England scraps day 2 coronavirus tests for vaccinated travelers

Vaccinated travelers will no longer have to take a COVID-19 test on their second day after arriving in England, the U.K. government has announced.

Double-jabbed holiday-makers will only have to show a passenger locator form (PLF) on arrival from February 11, to coincide with the half-term break in many English schools, Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said.

“This final step in our stable and safe full return to international travel is a major boost for UK tourism, setting Britain free ahead of the crucial half term and spring holiday season,” he said.

Rules have also been eased for non-vaccinated travelers. They’ll have to take a pre-departure test and a PCR test on or before day 2 after they arrive in the U.K., as well as filling out the simplified PLF. But they won’t need to take a test on day 8, nor will they need to self-isolate on arrival, unless they get a positive result.

The Scottish, Welsh and Northern Irish governments haven’t yet said if they will be following suit.