Less than a month after introducing a mandatory quarantine period, the UK plans to abandon it for the majority of European countries.
While the full list of exempt countries is due to be published Friday, the Department of Transport (DfT) has confirmed that travellers arriving in England from countries including France, Spain, Germany and Italy will no longer need to quarantine from 10 July.
The DfT also confirmed that devolved administrations “will set out their own approach to exemptions” and passengers returning to Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland “should ensure they follow the laws and guidance which applies there”. So far, none of the respective governments have issued statements regarding the relaxation of restrictions.
According to BBC Newsnight‘s political editor Nick Watt, about 60 countries are expected to make the cut on the final list – though several politicians have hinted that the US is not likely to be one of them.
As of Saturday, the government will also exempt several countries from its advice against overseas travel, meaning UK tourists can once again head abroad on vacation.
Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said the changes are “good news for British people and great news for British businesses”. At the same time he urged caution, stressing that the government could re-impose quarantine restrictions “in countries we are reconnecting with”.
