UK cancels all remaining travel restrictions; PCR tests, masks, passenger locator forms not mandatory on arrival

Heathrow Airport has confirmed that effective from Wednesday, 16 March, the requirement for wearing face coverings or masks at the airport has been removed, according to a statement on its official Twitter handle.

“We still strongly encourage both colleagues and passengers to wear masks, particularly when they come into close contact with others, but this will no longer be mandatory,” the airport clarified.

However, passengers may still be required to wear a face masks or face covering onboard their flight to the UK, and will need to check the airlines’ requirements before travelling.

Responding to the recent announcement Virgin Atlantic said in a statement: “With the legal requirement to wear a face mask now removed in England, we believe our customers should have the personal choice whether to wear a mask onboard.”

The statement added: “The mask rules that apply will depend on the route you’re flying, because requirements differ by destination.”

PCR test and Passenger Locator forms for people travelling to the UK

Additionally, from Friday, 18 March, passengers arriving in England will not need to take any Covid-19 tests. This includes both pre-arrival Covid-19 PCR test – before travel – as well as the Covid-19 PCR test after arriving at a UK airport.

Also, people arriving in the UK will no longer be required to fill out a UK passenger locator form before they travel after 18 March.

The UK government has stated that these rules will apply to everyone – irrespective of whether they are vaccinated or not.

Additionally, passengers arriving to the UK will not need to quarantine if they arrive after 18 March, in line with current rules.

Responding to the official announcements, Virgin Atlantic posted a statement on its Twitter account: “This marks the final step towards travel reopening. We can’t wait to welcome many more customers back to the skies this Spring.”