EU to scrap Covid tests for fully-vaccinated holidaymakers

Fully-vaccinated British holidaymakers will be able to enter the European Union without having to take a Covid-19 test in time for the Easter Holidays.

The EU council has recommended that all fully-vaccinated travellers should be allowed to enter the bloc without any restrictions or conditions.

It said the change took into account the “evolution of the pandemic ” and “the increasing vaccination uptake and administration of booster doses”.

Julia Simpson, president and chief executive of London-based World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC), described it as a “sensible decision”.

READ MORE: No changes to UK travel rules yet, but locator form could be gone by Easter

She said: “The patchwork of rules and regulations did nothing to prevent the spread of Covid but did cause immense damage to the economy of Europe causing the loss of jobs and businesses.

“Now is time to rebuild travel and tourism, and connect Europe to the world.”

Italy and the Netherlands are among the EU countries which require UK arrivals to take a pre-departure coronavirus test even if they are fully vaccinated.

The EU Council noted that its recommendation to end the rule, which applies from March 1, is “not a legally binding instrument”.

It added: “The authorities of the member states remain responsible for implementing the content of the recommendation.”

Olivier Jankovec, director general of airport body ACI Europe, said: “We now know beyond any doubt that a regime based on travellers’ personal health status is right for individuals, for economies and for societies.

“There is no evidence to support any other approach.

“As the safe resumption of air connectivity gathers pace, it is vital that member states implement this recommendation, bringing