Question reference: S6W-01374
- Asked by: Foysol Choudhury, MSP for Lothian, Scottish Labour
- Date lodged: 12 July 2021
-
Current status: Answered by Michael Matheson on 10 August 2021
Question
To ask the Scottish Government what research has been carried out on the impact of COVID-19 vaccinations on reducing the need for international arrivals to quarantine, and what plans to remove such restrictions for people arriving who have been fully vaccinated.
Answer
Four nations discussions on policy for fully vaccinated travellers has benefited from analysis and research from the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies, the Joint Biosecurity Centre and other sources.
The success of the vaccination programme means we have now started to change restrictions that apply to fully vaccinated travellers from Amber list countries. Initially this applied to UK residents who have been vaccinated by the NHS.
From 2 August, fully-vaccinated passengers arriving from amber list countries in EU member states*, the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) countries, microstates of Andorra, Monaco, San Marino and Vatican City, and the USA do not have to quarantine or take a day 8 test upon arrival in Scotland.
They have to carry with them a form of certification to provide details of their vaccine status. For US arrivals, this proof is a CDC card showing you are fully vaccinated, along with proof of residence in the US. All arrivals from Europe must show a record of vaccination through the European Digital COVID Certificate.
Amber arrivals who have been fully vaccinated must take a pre-departure test before arrival into Scotland, alongside a PCR test on or before day 2 after arrival.