While the UK Travel Retail Forum (UKTRF) has greeted the government’s quarantine-free list of travel corridors, the association is pushing the UK to negotiate a common position to protect operators and travellers.

As reported, the government finally published its ‘safe’ travel list featuring 59 countries and 14 Overseas British Territories on Friday (4 July).

With some exceptions, arrivals into England from 10 July will no longer have to self-isolate for 14 days.

Information for travel to Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland will be published by the devolved administrations, although they are yet to declare if or how they will ease the restrictions.

‘FIRST STAGES IN A LONGER PROCESS’

“The government exemption from quarantine for passengers arriving from lower risk countries is a welcome step in the reopening of Britain’s economy and the long road back to normality for the travel sector,” Francois Bourienne, Chair of the UKTRF told TRBusiness.

“However, these are just the opening stages of a longer process, so the UKTRF will be watching closely and continuing to engage with ministers and civil servants to ensure further progress is made.

“We strongly encourage Westminster and the devolved administrations to agree a UK-wide position as soon as possible to provide clarity and certainty for passengers and industry operators.”

It has emerged that Scotland has not been carrying out follow-up quarantine checks for visitors arriving into the country from overseas due to a lack of security clearance for Public Health Scotland officials to access necessary data.

Health Secretary Jeanne Freeman confirmed in an interview with the BBC yesterday (5 July) that the problem ‘has now been resolved’ and calls will begin this week.