With the further easing of travel restrictions on travellers returning to the UK from abroad, there’s plenty to be excited about this month.
Fully vaccinated travellers are now free of post-travel testing, while unvaccinated holidaymakers no longer need to fork out for a day 2 test.
Travel companies Jet2, easyJet and TUI have all reported a surge in holiday bookings since the government’s announcement to relax the rules. So, dare we say… holidays are back?
Keep reading to find out more.
Travel restrictions scrapped for fully vaccinated returning to the UK
The remaining Covid testing requirements for fully vaccinated travellers have been removed. Passengers arriving in the UK from 4am, 11 February are only asked to complete a Passenger Locator Form (PLF).
The rules have been relaxed for unvaccinated travellers too. As well as completing the Passenger Locator form, travellers will only need to take a pre-departure test before heading to the UK, and a day 2 PCR test. There’s no need to self-isolate unless the day 2 test returns a positive result.
Stricter entry requirements for Spain
From 1 February, Spain introduced stricter entry requirements for ‘high-risk’ UK holidaymakers in an attempt to curb infection rates.
Only fully vaccinated travellers will be allowed entry for tourism purposes (free of testing and quarantine). All passengers over the age of 12 must now be fully vaccinated at least 14 days prior to landing in Spain.
As part of the EU’s guidelines, they also ask that if a second-dose was given more than 270 days ago, travellers will need to show proof of a booster jab.
Children under 12 are treated as fully vaccinated and will not be asked for proof of vaccination.
Spain will only accept unvaccinated travellers if they are travelling for ‘essential’ reasons and have proof of a negative test. Any lateral flow tests (LFTs) must be taken within 24 hours of arriving in Spain, while PCR tests can be taken up to 72 hours in advance.
Essential reasons to travel to Spain include travellers who are:
- EU citizens
- Accompanying a family member of an EU citizen
- A resident of Spain
Visit the FCDO’s website for the latest guidance on Spain’s entry requirements.
Plans to compensate flight delays of more than an hour
Current EU laws mean UK passengers can only claim for compensation if their flight is delayed for more than three hours. But under new proposals, it would be possible to claim after a one-hour delay.
The changes would align with the system used by rail and ferry operators, which awards compensation based on the length of delay and the original cost of travel.
Under the Department for Transport’s plans, passengers would receive a 25% refund for a wait of one to two hours, increasing to 50% for a two to three hour delay and a full refund for delays of three hours or more.
