Wow! What a whirlwind it has been since our last update. Whilst NZ’s vaccination roll-out continued it’s strong pace through to the end of 2021, we have now been faced with the new challenges of the Omicron variant. 

Within this blog, we will provide current updates from the NZ and UK Governments, look at the steps you can take to start planning your journey over to the United Kingdom, and discuss each of the following points: 

  • Vaccination, Testing and Leaving NZ 
  • United Kingdom: Current situation 
  • Entering the UK 
  • Returning to NZ 
  • anzuk and you 

 

Vaccination, Testing and Leaving NZ 

If you are fully vaccinated we recommend obtaining an International COVID-19 vaccination certificate which provides proof of your full vaccination in the UK and many other countries.  

Anzuk recommends you are fully vaccinated prior to travelling overseas.  

We also recommend that you contact your airline to understand the appropriate testing requirements of your flight.  

Steps to get a pre-departure test 

  • Arrange through your doctor or a local testing centre 
  • Get the test as close to possible to your travel date, still allowing time for the results to come back 
  • You will need to take proof of your negative result with you to the airport 

 

United Kingdom: Current situation 

The UK Government has recently introduced “Plan B” restrictions for this winter & is providing regular updates on changing social distancing & testing requirements.  

All school staff and secondary school pupils should take two lateral flow tests (LFTs) a week, and secondary school pupils must wear face coverings in class until 26 January at the earliest.  

Nearly 90% of the 12+ population have received two Covid-19 vaccine jabs & there is a booster vaccine roll-out currently underway, with over 60% of the 12+ population receiving a 3rd dose.  

The NHS Covid Pass is currently in place across England allowing for travel abroad, attending local events & venues. 

 

Entering the UK 

It is possible to enter the UK given the UK government does not currently have its borders closed and Commonwealth citizens can still apply for visas.  

If you are fully vaccinated & traveling to England , or travelling to Wales you will need to:  

  • Book & pay for an approved Covid-19 test, to be taken before the end of your 2nd day in the country. This can be a Rapid Test or a PCR test. 
  • Complete a passenger locator form 48 hours before you arrive in England.  
  • It is no longer a UK Government requirement to be tested prior to your departure to the UK. Though as mentioned, please ensure you have contacted your airline regarding their testing requirements.

It is important that you research what further requirements may be specific to your journey when entering the UK, if you are planning to travel through a red list country in the previous 10 days: 

UK Border Control. 

 

Returning to New Zealand 

 The government has announced it’s 5 step plan and requirements for testing to open the borders to the world.  MIQ will be lifted in the coming months, and from 13 March you will be able to self-isolate at home returning from the UK.    

 

anzuk and you 

Please also reach out if you would like support from any of our UK teams. We have offices that cover the following locations:  

  • London  
  • Surrey  
  • Bristol & Southwest England  
  • Wales  
  • Regional United Kingdom 

Want to learn more about moving to the United Kingdom? Or maybe you’d like to hear about local opportunities across Australia or other international geographies we support such as NZ and the USA? 

Check out the following link. We can’t wait to speak with you: https://www.anzuk.education/au/work-abroad/united-kingdom#contact 

Do you also need support with your visa?  

anzuk Visa Support Service can assist with your visa application for the UK. 

As international travel requirements can easily & readily change, we highly recommend following the government links provided within this blog for future updates.