The EU has a classic tourist destination with diverse cultures and notable people relying on tourism. However, the recent outbreak of COVID-19 has had a significant impact on tourism. Travel businesses are doing everything possible to guarantee that travellers will have a safe and pleasurable vacation during and after the pandemic. This includes implementing new health and safety precautions consistent with the latest scientific and medical advice so you can book your trips with confidence.
As of March 2022, the government has eliminated all COVID-19 travel restrictions in the UK, which means that you will no longer be required to undergo any tests upon your return. Each country has its entrance criteria for visitors from other nations, so test requirements will depend on what country you intend to visit.
A lateral flow test (or LFT) is not required for fully vaccinated travellers and those under 18 years old arriving in England, Scotland, Wales, or Northern Ireland. However, visitors must show proof of a negative coronavirus testing two days before travelling. You can order antigen test for travel or post-arrival PCR tests to confirm if you are infected or not.
Additionally, a passenger locator form must also be completed by travellers before they travel to England. The paper must be shown when you check-in or board a flight, train, or ferry to the UK.
General Rules when Travelling in the UK
Before departing the UK, unvaccinated travellers must fill out a passenger locator form and undergo a fit to fly COVID test, including LFT or PCR test.
Travellers who have tested positive for COVID-19 must comply with the country’s rules and postpone plans to travel to the UK. Travel agencies might be able to assist you in extending your stay. Although they may be able to offer support and advice, they are not required by law to pay the expenses associated with prolonging your stay. If included in your policy, these expenses should be covered by either you or your insurance company.
Furthermore, those who are not fully jabbed must quarantine for ten consecutive days after arriving in the UK. Two PCR tests are performed on the second and eighth days of each isolation period. Tourists must book these tests in advance.
Those who choose to end their quarantine period early may submit to a PCR test after five days of isolation. If the results are negative, travellers may exit quarantine. They must, however, undergo a PCR test on day eight.
Following the COVID pandemic, tourists visiting the EU were required to present a certificate demonstrating their virus protection. The EU Digital COVID Certificate, on the other hand, is not a substitute for a passport or identity card. It is intended to facilitate travel and is compatible with the EU COVID passes issued locally. The EU DCC was initially supposed to expire on June 30, 2022. However, the European Commission has suggested extending it until June 30, 2023.
To find out the entry requirements for a country, you can visit their official website. You should always check them before you travel as rules can change quickly. Unvaccinated travellers are not allowed to travel within specific countries.
Tourism Sector in Europe amidst the pandemic
Before the outbreak, tourism accounted for 10% of global GDP and supported 320 million jobs worldwide. While the virus is currently under control, the travel and tourism industry is still at risk of losing millions of jobs. According to the UN World Tourism Organization, a global decline of up to 20 percent in international visitor numbers is likely to occur this year. Combined with lost spending of thirty to fifty billion euros, the impact could be significant. The EU is now seeking ways to mitigate the economic effects of COVID-19 on tourism. Therefore, they are opening their borders and lifting travel restrictions gradually to stimulate the economy.
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