UK: No requirement of pre-arrival COVID testing for international travellers

In a major development in the UK, the government has lifted off the requirement of pre-arrival COVID testing for international travellers. Reportedly, international travellers can also skip self-isolation on arrival; earlier, it was mandatory to self-isolate on arrival till a negative-PCR report is received. Moreover, travellers can alternatively take lateral flow test on the second day of their arrival in the country; the test is believed to cost less when compared to a PCR test.

UK PM Boris Johnson addressed the Parliament and announced the above rules; Indian travellers will also come under the exemptions. He made the said exemptions clear and commented that, "We will also be lifting the requirement to self-isolate on arrival until receipt of a negative PCR, returning instead to the system we had in October last year, where those arriving in England will need to take a lateral flow test no later than the end of Day 2 and, if positive, a further PCR test to help us identify any new variants at the border."
In addition to the above revisions, pre-departure tests would be no longer required as well. Mr Johnson commented that the test discourages many from travelling, with the fear of getting "trapped overseas" on the travellers' minds. A few days back, the UK removed all countries from its red list as well.

Currently, the UK is grappling with a massive wave of Omicron; it is believed that the said regulations have been lifted to ease unnecessary burden from the testing bodies. Mr Johnson has also urged people to get vaccinated as well as social distance and follow COVID protocols as no further lockdowns would be imposed in the country.
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