UK Lifts Quarantine Rules for Vaccinated Travellers -

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The sudden spread of COVID-19 took most of the world by surprise.

The National Health Service (NHS) recently declared its plans to offer COVID-19 vaccine booster shots for fully vaccinated individuals. The booster shot is otherwise known as the third vaccine as it is administered at least six months after the person receives the second dose. Typically, vaccines against the novel coronavirus require two doses before being considered complete.

It is common knowledge that vaccines usually diminish efficacy over time. While people develop significant levels of antibodies after vaccination, these antibodies gradually drop. Consequently, like many other vaccines, COVID-19 jabs also require a booster shot to increase antibody levels again. The premise of the third dose is to prolong the effectiveness of the vaccine’s protective immunity.

Vaccine rollouts have become imperative across countries as they play a vital role in reducing COVID-19 infections. Herd immunity achieved through stringent vaccination efforts can help resume normal activities and, eventually, economic recovery. It is also crucial in the facilitation of the resumption of international travel.

The UK government has already started changing some of its current pandemic rules because of the increasing number of individuals getting their full vaccine doses. For example, it recently eased quarantine requirements for completely vaccinated travellers entering the UK. However, other mandates are still in place, like the fit to fly COVID test requirements.

International travellers coming in and going out of the UK must present a negative PCR or rapid antigen test to prove they are not at high risk of transmitting the disease to others. Still, as different governments from other countries have varying requirements, international travellers must confirm if their destination allows only a PCR test or accepts a rapid antigen test for travel.

People might have other queries regarding the COVID-19 booster shot.

Several countries also imposed lockdown implementations and restrictions on non-essential travel and movement across cities. We have seen many establishments and businesses having to close down, and several countries had to close their borders to tourists. As the global pandemic is nearing its second year, we can see that some countries are already seeing improvements and starting their recovery. Grant Shapps, UK transport secretary, announced that self-quarantine is no longer being imposed on fully vaccinated people.

This change has been made to quarantine protocols for UK residents who have been vaccinated before travelling. It also applies to those returning from Europe, including the amber list, to the UK. Non-residents and UK expatriates will still need self-quarantine,

This system holds travel requirements and classifies other countries into red, amber, or green depending on their risk of COVID-19. The majority of countries fall under the amber category. This classification is similar to the US and Europe, where travellers from these countries had to undergo 3 COVID-19 testing along with ten days of home quarantine. The UK’s new health initiative aims to facilitate holiday travel to popular travel destinations like Spain, Greece, and Italy, among many other countries.

The government is also keen to ensure international travel has safe and sustainable returns. As a requirement for health safety, the rapid antigen test for travel must be taken 72 hours before departure.

Bulgaria

Canada

Croatia

Cuba

Cyprus

Czech Republic

Denmark

Finland

France

Germany

Hong Kong

Italy

Japan

Luxemburg

Mexico

Monaco

Russia

Spain

Sweden

Switzerland
US

Present proof of a negative COVID-19 test result

Book for a day 2 test after arrival

Taking the coronavirus test like a rapid antigen test can be a private matter for many travellers. However, it is essential to have a reliable testing provider to get a fit to fly the COVID test.

To learn more about the UK Lifts Quarantine Rules for Vaccinated Travellers here is an infographic by Harley Medic International.