EFE.- The United Kingdom will simplify its restrictions on international mobility and will stop requiring, as of October 4, a coronavirus test prior to the trip to England of vaccinated people from low-risk countries, the British Transport Minister announced on Friday , Grant Shapps.
From that date, the travel traffic light that classified countries according to three risk categories will be abolished and only a list of countries in red will remain, for which the limitations will continue to be higher.
Also in October, although at a later date yet to be defined, the requirement to undergo a PCR test within two days of arrival in England for vaccinated travelers from “safe” countries will be replaced by a cheaper antigen test.
The British government aims with these measures to “reduce the cost of travel” while continuing to protect public health, Shapps said.
On the contrary, those not vaccinated will continue to have to pass a test in the 72 hours prior to their departure, two PCR tests two and eight days after their arrival in England, and remain in quarantine for ten days.
European states such as Spain, France, Italy and Portugal, until now on the amber list, will be classified as low risk countries.
Follow the information about business and current affairs in Forbes Mexico
The mandatory quarantine will also be maintained for travelers from territories on the red list, who will have to stay for ten days in a hotel designated by the Government, a stay at a cost of 2,285 pounds per person (3,140 dollars).
Turkey, Egypt, Maldives and Kenya are among the eight countries that will leave that list as of September 22.
Latin American countries such as Argentina, Chile, Brazil, Colombia and Mexico will continue for now in that red category. Travelers who have been in these countries during the ten days prior to their departure will only be able to enter England if they have British nationality or a residence permit in the United Kingdom.
Follow us on Google News to keep you always informed