The entry rules - To and from *

The rules regarding international travel to and from the United Kingdom have changed again, whilst in England the laws concerning free movement have also been tightened. It is essential to check on the UK government website to view the laws of the country you are visiting.  

All travellers who intend to return to the United Kingdom must now undertake a private PCR test before leaving the country they are in (unless on the ‘red list’ where 10 days approved isolation is required in the UK).  The window for this is from 72 hours before travelling.

Most destination countries now require the same test also in the time window, but this is calculated from the landing of the aircraft.  In effect there is no problem when flying in a westerly direction but going east the countries are ahead of the UK and the flying time has to be added.  Taking Qatar for example, it is seven hours flying plus three hours’ time difference.  This needs to be taken into consideration.

From 15 December the NHS Covid Pass will be mandatory to access nightclubs and other venues with large crowds, including indoor venues with 500 or more people, outdoor spaces with 4,000-plus individuals and any venue with attendance exceeding 10,000 people, to allow these spaces to remain open without reducing capacity. The news will add another layer of protocol for any travellers visiting the UK through the Christmas period, as well as UK residents.

Although those who are fully vaccinated against Covid-19 are able to obtain the Covid Pass initially, it is likely that the validity of the pass will hinge on the addition of subsequent Covid-19 boosters in the near future.

“The NHS Covid Pass can still be obtained with two doses but we will keep this under review as the boosters roll out,” the Prime Minister said.

Additionally, face masks are to be worn at most public indoor spaces, including venues, theatres and cinemas from 10 December.

The full travel rules for entry can be seen here.
www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-requirements-to-provide-public-health-information-to-passengers-travelling-to-england/coronavirus-covid-19-required-information-and-exemption-periods-under-the-public-health-information-for-passengers-travelling-to-england-regulati

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OUR READERS' FINEST WORDS (All times and dates are GMT)

All comments are filtered to exclude any excesses but the Editor does not have to agree with what is being said. 100 words maximum

James O\'Brian, Glasgow

M/s yvonne miles is wrong. Read the rules as in the story. But it is not her fault. It is all very confusing.

John Arthur, Eastborne

Somewhere else in BTN it mentions the Qatar arrangement with what is in effect a Covid Passport for everyone. I agree. And those who refuse to be vaccinated, without a very good reason, should be penalised. I assume if in hospital they don’t question every drug used in their treatment.

yvonne miles, United Kingdom

Agree with comments above - your comments regarding needing a PCR prior to arrival are misleading and incorrect

Noel Gilmartin, United Kingdom

The NHS Pass - All "All travellers who intend to return to the United Kingdom must now undertake a private PCR test before leaving the country they are in" -- this isn't what the UK Govt website says: "This could include tests such as: a nucleic acid test, including a PCR test a LAMP test an antigen test, such as an LFD (lateral flow device) test" https://www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-testing-for-people-travelling-to-england#type-of-test