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Liverpool Echo
Liverpool Echo
World
Kate Lally

All the travel rules still in place for British tourists despite covid announcement

Trips abroad look far more likely for many of us this year than they have done in a while.

As coronavirus restrictions ease in the UK and elsewhere, it may be easier - and less expensive - to travel internationally.

The British Government scrapped testing for vaccinated travellers in January, and earlier this month, the requirement for UK arrivals to self-isolate was also dropped.

READ MORE: UK Foreign Office changes travel rules for Australia, Spain, Greece and others

Many countries that are popular with British tourists have also relaxed their rules.

From March 1, fully vaccinated Brits, or those who have recovered from Covid-19 will be able to visit European countries for leisure purposes.

Visitors must have been vaccinated at least 14 days before their trip to the EU country, but at most 270 days ago in order to be allowed in as vaccinated travellers, according to SkyScanner.

Italy's new travel rules will also coming into effect on March 1.

Travellers will no longer be required to show both proof of vaccination or recovery from Covid-19 and a negative test result; either will be enough to enter the country.

Portugal, Greece and France have also scrapped pre-departure test requirements for fully vaccinated arrivals.

While there is plenty of cause for cautious optimism where travel is concerned, there are still a number of rules in place.

Here's everything you need to know ahead of travelling abroad.

Passenger locator forms

These forms are a requirement for all arrivals in the UK, irrespective of vaccination status.

The Prime Minister Boris Johnson said passenger locator forms would be reviewed "by Easter" - in time for the school holidays.

Likewise, Brits entering other countries may have to fill in a passenger locator form.

NHS Covid Pass

The NHS Covid Pass enables holders to prove their status when entering other countries.

It will continue to operate until at least the summer.

Unvaccinated travellers

Those who are not fully vaccinated must take a covid test two days before travel to the UK, and a PCR test up to day 2 after arrival (both paid for privately).

As of February 24, however, unvaccinated arrivals who test positive for the day 2 test will not be required to self-isolate - but should "follow public health advice".

The Department for Transport has confirmed that testing requirements will not change for the unvaccinated in light of the new self-isolation rules.

What if a new variant emerges?

Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said the Government “won’t implement emergency measures in response to new covid variants unless in extreme circumstances”.

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