UK scraps quarantine for fully vaccinated Indian travellers from October 11

INTERNATIONAL DESK: In a big respite for Indian travellers flying to England, the UK has announced that they will abolish the mandatory quarantine period for Indians starting October 11, 2021.

“No quarantine for Indian travellers to UK fully vaccinated with Covishield or another UK-approved vaccine from 11 October. Thanks to Indian government for close cooperation over last month,” Alex Ellis, British High Commissioner to India said in a message on Twitter.

The UK had earlier allowed Covishield – the Indian version of the AstraZeneca vaccine – but kept a mandatory 10-day quarantine for Indians flying in to the UK.

he UK government had not agreed to relax quarantine rules for Indian fliers despite repeated requests by the Indian government.

India had then retaliated by announcing mandatory 10-day quarantine for British passport holders coming to India.

The Indian men’s and women’s hockey team had also pulled out of the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham citing Covid-19 concerns and the mandatory 10-day quarantine rule imposed by the UK.

It was immediately not known as to how early these decisions will be reversed. But India will, in response, relax these decisions too.

With the removal of restrictions, airlines flying on the India-UK will see an increase in traffic from both sides. Many Indians living in the UK may plan their trips during the festive months in India and vacation-deprived Indians may also plan holidays to Britain. (The Economic Times)