NEWS


‘Transparency key to borders policy’


Ian Taylor


Concerns that the government may restrict the destinations open to quarantine-free travel to reduce pressure at the UK’s borders need to be addressed by “transparency around the data”, say industry sources. One source working on arrange-


reen list additions None of us wants


the government to raise the risk to public health. Finding the sweet spot is the challenge


no clarity until we know that decision.” The hope is the June 28 review


could see not only an extensive green list expansion but recognition of fully vaccinated passengers – reducing the need for repeated Covid tests and quarantine requirements – a review of PCR test requirements and a relaxation of controls on transit traffic via major hub airports. The source noted: “The treatment


of vaccinated passengers is key. Not being required to self-isolate if you’ve had both vaccination jabs would improve the situation for amber destinations. For green, you need a pre-departure test and a two-day


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test. Could that change? An awful lot could be done. “We have a proportion of the


public and the scientific community wanting a zero-risk approach and some who would like the whole thing opened up. None of us wants the government to blindly increase the risk to public health. Finding the sweet spot is the challenge.” A second source described media


speculation about the destinations likely to be added to the green list as “unhelpful”, suggesting “too many people have got it wrong”, and said: “We requested the government lock in the dates of the reviews to knock the speculation on the head. That was supposed to happen.” However, the source argued: “We


expect a dynamic few weeks with things changing weekly if not daily across Europe. It’s just the variants causing a problem now. We’re on the cusp of being able to unlock significantly, but we have this barrier of uncertainty.”


3 JUNE 2021


ments at the border acknowledged media reports that “opening up to hugely popular destinations would overwhelm Border Force”, saying: “The border remains a concern of the government and industry. “We need transparency around


the health data to demonstrate countries are not on the green list because of the health situation, not because of the UK border situation. We hope that is the case.” Heathrow switched all arrivals


from red list countries to Terminal 3 from Monday to allow the segregation of passengers, with a source suggesting: “There are some challenges around this, but if it gives more confidence to travellers it would be beneficial.” E-gates at airports to speed up


arrivals may not be in widespread use until the autumn. In the meantime, the quickest way to sharpen the process would be to recognise


passengers who are fully vaccinated. The EU moved a step closer to


introducing a Europe-wide Digital Covid Certificate this week, setting a July 1 deadline for member states to recognise the documents, with UK travellers expected to benefit from mutual recognition. UK Covid vaccination certificates


are already available via the NHS App but are not yet recognised at the UK border, while media reports suggested plans for a UK domestic certificate could be dropped this week. An industry source told Travel


Weekly: “We’re finally hoping for some international harmonisation. We support what the EU says, but we need member states to get on board. We still expect to see different border measures.” Reflecting the continuing


confusion, France imposed quarantine restrictions on UK arrivals from Monday. The source noted: “Governments are showing they’re willing to act quickly, but we believe this is short-term. “It’s important the UK harmonise


measures with its international partners. The government has said it intends to do that, but we’ve had no indication of it. The UK is ahead on vaccination, but we’re lagging on the policy decisions when we could be leading on this.”


Passengers at Heathrow last December


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PICTURE: Shutterstock/Simon Dannhauer


PICTURE: Shutterstock/Brook Gardener


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