- Those countries that UK citizens are prohibited from traveling to is to be reduced from 54 to seven, the government announced
- However, countries remaining on the red list of prohibited travel include Panama, Colombia, Venezuela, Peru, Ecuador, Haiti and the Dominican Republic
- The new rules are particularly welcomed by UK families, who have been separated by the travel restrictions
LONDON, England: Those countries that UK citizens are prohibited from traveling to is to be reduced from 54 to seven, the government announced.
The statement was made by Transport Secretary Grant Shapps Monday, who said it “marks the next step” in opening travel in the UK.
However, countries remaining on the red list of prohibited travel include Panama, Colombia, Venezuela, Peru, Ecuador, Haiti and the Dominican Republic.
It has been noted, however, that the changes in travel primarily affect those returning to the UK.
“Travellers should be aware that they may still face restrictions on entry to many destinations, especially those under 18 who are not yet vaccinated,” the government said.
Arrivals from 37 countries will no longer need to undergo Covid testing and show proof of testing upon arrival in the UK.
However, all arrivals will still be required to complete a passenger locator form, in the event they were exposed to Covid.
The new rules are particularly welcomed by UK families, who have been separated by the travel restrictions.
British citizens Matt and Hannah Pirnie, who have lived in South Africa for ten years, will now be able to return to the UK to see family members.
“It’s been a long pandemic for us. Not seeing family, not being allowed to go back but, more importantly, grandparents not being able to come here and see their grandkids. It’s been a long two years,” Matt Pirnie said, as quoted by the BBC.
“First of all when all the aeroplanes stopped initially – that was quite anxiety provoking – and then to be put on the red list for so long has just been quite hard to wrap your head around why,” Hannah adds.
