As the announcement of reduced COVID-related travel restrictions from Feb 11, 2022, has been made, the UK educators and international students have taken a huge sigh of relief and welcomed the news. They are hoping that this decision of the UK Govt will open the door for international learners to come more easily and affordably.

English UK is calling this development "extremely welcome news for UK ELT and our colleagues in the travel industry".

Prime Minister Boris Johnson is emphasizing the relaxed travel rules to encourage as many international travellers, including students and workers, as possible to choose the country as their destination. He said, "Thanks to the phenomenal success of our booster campaign and the extraordinary efforts of the public, the UK is officially one of the most open countries in Europe and ready to welcome visitors from across the globe".

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  Eliminating Limits for Fully Vaccinated Travellers & Students and Under 18s:

  
  

International travellers and students who are fully vaccinated with approved vaccines will not have to undergo any COVID tests before or after their journey to the UK. The Govt has also removed the necessity of quarantine. However, the passengers will be asked to complete a mandatory passenger locator form before arrival.

Furthermore, the young generation under the age of 18 will not be required to perform tests, whether or not they are vaccinated. They will not be any quarantine period for them as well.

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  Unvaccinated Adults will still require tests:

  
  

Unvaccinated international adults who are not vaccinated can expect a bit more meticulous set of requirements. They will be asked to produce proof of a negative COVID test taken 02 days before arrival and will be asked to book and pay for a PCR test, before departing for the UK, which is to be taken within 02 days after arrival.

In case they test negative, there will be no requirement for quarantine and in case they test positive, the quarantine must be followed.

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  Good timing for Educators and Students:

  
  

Grant Shapps, the Transport Secretary, said these new travel rules establish the position of the UK as one of the most open countries in Europe and observes that the Feb 11 launch of eased travel restrictions coincides with the academic session.

He said, "We made the right calls at the right time and thanks to our vaccine and booster rollout it's paying off, allowing us to safely remove nearly all COVID-19 travel restrictions for vaccinated travellers".

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  Prepared for Recovery

  
  

The Chief Executive of English UK Jodie Gray considers it "cautiously optimistic" regarding the effects of the new travel rules on the sector at the Study World winter event for educators and agents scheduled in January. She observed that the English-language industry has been significantly resilient despite the arduous effects of the COVID pandemic.