LONDON — The British government announced on Wednesday that passengers arriving from Europe and the United States, who have been fully vaccinated coronavirus, will not have to quarantine when entering England, according to a press statement. The move, which will be effective from 4 a.m. local time on Aug. 2, comes as the United Kingdom takes a range of new measures to reopen international travel. According to the press statement, passengers who are fully vaccinated in the EU with vaccines authorized by the European Medicines Agency (EMA) or in the USA with vaccines authorized by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), or in the Swiss vaccination program, will be able to travel to England without having to quarantine or take a day 8 test on arrival. However, travelers from Europe and the US will still be required to complete a pre-departure test before arrival into England, alongside a PCR test on or before day 2 after arrival. Separate rules will continue to apply for those arriving from France. Those vaccinated in the US will also need to provide proof of US residency. Passengers from all countries cannot travel to the UK unless they have completed a passenger locator form. Following the close monitoring of epidemiological evidence, gained through the restart of the domestic cruise industry earlier this year, the UK government has also confirmed the go-ahead for international cruise sailings to restart from England in line with Public Health England guidance. International cruise travel advice will be amended to encourage travelers to understand the risks associated with cruise travel and take personal responsibility for their own safety abroad. To further support the safe restart of international cruise travel, the government and cruise industry have signed a breakthrough memorandum of understanding (MOU) to help the industry build back from COVID-19 while protecting British nationals from future pandemic-related disruption. Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said: "We've taken great strides on our journey to reopen international travel and today is another important step forward. Whether you are a family reuniting for the first time since the start of the pandemic or a business benefiting from increased trade — this is the progress we can all enjoy." "We will of course continue to be guided by the latest scientific data but thanks to our world-leading domestic vaccination program, we're able to look to the future and start to rebuild key transatlantic routes with the US while further cementing ties with our European neighbors." Health and Social Care Secretary Sajid Javid said: "Our vaccination program is building a wall of defense against this virus so we can safely enjoy our freedoms again, with 7 in 10 adults in the UK now double jabbed." "By reopening quarantine-free travel for travelers who have been fully vaccinated in European countries and the USA, we're taking another step on the road to normality which will reunite friends and families and give UK businesses a boost." We are also relaxing the testing requirements for certain critical workers, who by the nature of their work do not mix with the public or leave their vehicles helping free up running times by removing undue burdens. All measures announced on Wednesday will be kept under review and be guided by the latest data. Public health remains our top priority, and we will not hesitate to act should the data show that countries' risk ratings have changed.
