Gov’t Plans to Relax Restrictions for Travelers Under 18

The government plans to relax immigration limits for people under the age of 18 and increase the number of immunizations permitted for inbound travel.

The changes, according to the Department of Transport, will take effect at 4 a.m. on 22nd November, when all under-18s traveling in England will be treated as fully vaccinated and will be excused from self-isolation requirements upon arrival, day 8 testing, and pre-departure testing.

Under 18s will be obliged to take one post-arrival test, followed by a free PCR test to confirm the result if it is positive, starting on that date.

The government said it will recognize vaccines on the World Health Organization’s Emergency Use List under the new criteria.

This means that Sinovac, Sinopharm Beijing, and Covaxin will be added to the list of approved vaccines, which the government claims will help more fully-vaccinated people in the UAE, Malaysia, and India.

Grant Shapps, the Secretary of State for Transportation, stated: “As we continue to recover from the pandemic and expand our recognition of international vaccines, today’s announcements mark the next step in our restart of international travel.

“By also simplifying the rules for international travel for all under-18s coming to England, we’re bringing further good news for families looking to unite with loved ones, and another great boost for the travel sector.”

Sajid Javid, the Secretary of State for Health, added: “Today’s announcement is another step forward for the travel industry, businesses and for family and friends wanting to reunite or go abroad.

“The red list and quarantine system remain vital in protecting our borders and as we’ve said we will not hesitate to take action by adding countries to the red list if necessary.”