Latest Travel Update: New 'Test and Release' System Announced

Some amazing news to bring you this morning from Grant Shapps. From the 15th of December, the Government will have in place a "test and release" system of quarantine. Giving some hope to people wanting to be reunited with friends and family overseas before Christmas. ?? We will still have the travel corridors, which means NO quarantine, and I would be advising to stick to these if you can. But if you return from a country that is not on the quarantine-free travel corridor list you will be able to take a test 5 days after arriving in the UK, if that test comes back negative, you are "released" from quarantine.

A few key points from today's announcement: ??NHS tests MUST NOT be used for this purpose and WILL NOT legally permit you to "release" from quarantine even if it comes back negative ??tests must be booked with an approved provider taken from gov.uk website (still to be released) ??you must still complete a Passenger Locator Form no matter where you are returning from and on that form state that you are having the test (and have it booked) ??if you book the test after you return you must complete a new Passenger Locator Form ??you must still quarantine on arrival and only "release" from this after a negative test result ??normal FCDO advice (which is yet to be updated) must still be followed

This is certainly a step in the right direction for international travel, however, there are still lots of things to consider. Many countries still have closed borders, or require a negative PCR test before allowing you entry. When I work with my clients on their holiday plans, I will advise on every aspect so that they make an informed decision. I can't say I have all the answers, but I certainly have the knowledge and experience to offer the best advice. Far above what you will be able to find out from Google.

To find out what today's announcement means for your future travel plans, get in touch with me.