On Monday March 14th, the UK Government announced the end of all remaining coronavirus-related restrictions and requirements affecting international travel. From Friday March 18th, there will no longer be any need to test or fill in localization forms on arrival, which will facilitate Easter travel, Boris Johnson’s Executive highlighted, boasting of being “one of the first major economies to remove all remaining restrictions”. Travelers who are not fully vaccinated have to take a Covid test before departure, fill in a form, book and pay for a PCR test after arriving.
The UK government has indicated that it nevertheless has contingency plans in place to deal with future variants of Covid-19 in the future. As of 4:00 am on March 18, all restrictions will be lifted, including the tracing form for arrivals in the UK, as well as all tests for unvaccinated passengers. Pre-departure and second-day tests will no longer be required.
In standing out as one of the countries to bring forward this decision, the statement on the Government’s website notes that “this is an historic moment for passengers and the travel and aviation industry”, just in time for Easter bookings, remarked Transport Secretary Grant Shapps.
Today’s announcement is testament to the hard work everyone in this country has put in to implement the vaccine and protect each other.
Grant Shapps, UK Transport Secretary
Shapps added that this step reflects a government decision included within the ‘Living with Covid’ plan, as well as the success of the vaccination program, with 86% of the population having received the second dose and 67% the second dose.
“The UK is leading the world in removing all remaining Covid-19 travel restrictions,” said Shapps. “I said we would not keep travel measures in place any longer than necessary, and we are delivering on that today, bringing more good news and greater freedom for travelers ahead of the Easter vacation.”
Tim Alderslade, Chief Executive of Airlines UK, commented that the government’s announced sends the message that the UK industry is back on track. Alderslade has shown his appreciation for the move to pick up a high pent-up demand ahead of Easter and highlighted the UK’s leadership in being the first of the major aviation markets to remove all restrictions.
As travelers will no longer be burdened with unnecessary forms and tests, we can look forward to a return to pre-Covid normality.
Tim Alderslade, Chief Executive of Airlines UK
Jet2.com and Jet2holidays CEO Steve Heapy commented that “the announcement marks a return to normal international travel” and means that customers can once again travel seamlessly. “With Easter just around the corner and summer approaching, this announcement comes at the perfect time,” Heapy said.
The price of jet fuel has soared as a result of higher crude oil prices, BBC reports. Businesses are keeping an eye on whether consumers’ confidence to book is knocked by the war in Ukraine and rising household bills squeezing disposable incomes. Air France-KLM and Ryanair have both recently warned air fares will rise.
