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You no longer need a predeparture test to enter the UK if you’re fully vaccinated

Oct. 04, 2021
2 min read
You no longer need a predeparture test to enter the UK if you’re fully vaccinated
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Starting today, there is no longer a requirement for a predeparture lateral flow test to enter the U.K. This applies to both British citizens as well as travelers from abroad, except for those who have been in a red list country in the last 10 days.

Travelers must be fully vaccinated with an approved vaccine from an approved country — including EU member states, the U.S. and the UAE — for this to apply.

Keep in mind that this does not mean testing is completely removed from the process. Vaccinated travelers still need to book a Day 2 COVID-19 PCR test and complete a Passenger Locator Form in order to enter the U.K.

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Furthermore, the traffic light system is now a thing of the past.

The U.K. government has decided to scrap the three colors and replace them with a single "do not travel" list. This list will be updated every three weeks with the first update scheduled for Oct. 7.

Currently, the U.K. ranks among the top countries with the longest list of banned countries with 54 destinations. And maintaining this list is increasingly difficult now that Ireland has scrapped its red list. There are rumors the list could be reduced to as few as nine countries by the next round of evaluations on Oct. 7.

If that's the case, it would be a major improvement for the options for international travel.

Another change proposed for today was the switch from PCR testing to the cheaper lateral flow test for all Day 2 tests. However, this change has been delayed citing a lack of lateral flow tests for sale by the private testing providers. No new date has been announced yet.

Featured image by (Photo by Jean Arnas / The Points Guy UK)
Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.

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Build your loyalty to Delta by applying for the carrier's mid-tier card option, the Delta SkyMiles Platinum card. The annual fee is quickly recouped by the card's travel perks, such as an application credit to Global Entry or TSA Precheck, annual companion certificate and so much more. Plus you can fast-track to elite status simply through card spend.

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  • Receive a Domestic Main Cabin round-trip companion certificate each year
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  • Doesn't make sense if you don't fly Delta
  • SkyMiles aren't the most valuable airline currency
  • Earn 90,000 bonus miles after you spend $4,000 in purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months.
  • Receive a Domestic Main Cabin round-trip companion certificate each year upon renewal of your Card. Payment of the government imposed taxes and fees of no more than $80 for roundtrip domestic flights (for itineraries with up to four flight segments) is required. Baggage charges and other restrictions apply. See terms and conditions for details.
  • Enjoy your first checked bag free on Delta flights. Plus enjoy Main Cabin 1 Priority Boarding and settle into your seat sooner.
  • New: Card Members get 15% off when using miles to book Award Travel on Delta flights through delta.com and the Fly Delta app. Discount not applicable to partner-operated flights or to taxes and fees.
  • Earn 3X Miles on Delta purchases and purchases made directly with hotels.
  • Earn 2X Miles at restaurants worldwide including takeout and delivery in the U.S., and at U.S. supermarkets.
  • Earn 1X Mile on all other eligible purchases.
  • Enjoy a per-visit rate of $50 per person for Card Members and up to two guests to enter the Delta Sky Club when traveling on a Delta flight.
  • Fee Credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck® after you apply through any Authorized Enrollment Provider. If approved for Global Entry, at no additional charge, you will receive access to TSA PreCheck.
  • Earn up to 20,000 Medallion® Qualification Miles (MQMs) with Status Boost® per year. After you spend $25,000 in purchases on your Card in a calendar year, you can earn 10,000 MQMs up to two times per year, getting you closer to Medallion® Status. MQMs are used to determine Medallion® Status and are different than miles you earn toward flights.
  • No Foreign Transaction Fees.
  • $250 Annual Fee.
  • Terms Apply.
  • See Rates & Fees