Why foreign travel rules are important during the Covid-19 pandemic

The rapid spread of the delta variant of SARS-CoV-2 (coronavirus) in the UK in recent weeks shows the importance of foreign travel rules, such as on testing, immunisation and quarantine, to limit the import of Covid-19. Countries need to look at their own situation and put in place the most appropriate rules for them. This will including rules on Covid-19 testing for inbound and outbound travellers, and when and for how long travellers should quarantine; as well as guidance on whether travellers who are fully immunised can be exempted from some of these rules.

Holidays in foreign destinations carry risks. Settings such as restaurants, bars, night clubs and indoor concert venues have all been linked to large outbreaks of Covid-19. We all need to do our part to reduce these risks when we travel by following the local rules on social distancing and on the use of other preventive measure such as wearing face masks; and ensuring we get tested if we have symptoms of Covid-19 or have been caught up in a Covid-19 outbreak. The delta variant of the coronavirus has proven to be much more infectious than previous variants, and it is very likely that it will spread rapidly across Europe in the summer months, putting travellers at risk of infection.

By following the Covid-19 rules in the UK and in the countries we visit, we can help protect ourselves and others from the risk of infection, and limit the international spread of the delta variant and any other new variants of the coronavirus that may emerge in the future.

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