Question reference: S6W-05245
- Asked by: Colin Smyth, MSP for South Scotland, Scottish Labour
- Date lodged: 20 December 2021
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Current status: Answered by Michael Matheson on 11 January 2022
Question
To ask the Scottish Government, in light of the decision to remove all countries from the international travel red list, whether it plans to review the requirements for passengers to undertake (a) a pre-departure test, (b) self-isolation until a negative "day 2" test result, (c) a "day 2" PCR test instead of a lateral flow test and (d) other temporary emergency restrictions.
Answer
In response to the Omicron variant, travel restrictions were reintroduced to limit importation of the virus into Scotland and across the UK. Following four nations discussions on 5 January 2022, the decision has been taken to remove these measures.
From Friday 7 January, travellers who are fully vaccinated or under the age of 18 are no longer required to take a pre-departure Covid test or self-isolate until they've received a negative ‘day 2’ test result upon arrival. Additionally, the day 2 test can now be a lateral flow device (LFD) test rather than a PCR test from Sunday 9 January. Anyone who tests positive on their lateral flow test will need to isolate and take a free confirmatory PCR test.
There are no changes to travellers who are not eligible under the fully vaccinated travel policy. These individuals must take a pre-departure test, self-isolate upon arrival into Scotland for 10 days and take two PCR tests on day 2 and day 8. People travelling to Scotland should check the guidance before making their journey, as rules can change at short notice: https://www.gov.scot/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-international-travel-quarantine/pages/overview/ .