Grant Shapps warns of major problems reopening Transatlantic travel

Grant Shapps warns of major problems reopening Transatlantic travel
Grant Shapps warns of major problems reopening Transatlantic travel

Grant Shapps today warned of major challenges reopening Transatlantic travel with states having different systems for proving whether Americans are double-jabbed.

The Transport Secretary said the government is working on plans to allow fully-vaccinated people to visit the UK without needing to quarantine.  

But he cautioned that it would be 'easier' to organise systems for some places than others, pointing out that there are '50 different systems' for proving vaccine status in the US - many of them paper based.

By contrast the EU has been setting up a digital app that will apply across the bloc, similar to the NHS arrangements.   

Mr Shapps announced yesterday that from so-called 'Freedom Day' on July 19, people who have received both doses in the UK can visit amber-list destinations without having to quarantine on their return. 

Grant Shapps said the government is working on plans to allow fully-vaccinated people to visit the UK without needing to quarantine

Grant Shapps said the government is working on plans to allow fully-vaccinated people to visit the UK without needing to quarantine

There are currently severe restrictions on travel to and from the US. Pictured, details from the Sky Scanner website

There are currently severe restrictions on travel to and from the US. Pictured, details from the Sky Scanner website 

Announcing the move in the Commons, Mr Shapps confirmed that from the so-called 'Freedom Day', double-jabbed people can visit amber-list destinations without having to quarantine on their return

Announcing the move in the Commons, Mr Shapps confirmed that from the so-called 'Freedom Day', double-jabbed people can visit amber-list destinations without having to quarantine on their return

What restrictions do other countries have on Britons visiting? 

FRANCE

Travellers who can prove they are fully vaccinated do not need an essential reason to travel to France and do not need to self-isolate on arrival. 

Anyone aged over 11 years must give evidence of a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours of departure, or a negative antigen test result taken within 48 hours of departure, as well as a 'sworn statement' they are not suffering from Covid symptoms and have not been in contact with confirmed cases in the preceding fortnight. 

SPAIN

Britons aged 12 or over must have either proof of a negative test 48 hours prior to arrival, or proof of being fully vaccinated at least 14 days beforehand.

ITALY

Anyone aged six or over who has been in the UK in the previous 14 days must present a negative test result from the past 48 hours.

They must also self-isolate for five days and take another test at the end of the period.

Those arriving without a negative test will need to self-isolate for 10 days and then have a test.

GREECE

Travellers from the UK can avoid quarantine requirements if they have proof of a negative PCR test up to 72 hours before arrival, a rapid antigen test within 48 hours, or that they have received two vaccine jabs at least 14 days earlier. 

It is also acceptable to show evidence of having recovered from coronavirus - such as a positive test from months earlier. 

PORTUGAL

All travellers, apart from children under 12, must have proof of a negative COVID-19 test to travel to or through mainland Portugal. 

If you have travelled from the UK to mainland Portugal, you must quarantine for 14 days in the place you are staying.

But this requirement is waived if people can show they are fully vaccinated, and children travelling with a vaccinated adult are exempt from quarantine.

In Madeira and Porto Santo tests are not required for people who are fully vaccinated.

GERMANY

Fully vaccinated Britons are exempt from quarantine, but must do a pre-departure digital registration.

Unvaccinated children under 12 years of age are allowed to enter Germany if they present proof of a negative test result and travel with at least one fully vaccinated parent.

UNITED STATES 

Since 16 March

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