from a country-based approach to a risk-based one, based on individuals’ vaccination status,” said Heathrow. “Fully vaccinated travellers should not be required to take a test, while those who are not vaccinated should continue to take a pre-departure and arrival test using lateral flow, following up with a PCR test if positive.”
Heathrow also noted recent scenes of passenger waiting hours to enter the UK as “unacceptable”. It said: “As passenger numbers grow, Border Force must ensure they have adequate resources and processes in place to ensure travellers receive a warm welcome into the UK. Border Force can and should deliver both a secure UK border and an efficient service for passengers.”
Heathrow CEO John Holland-Kaye said: “The government has the tools to protect the UK’s international competitiveness which will boost the economic recovery and achieve its Global Britain ambitions. If Ministers fail to take this opportunity to streamline the travel rules then the UK will fall further behind as trade and tourists will increasingly by-pass the UK.”
