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