by Jim Byers
Last updated: 7:06 PM ET, Wed July 28, 2021
Fully vaccinated Americans and most European Union residents will be allowed to visit England and Scotland without quarantining upon arrival beginning Aug. 2. But Canadians are out of luck for now.
British authorities made the announcement today (July 28) as they seek to boost the battered tourism industry.
"We're helping reunite people living in the U.S. and European countries with their family and friends in U.K.," Transport Secretary Grant Shapps wrote on Twitter.
The British government last week eased all but a few travel restrictions. That decision came despite a surge in infections, but cases have begun to decline since then.
Visitors from the U.S. and the EU will only need to take a coronavirus test before flying and then two days after arrival. No quarantine is needed.
The rule, however, doesn't apply to France, which is on the so-called "amber list."
Travellers must provide proof of inoculation with a vaccine authorized by the United States or European agencies, officials said..
In a statement issued to CBC News, a British Department for Transport spokesperson did not say why Canadians are not exempt.
"We are taking a phased approach to restarting international travel while protecting public health," it reads. "We want to welcome all international visitors back to the U.K. and are working to extend our approach to vaccinated passengers from important markets and holiday destinations."
That means travellers from Canada will still need to quarantine at home or in the place they're staying for 10 days, and take a COVID-19 test on or after their eighth day in the country, the CBC said.
A Visit Britain spokesperson said on Wednesday that they expect a decision on Canadian visitors next week.
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