Great news if you're looking forward to a visit to London or a tour of the beautiful English countryside this year! Even a cruise from Southampton can be returned to your bucket list for you to scratch off again!!!
When does the new guidance start?
Starting Monday August 2nd at 4am local time in England (2021), fully vaccinated American travelers will no longer be required to quarantine on arrival. This means avoiding the 10-day quarantine required of most other visitors and instead diving straight into your travel plans.
What are the new requirements?
As I understand the new guidelines and ongoing requirements:
All travelers must be fully vaccinated
Only vaccines recognized by the US or European Union are accepted
The last and final dose must have been received at least two weeks prior to your trip
Arrive with a negative PCR test result taken within three days of travel
Pre-book & pay for another PCR test to be administered on the second day of your itinerary
Complete an accurate passenger locator form
What about returning home?
PCR testing and other requirements set forth for all entries to the US remain in effect, including for US citizens. That means another negative test result within three days of your return flight to the US.
Can I visit Scotland or another region in Britain?
Local news in Britain suggests that Scotland may soon follow England's lead and update the requirement for a visit to Scotland, although the discussion is an ongoing one in Scottish parliament.
Wales and Northern Ireland have not yet indicated any guidance that local requirements will change for visitors to those regions of the UK.
Note that there is not currently any requirement to isolate when traveling within the UK, although there may be local requirements in certain corners of the region.
Will I need to wear a mask? What about social distancing?
Already last week, on July 19th, the British government removed the legal mandate for masks, social distancing, and most other requirements the average visitor might encounter during their stay. With one major legal requirement remaining: anyone contacted through the Test and Trace program will still be legally required to isolate for the entire duration indicated by the authority of the program, typically 10 days.
Individual businesses and certain public spaces such as localized transport may still enforce their own restrictions. As a visitor you should respect such requirements.
This is not advice, these guidelines and requirements can change at any time. Everyone should travel with adequate insurance covering the full duration of their trip, this is not a solicitation.
Great news 🇺🇸