UK Tightens Travel Rules, Pre-Departure Covid-19 Test Mandatory For All Travelers Starting Dec 07

The Govt of the United Kingdom on Saturday announced that from 4 am Tuesday (07th Dec 2021), anyone traveling to the UK from countries, not on the Red List will be required to take a pre-departure test, regardless of their vaccination status.

It must be noted that the negative lateral flow or PCR test should be taken within the last 48 hours before boarding a flight to the UK.

This new rule will be applicable for all travelers aged over 12 from any country. Currently, people only need to self-isolate until they test negative within two days of arriving.

UK Health Secretary Sajid Javid also said that From 4 am Monday, only UK/Irish citizens & residents traveling from Nigeria will be allowed entry and must isolate in a managed quarantine facility.

COVID UPDATE

In light of the most recent data we are taking further action to slow the incursion of the Omicron variant.

From 4am Monday, only UK/Irish citizens & residents travelling from Nigeria will be allowed entry and must isolate in a managed quarantine facility. 1/3

— Sajid Javid (@sajidjavid) December 4, 2021

The health secretary said the government’s strategy since the discovery of the Omicron variant had been to “buy time” to assess and to “put in place protective measures”, adding: “We’ve always said that we would act swiftly should new data require it.”

UK’s New Travel Requirements

As per the new requirement announced by the UK, pre-departure testing has come into effect in the UK from December 7 at 4 a.m.

All flyers aged 12 or above must take a PCR or LFD Covid-19 test before they travel to England from abroad.

• The test must be taken within two days of travel date to England.
• This new requirement applies regardless of vaccination status.
• Some people, including children aged 11 and under, are exempt from taking the test.

Also Read: US Updates Travel Rules, Pre-Departure Covid-19 Test Mandatory For All Passengers Starting Dec 6