United Kingdom To Lift All Covid-19 Travel Restrictions Starting March 18

The United Kingdom’s Secretary of State for Transport announced on Monday that the govt is planning to lift all Covid-19 related travel restrictions for all international travellers starting 18th March 2022.

The decision to end all Covid-19 related travel restrictions is a major relaxation for international travellers, as well as the travel and aviation industries.

According to the announced relaxations starting from 4 am Friday 18 March, the following travel restrictions will be ended;

• Requirement of the Passenger Locator Form (PLF) for arrivals into the United Kingdom.
• All Covid-19 tests for travelers who do not qualify as vaccinated.

With these changes in the travel policies, now there is no need for unvaccinated passengers to undergo a pre-departure PCR test and a day 2 post-arrival test.

“All remaining Covid travel measures, including the Passenger Locator Form and tests for all arrivals, will be stood down for travel to the UK from 4 am on 18 March. These changes are possible due to our vaccine rollout and mean greater freedom in time for Easter,” said Grant Shapps, Secretary of State for Transport.

TRAVEL UPDATE

All remaining Covid travel measures, including the Passenger Locator Form and tests for all arrivals, will be stood down for travel to the UK from 4am on 18 March.

These changes are possible due to our vaccine rollout and mean greater freedom in time for Easter.

— Rt Hon Grant Shapps MP (@grantshapps) March 14, 2022

This step reflects the government’s decisions, as described in the Living with COVID strategy, as well as the effectiveness of the UK’s vaccine and booster rollout, with 86% of the population receiving a second dose and 67% receiving a booster or third dose.

Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said;

“The UK is leading the world in removing all remaining COVID-19 travel restrictions, and today’s announcement is a testament to the hard work everyone in this country has put in place to roll out the vaccine and protect each other.”

“I said we wouldn’t keep travel measures in place for any longer than necessary, which we’re delivering on today – providing more welcome news and greater freedom for travellers ahead of the Easter holidays.

“I look forward to continuing to work with the travel sector and partners around the world to keep international travel moving.”