Wales updates Covid travel rules

Wales updates its Covid travel rules with fully vaccinated holidaymakers no longer having to take a PCR test.

Wales updates its Covid travel rules with fully vaccinated holidaymakers no longer having to take a PCR test from October 31.

Travellers will now be able to take a lateral flow test (LFT) within two days of arrival.

LFTs can be carried out at home and are cheaper than PCR tests, which need to be processed in labs.

This update brings Wales in line with the rest of the travel rules in the UK, with England’s rules coming into force the week before in time for school half-term.

However, Health Minister Eluned Morgan said she still remained “concerned” about the UK government’s approach.

If a traveller has a positive LFT on their return from foreign travel they must isolate for 10 days and then take a PCR test.

The new rules apply to travellers that are fully vaccinated and does not include returning from destinations that are not on the so-called red list.

Health and Social Services Minister Eluned Morgan said: “I think it’s really important that I start by saying we are encouraging people not to travel abroad, while we’re in a situation where there is a risk of importing a new variant that could cause havoc in our country.”

“We’re unhappy, frankly, with the situation that’s happening in England, but the reality is we have an open border and most people who do travel abroad travel through English airports. So for us to have a different system would be extremely difficult.”

“So the reason why lateral flow tests are coming in later in Wales compared to England is because of the communication issues that we have had with the UK government.”

Today, October 22, Ms Morgan addressed members of the Senedd (the Welsh Government), stating that the Welsh Government could not introduce the changes at the same time as the UK Government “as we have not received sufficient or timely information from the UK government on how these changes will operate in practice.”

“This is not ideal. However, despite the differences for a short period, Welsh residents wishing to travel will be able to do so. “

“The only difference from English residents will be that up until the October 31, Welsh residents will need to continue to book a day-two PCR test.”

Ms Morgan added the Welsh government “remained concerned” about the UK government’s approach and “the speed at which it is opening international travel.”

She said that she has also written to the UK Department of Health and Social Care requesting further assurances.

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