United Kingdom
United States
Asia Pacific
Test confusion as Omicron travel curbs take effect
New Omicron travel curbs are now effective as more than 300 confirmed cases of the new variant have been identified.
Travellers entering the country must now take a pre-departure test and show a negative result, and take another PCR test within two days of arrival.
Health Secretary Sajid Javid confirmed there is community transmission of Omicron in several areas of England.
There are confirmed cases ‘with no links to international travel.’
However, Omicron has not led to any hospitalisations yet.
Despite the growing numbers, no Plan B domestic restrictions are expected for Christmas, Dominic Raab said.
This is down to the ‘success of the vaccine programme’ the Deputy Prime Minister said.
The updated travel rules have caused confusion over the exact validity of a pre-departure test.
Rules say that the test must be taken on the day of departure, or the two preceding days.
This mean tests can potentially be taken more than 48 hours before.
There is no actual ’48-hour’ rule for tests, despite conflicting advice from government.
"Uncertainty, and a lack of transparency on decision making, is destroying consumer confidence in travel’ said Charlie Cornish, CEO, Manchester Airports Group.
"Our customers will now be faced with uncertainty and chaos’ added Sean Doyle, British Airways CEO.
TravelMole Editorial Team
Editor for TravelMole North America and Asia pacific regions. Ray is a highly experienced (15+ years) skilled journalist and editor predominantly in travel, hospitality and lifestyle working with a huge number of major market-leading brands. He has also cover in-depth news, interviews and features in general business, finance, tech and geopolitical issues for a select few major news outlets and publishers.
Kittipong Prapattong’s Plan for Thailand’s Tourism Growth: Taxes, Visas, and Campaigns
James Jin: Didatravel’s Journey from China to Global Reach and the Impact of AI on Travel
Darien Schaefer on Pensacola’s Evolution: From Small Town to Global Destination
Florida Tourism’s Next Frontier: Dana Young on Expanding Beyond the Classics
Patrick Harrison on Tampa Bay Tourism’s Resilience and Marketing Strategy
Bubba O’Keefe on Clarksdale’s Vibrant Music Scene
Commemorating Elvis and Embracing Tupelo’s Culture with Jennie Bradford Curlee
Craig Ray and the Expansion of the Blues Trail
Presenting Mississippi’s Cultural Trails with Katie Coats
Robert Terrell: A Journey Through BB King’s Influence
Rochelle Hicks: Celebrating Mississippi’s Musical Legacy
Exploring Jacksonville with Katie Mitura: The Flip Side of Florida
Dozens fall ill in P&O Cruises ship outbreak
Turkish Airlines flight in emergency landing after pilot dies
Boy falls to death on cruise ship
Unexpected wave rocks cruise ship
Woman dies after going overboard in English Channel