England relaxes COVID testing rules for air passengers returning on international flights

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Posted: Wednesday January 5, 2022 12:00pm ET by WDWMAGIC Staff

Today, England has announced several changes to its COVID-19 testing rules for passengers arriving into the country from international locations. The changes are of particular importance to those currently at Walt Disney World and planning a return to England in the coming days.

Returning to England will be easier next week after the government announces changes to the testing requirements for international passengers

Fully vaccinated passengers and under 18's will no longer need to take a pre-departure test before returning to England if arriving after 4 am on Friday, January 7, 2022. In addition, those arriving into England from Friday will not need to self-isolate pending a negative test result.

For arrivals in England after 4 am on Sunday, January 9, 2022, all fully vaccinated people and under 18's will now only need to take a lateral flow test on day 2 instead of the more expensive PCR test.

Health Secretary Grant Shapps said, "by reducing testing requirements for fully vaccinated passengers to just a lateral flow post-arrival, we're supporting the safe reopening of international travel."

The extra COVID testing was introduced last year at the border to slow cases of Omicron coming to the UK. According to the government, Omicron is now the dominant variant and is widespread in the UK, meaning the extra testing measures are no longer proportionate.

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Wendy PleakleyJan 05, 2022

Canadian rules allow someone to get tested, travel elsewhere within a 72-hour period, and return home with the same negative test taken before they left the country. It's meant to discourage travel far more than actually promote public safety. I don't necessarily disagree that the approach shouldn't be changed but it's important to note the true purpose of the testing requirement.

SirwalterraleighJan 05, 2022

Just sit back and watch Los Estados Unidos struggle with the latest variant “big kahuna” wave…it should be amusing as always… then we can debate policy…again…

dreamscometrueJan 05, 2022

Wonderful. Now, we just have to get Canada to do that too. I've seen several doctors on the news lately discuss how this is no longer necessary for fully vaccinated people. Especially since it has been shown to do almost nothing.

wdwmagicJan 05, 2022

England relaxes COVID testing rules for air passengers returning on international flights https://www.wdwmagic.com/other/walt-disney-company/news/05jan2022-england-relaxes-covid-testing-rules-for-air-passengers-returning-on-international-flights.htm

mktDec 01, 2021

https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2021/dec/01/us-covid-travel-requirements-latest-international-flights-travelers

mktNov 15, 2021

An update. This weekend I noticed a handful of British and European families in the parks, and even an odd German-plated RV parked at Epcot.

mktNov 12, 2021

While out and about in Miami today, I started seeing European tourists. Saw families from Spain and Italy, and a group of Swedish beer geeks at a local brewery.

mktNov 08, 2021

Here's a link to the pre-arrival attestation travelers will be expected to complete: https://www.cdc.gov/quarantine/pdf/NCEZID-FRM-Combo-Passenger-Disclose-508.pdf

Disstevefan1Nov 08, 2021

For the folks from the UK going to WDW, please post with a photo when you get here! Try to be the first!

mktNov 08, 2021

Bring me some Cantillon

ZeromancerNov 08, 2021

Leaving in 2weeks from Belgium. Let’s hope this will go smoothly

mktNov 08, 2021

I assume that the very first UK and European travelers have just begun arriving. Enjoy your vacations.

nickysNov 01, 2021

So an update for those travelling TO the US with unvaccinated children (including those who have had a single jab). The CDC have confirmed that under 18s will not have to quarantine but will need to take a Covid test 2-3 days after arrival. https://eu.usatoday.com/story/travel/news/2021/10/30/unvaccinated-us-visitors-kids-quarantine-cdc-air-travel-system-nov/6217959001/