Key Points

  • Fully vaccinated travelers will no longer be required to take a pre-departure COVID-19 test
  • Proof of vaccination accepted from 15 additional countries

Overview

On 7 Jan. 2022, the government of the United Kingdom updated its testing and border measures for fully vaccinated travelers. The following changes are in effect as of 7 Jan. 2022: 

  • Eligible fully vaccinated travelers and those under the age of 18 will no longer be required to take a pre-departure test or self-isolate upon arrival in the UK; 
  • All fully vaccinated travelers over the age of five will be permitted to take a lateral flow test instead of a PCR test on or before day two after arrival in the UK; 
  • If a positive result is received on the lateral flow test, the traveler will be required to self-isolate immediately 

Beginning 10 Jan. 2022, the government of the UK will accept proof of vaccination issued in 15 countries including: Bhutan, Cameroon, Côte d'Ivoire, Fiji, Iraq, Liberia, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, north of Cyprus, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Solomon Islands, The Gambia and Uzbekistan. 

What are the Changes?

Fully vaccinated travelers are no longer be required to take a pre-departure test before traveling to the UK. In addition, these travelers will be able to take a lateral flow test on or before their second day in the UK. Unvaccinated travelers will still be required to take a pre-departure test, test on or before day two of arrival and on or after day eight in addition to undergoing a 10-day self-isolation period.

Looking Ahead

Continue to check the government of the UK's website and Envoy's website for additional updates and information. 

Originally published 10 January 2022.

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