From today (11/2), there are some more changes to COVID-19 restrictions in England.
From 4am this morning, 11th February 2022, all testing requirements have been scrapped for fully vaccinated arrivals, with only a Passenger Locator Form (PLF) now required to return to England.
Arrivals who are not fully vaccinated will only need to take a pre-departure test and a PCR test on or before day 2 after they arrive.
The new travel rules come in just before February half term, meaning more families will be travelling whilst on a break from school.
Testing before departure abroad is still a legal requirement for the majority of countries as well as other restrictions. You can search a country and read its travel restrictions here.
Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said: "We made the right calls at the right time and thanks to our vaccine and booster rollout it’s paying off – allowing us to safely remove nearly all COVID-19 travel restrictions for vaccinated travellers.
"We already have one of the most open economies in Europe with the least restrictions, and because of the changes today we now have a travel sector to match it.
"This final step in our stable and safe full return to international travel is a major boost for UK tourism, setting Britain free ahead of the crucial half term and spring holiday season."
Health and Social Care Secretary Sajid Javid said: "We have entered a new chapter in our fight against COVID-19 and we’re taking a balanced approach as we learn to live with the virus.
"Thanks to the success of the vaccination programme, now is the right time to take this additional step towards opening up international travel once again.
"Extending the NHS COVID Pass to children aged 12-15 in England will also make the outward journey easier for families and I am delighted we have taken this step in time for February half term."
On 27th January, the Prime Minister removed advice to work from home and told pupils they no longer were required to wear masks in classrooms. Other rules lifted included the wearing of face masks and COVID passes being required, both of these rules are now down to the venue.
Since 17th January, people who test positive for COVID in England have been able to leave isolation after five full days, as long as they have a negative lateral flow test results on days five and six.
Earlier this week, Boris Johnson also said that he had plans to remove self isolation for positive tests a "month early".
Self isolation COVID laws were due to be lifted on 24th March but it has been suggested that it could now be as early as 21st February when MPs return from their recess.
