Brits to get Easter holiday boost as EU countries set to scrap pre-departure tests

22 February 2022, 06:33

Brits look set to be given a big Easter holiday boost
Brits look set to be given a big Easter holiday boost. Picture: Alamy

By Will Taylor

Brits are set to be handed an Easter holiday boost with the European Union due to allow fully-vaccinated tourists to arrive without a pre-departure test.

Listen to this article

Loading audio...

The European Council is expected to unify the bloc's approach to travellers arriving from outside the union, and should allow people who had their second or third jab 270 days before travel to arrive without the costly checks.

While Brits who've had all of their vaccine doses can already travel to some destinations, like France, countries like the Netherlands, Italy and Poland still require proof of a negative Covid test.

EU members could decide to go against the recommendations the council is set to back on Tuesday, The Telegraph said, but the EU Commission is considered to be optimistic most will adopt them.

The new policy is slated to kick in from March 1, ahead of the Easter get-away in April.

It comes as England is due to do away with Covid measures as it tries to live with Covid.

Read more: PM hails 'moment of pride' as Covid restrictions scrapped but says virus isn't beaten yet

Read more: Chris Whitty says people with Covid-19 should still self-isolate

PM: 'We will remove all remaining domestic restrictions in law'

Boris Johnson said: "Today is not the day that we can declare victory over Covid because this virus is not going away, but it is the day when all the efforts of the last two years finally enable us to protect ourselves whilst restoring our liberties in full.

"After two of the darkest, grimmest years in our peacetime history, I do believe this is a moment of pride for our nation and a source of hope for all we can achieve in the years to come."

People will no longer be compelled to self-isolate after testing positive from Thursday, and "routine" contract tracing will stop.

People on low incomes who were eligible for the £500 isolation payment will no longer be able to access the scheme after self-isolation rules fall away but sick pay measures will continue for a further month.

Free rapid tests will end in England on April 1, except for the oldest and most vulnerable, while guidance prompting two tests a week in schools will also end.

However, as some experts warned the end of measures was premature, England's chief medical officer Professor Sir Chris Whitty recommended anyone who contracts Covid should still isolate.

More Latest News

See more More Latest News

Daniel Ames

'Much-loved family man' killed by reversing HGV after he offered to stay behind at work

Captain Sir Tom Moore's daughter Hannah Ingram-Moore

Captain Tom's daughter launches TikTok rebrand as ‘resilience coach’ one year after charity controversy

As the news reporter is presenting - a huge explosion is captured erupting in the background.

Shocking moment Israeli airstrike blasts Syria military HQ on live TV as news reporter flees in terror

Luke Littler posted about failing his driving theory test on his Instagram story.

Darts master Luke Littler yet to master the highway following fourth driving theory test failure

Smoke billows following Israeli strikes near the Syrian army and defence ministry headquarters in Damascus.

Israel warns 'painful blows will come' as it ramps up strikes on Syria and sends more troops to the border

Footballer Mckenzie Dicicco killed another non-League player in a "cowardly" one-punch attack after a "nonsensical argument"

Footballer who killed another player in ‘cowardly’ one-punch attack jailed

Crystal Palace have been dumped out of the Europa League.

Crystal Palace confirm plans to appeal UEFA decision after being dumped out of Europa League

Different milks on sale in a supermarket UK

Plant-based milk not 'nutritionally equivalent' to cows' milk, experts say

Axel Rudakubana

Prevent programme should continue referrals for no ideology, report recommends

Nintendo has revealed the names of the lead actors starring in the upcoming live-action The Legend of Zelda film.

Nintendo releases names of leads for upcoming live-action The Legend of Zelda movie

Harvey Willgoose was fatally stabbed to death. Picture: Family handout

'I can't control it': Boy who stabbed fellow pupil Harvey Willgoose to death tells jury being 'bullied' led to 'anger issues'

Six guilty of murder after drug dealer shot dead after serving sentence over dismembering of body

Six guilty of murder of drug dealer shot dead after serving jail time for dismembering body of jazz musician

A handout image issued by Royal Botanic Gardens Kew of the proposed aerial view of the new Palm House.

Kew’s Palm House to shut for renovations as part of push towards net zero

The 15-year-old told police 'it's not that deep' after he was arrested

Boy, 15, admits throwing chair off Westfield balcony for TikTok ‘prank’

Screengrab issued by Bedfordshire Police of teenager Nicholas Prosper holding a plank of wood as a mock gun, pretending to shoot people

Triple killer Nicholas Prosper avoids whole-life order after murder of mum and siblings

A volcano in Iceland has erupted, leading to evacuations.

Iceland volcano erupts for 12th time since 2021, prompting evacuations from iconic Blue Lagoon spa