People coming to the UK must show proof of a negative Covid test before they travel, as new rules to limit the spread of the Omicron variant come into effect.
Contacts of a suspected Omicron case are already required to self-isolate for 10 days, including the fully vaccinated.
There are currently 336 confirmed cases of the new variant in the UK.
With the introduction of the government’s new measures, all travellers aged 12 and over will have to show proof of a negative PCR or lateral flow test even if they are fully vaccinated – before setting off.
It must be taken 48 hours before departure for the UK and private test providers must be used – so free NHS lateral flow kits are not allowed.
Travellers will also need to complete a ‘Passenger Locator Form’ with their details within 72 hours before their return to the UK.
Travelling to Turkey?
Everyone travelling to Turkey is required to complete an ‘Online Entry Form’ within 72 hours of travel(this is not required for transit travellers).
UK arrivals aged 12 and over will need to provide proof of one of the following:
- A full course of COVID-19 vaccinations (completed at least 14 days prior to arrival in Turkey)
- recent recovery from COVID-19
- a negative PCR test (less than 72 hours of arrival)
- a rapid antigen test (less than 48 hours of arrival).
For children aged 11 and under, no PCR test or vaccination certificate is needed.
Off to North Cyprus?
UK Travellers visiting the Republic of Northern Cyprus(TNRC) are required to complete a ‘TRNC Entry Form’ before they arrive, as well as download an app onto their smartphones.
Proof of a negative PCR test (less than 72 hours of arrival) is required even for all travellers, even if they have been full vaccinated.
An unvaccinated traveller will need to complete a 5 day quarantine period once they have entered the country.
New measures ahead of the New Year also mean that vaccinated travellers who have not received their booster shots will be classified as non-vaccinated when entering venues or establishments that require a safe pass (Adapass). Those that have had their booster jab will be classified as vaccinated and allowed into large events such as New Year celebrations.
Transit or Border crossings:
Transit flights via Turkey currently do not require any additional documents along the jounery. However, before boarding your flights’ passengers will be asked to show their documents (which can include test results, vaccination certificates and entry forms), that will be checked by airport/airline staff.
Travellers entering via border crossings will need to fill out a ‘Cyprus Flight Pass’ when entering the South of Cyprus. A PCR test is not required for entry for those that have been vaccinated, unvaccinated travellers will need to take a PCR test within 72 hours of their departure, this is not needed for children under the age of 12. Currently, a PCR test is required to cross the border points. Travellers also should take into consideration the length of their stay and frequency, entry into the EU under new Brexit rules mean they are only allowed to stay 90 days during a 180 day period (3 months out of 6 months) any longer requires visa applications.