The UK government approved an easing of international travel restrictions for vaccinated visitors entering and exiting the country, which will boost long-haul connections between India and the UK. Starting October 4, the red, amber, and green colour scheme for countries depending on COVID danger levels will be phased out and replaced with a single red list.
Because India is on the amber list, removing it from the list may result in a reduction in the expense burden on travellers. Those vaccinated with Covishield, on the other hand, will be asked to provide pre-departure PCR test results and will be tested again upon arrival.
“The modifications of today result in a simpler, more straightforward system. One that requires less testing and costs less, allowing more people to travel, see loved ones, or conduct business throughout the world while boosting the travel sector “said Grant Shapps, UK Transport Secretary.
“With over 44 million individuals in the UK fully vaccinated, we are now ready to propose a proportional revised structure that represents the current situation,” he added.
Unvaccinated travellers from non-red nations will be subjected to pre-departure testing, as well as PCR tests on day 2 and day 8. Passengers who have been vaccinated with unapproved vaccinations under England’s foreign travel laws, including India, would also be subjected to a pre-departure test, a day 2 and day 8 PCR test, and will be required to self-isolate themselves at their provided address for 10 days following arrival.
“Today, we streamlined the travel regulations to make them easier to understand and follow, opening up tourism and lowering the cost of going overseas,” UK Health Secretary Sajid Javid said.
“As global vaccination efforts increase and more people receive protection from this horrible illness, it is only natural that our rules and regulations keep up,” he added.