United Kingdom: the world before for travellers

From 18 March, travellers to the UK will be returning to their old travel habits. No more checks on whether or not they have been vaccinated, and no more locator forms to fill in...
By Luc Citrinot -
Regent Street in London (Photo: LC)

Le 18th March will be a great day for travellers to London and other major cities in the world. United Kingdom. On that date in fact, all international travellers, whether vaccinated or not, will be able to enter the UK without any formalities. They will no longer have to provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test or complete a passenger location form.. In fact, all these measures will officially come into force at 4am on Friday 18.

Read also: The UK to introduce electronic travel authorisation

Note that theNorthern Ireland and Wales are aligned with the UK's measures for the same date. L'Scotland will do the same on 21 March.

" As one of the first major economies to remove all travel restrictions associated with COVID-19, this will be a historic moment for passengers and the travel and aviation industry." said the UK Department for Transport in a statement.

What's more, most British airports - including Heathrow - have decided to abandon the requirement to wear masks in their public areas. The measure comes into force next week. A return to the world before, so to speak!

Gatwick Express

Gatwick Express to resume service

Another sign of a return to normality in the British capital is the Gatwick Express will once again be serving London airport. Announced on 16 March, the resumption of operations will start on 3 April next week. Just a few days after the reopening of the South Terminalwhich he links to London Victoria. " With increasing numbers of passengers returning to Gatwick by rail and the reopening of the South Terminal, now is the time to bring [the Gatwick Express] back into service to support the airport and the economic recovery in the South East. "explains Stephen MacCallaugh, Managing Director of Gatwick Express.

Nevertheless, Gatwick Express services will be reduced to two passes per hourcompared with four before its closure in March 2020. And some disturbances are to be expected over the weekend. This is due to the modernising the station at Gatwick airport. Work should be completed next year. " The return of the Gatwick Express is great news and we look forward to the completion of the station upgrade. "Emma Rees, Head of Real Estate and Surface Access at Gatwick Airport. " More and more Gatwick passengers are flying and excellent rail links, with a dedicated service for airport passengers, are a vital part of our recovery and our link to central London and beyond. ".

 

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