a Plane Despite All the Weight Loss
on Cruise worker accused of stabbing woman and 2 security guards with scissors on ship headed to Alaska
on ‘1000-Lb. Sisters’ Tammy Slaton Is Still ‘Too Large’ to Fly in a Plane Despite All the Weight Loss
on Johnny Knoxville Talks Jackass Stunts And How They Compare To Tom Cruise’s Mission: Impossible Work
on Napoli owner admits he ‘knew’ Victor Osimhen would end up at ‘Real Madrid, PSG or one English club’
on Quite Possibly The Most Elite Travel Credit Card One Can Have: What On Earth Is The Amex Centurion?
on Camilla Parker Bowles Revealed the ‘Nicest Thing’ She and Prince Charles Do When They Travel Is Free
on ‘1000-Lb. Sisters’ Tammy Slaton Is Still ‘Too Large’ to Fly in a Plane Despite All the Weight Loss
on Quite Possibly The Most Elite Travel Credit Card One Can Have: What On Earth Is The Amex Centurion?
on ‘1000-Lb. Sisters’ Tammy Slaton Is Still ‘Too Large’ to Fly in a Plane Despite All the Weight Loss
on Quite Possibly The Most Elite Travel Credit Card One Can Have: What On Earth Is The Amex Centurion?
on Camilla Parker Bowles Revealed the ‘Nicest Thing’ She and Prince Charles Do When They Travel Is Free
on ‘1000-Lb. Sisters’ Tammy Slaton Is Still ‘Too Large’ to Fly in a Plane Despite All the Weight Loss
on Dead Reckoning, a video shows the behind the scenes of the incredible upcoming film SparkChronicles
on Dallas Cowboys Will “Bring You Nothing But Bad Luck”, Sports Media Vet Warns Luka Doncic’s Mavericks
on ‘1000-Lb. Sisters’ Tammy Slaton Is Still ‘Too Large’ to Fly in a Plane Despite All the Weight Loss
on Lake Tahoe officials tackle overtourism with focus on management, not marketing; new fees may loom
on Erdogan to attend Turkey-Netherlands Euro 2024 quarterfinal amid diplomatic row with host Germany
on College sports giants struggle to get a bailout from Congress as athletes push for employee status
on Bryan’s Breakdown: Tracking high-impact winter storm late this week; bitter cold Christmas weekend
on Johnny Knoxville Talks Jackass Stunts And How They Compare To Tom Cruise’s Mission: Impossible Work
on Napoli owner admits he ‘knew’ Victor Osimhen would end up at ‘Real Madrid, PSG or one English club’
on Camilla Parker Bowles Revealed the ‘Nicest Thing’ She and Prince Charles Do When They Travel Is Free
on Can Tom Cruise Save The Box Office Again With Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning? An Investigation
on Gravitas Ventures Acquires North American Rights To Distribute Julia Camara Thriller ‘Stronghold ’
on 2024 College World Series: Jac Caglianone keeps Gators alive with homer despite short pitching start
on College basketball rankings: Kansas helps Big 12 lead conference race for most Top 100 And 1 players
on Ahead of big sports weekend, dispute with Disney leaves millions of cable subscribers in the dark
on ‘1000-Lb. Sisters’ Tammy Slaton Is Still ‘Too Large’ to Fly in a Plane Despite All the Weight Loss
on Boise State vs. Air Force live stream, odds, channel, prediction, how to watch on CBS Sports Network
on 2022 LIV Golf in Jeddah: Schedule, field of players, prize money, purse, live stream, watch online
on Can Tom Cruise Save The Box Office Again With Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning? An Investigation
on Erdogan to attend Turkey-Netherlands Euro 2024 quarterfinal amid diplomatic row with host Germany
on Ahead of big sports weekend, dispute with Disney leaves millions of cable subscribers in the dark
on A missile fired by Houthis strikes a US-owned vessel off Yemen in the Gulf of Aden, raising tensions
on Can Tom Cruise Save The Box Office Again With Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning? An Investigation
on “Bro Is Jogging”: Resurfaced Video of Usain Bolt’s 9.84 Seconds Run, Leaves Sports World in Denial
on Dave Portnoy: Taylor Swift’s security should ‘drag Kim Kardashian to jail’ if she attends Eras Tour
on CBS Sports, Serie A announce new TV rights deal; Paramount+ to air over 400 Italian soccer matches
on LIVALL Showcases Smart Helmets For Cyclists And Commuters At Pepcom Holiday Shopping Preview Event
on Can Tom Cruise Save The Box Office Again With Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning? An Investigation
on Mission: Impossible review: The new version makes it clear what these movies have always been about
on Can Tom Cruise Save The Box Office Again With Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning? An Investigation
on Disgraced sports doctor Larry Nassar stabbed multiple times at Florida federal prison: AP sources
on Lake Tahoe officials tackle overtourism with focus on management, not marketing; new fees may loom
on Can Tom Cruise Save The Box Office Again With Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning? An Investigation
on How The Other Half Fly: VistaJet Goes To Enviable Lengths To Make Air Travel Better For Your Body
on Following Exchange With Caitlin Clark At News Conference, Columnist Won’t Cover Indiana Fever Games
on Lake Tahoe officials tackle overtourism with focus on management, not marketing; new fees may loom