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Electronic Travel Authorisation scheme for Visa Exempt Nationals

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The UK is Introducing an Electronic Travel Authorisation scheme for Visa Exempt Nationals. The changes will come into effect from November 2023 onwards. The rollout of the Electronic Travel Authorisation scheme will happen in phases and will impact people who were not required to get a visa before travelling to the UK currently.

Which Country Nationals will need to apply for Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA)?

From 15 November 2023, you’ll need an ETA if you’re travelling to the UK and you’re a national of Qatar.

From 22 February 2024, you’ll need an ETA if you’re travelling to the UK and you’re a national of the following mentioned countries:

  • Bahrain
  • Jordan
  • Kuwait
  • Oman
  • Saudi Arabia
  • United Arab Emirates

More countries will be added to the scheme later.

Which country Nationals can travel to the UK without ETA?

You will not need an ETA if you have either:

  • a British or Irish passport
  • permission to live, work or study in the UK
  • a visa to enter the UK

If you’re legally resident in Ireland, and you do not need a visa to visit the UK, you will not need an ETA if you’re entering the UK from either of the following countries:

  • Ireland
  • Guernsey
  • Jersey
  • Isle of Man

How to apply for an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA)?

You’ll need to apply on the UK ETA app, or online on GOV.UK.

You’ll usually get a decision within 3 working days, but you may get a quicker decision.

It may take longer than 3 working days if we need to make further checks.

How much does the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) Cost?

As of now the Gov.uk website has not disclosed the cost of the ETA, However, it will be published soon, And we will keep you posted.

Please note, that each traveller must apply for their own ETA, including children.

How you will get your ETA?

You’ll get an email confirmation if your application is approved.

We’ll link your ETA electronically to the passport you applied with. You must use the same passport to travel.

Note: Make sure to check your spam/junk folders, in case the mail goes there.

How long is ETA valid?

Your ETA will last for 2 years.

Can I use the ETA for multiple UK visits?

Yes, You can use it to make multiple visits to the UK. You still need to either use an ePassport gate if you are eligible to use one or see a Border Force officer to enter the UK.

If you get a new passport in less than 2 years, you’ll need to get a new ETA.

An ETA does not guarantee entry to the UK.

Please see the below video published by Gov.UK explaining the new Electronic Travel Authorisation scheme and who will get impacted by this new visa process.

Please keep checking our Visa section to see the latest news and updates happening on the UK visa processes. Gone are the days when people from certain countries/nationalities were travelling to the UK without the hassle of applying for a visa. Going forward UK is getting stricter with its visa and border policies.

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Queen Elizabeth II has died at 96 in Balmoral 8 September 2022

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Queen Elizabeth II, the UK’s longest-serving monarch, has died at Balmoral aged 96, after reigning for 70 years.

She died peacefully on Thursday the 8th of September 2022 afternoon at her Scottish estate, where she had spent much of the summer.

The Queen came to the throne in 1952 and witnessed enormous social change.

Her son King Charles III said the death of his beloved mother was a “moment of great sadness” for him and his family and that her loss would be “deeply felt” around the world.

He said: “We mourn profoundly the passing of a cherished sovereign and a much-loved mother. I know her loss will be deeply felt throughout the country, the realms and the Commonwealth, and by countless people around the world.”

During the coming period of mourning, he said he and his family would be “comforted and sustained by our knowledge of the respect and deep affection in which the Queen was so widely held”.

The King and his wife, Camilla, now Queen Consort, will return to London on Friday, Buckingham Palace said. He is expected to address the nation.

Senior royals had gathered at Balmoral after the Queen’s doctors became concerned about her health earlier in the day.

All the Queen’s children travelled to Balmoral, near Aberdeen, after doctors placed the Queen under medical supervision.

Her grandson and now heir to the throne, Prince William, and his brother, Prince Harry, also gathered there.

The royal family rushed to the Queen’s side

The Queen’s four children were at Balmoral Castle when the announcement was made.

Charles rushed to the Scottish castle earlier on Thursday together with his wife, Camilla. The Queen’s daughter, Princess Anne, known as Princess Royal, was already there.

Prince William, who is now the heir apparent to the throne, arrived at Balmoral Thursday afternoon together with the Queen’s other two sons, Prince Andrew and Prince Edward, as well as Edward’s wife Sophie, the Countess of Wessex.

Prince William and his wife Catherine have taken on the title of Duke and Duchess of Cornwall, according to their official Twitter account. Charles and Camilla were previously known by that title. The couple is now known as the Duke and Duchess of Cornwall and Cambridge. Catherine remained at Windsor, where their three children attended their first day at a new school.

Prince Harry arrived at Balmoral after the announcement was made. His wife Meghan, Duchess of Sussex was not travelling with him.

World leaders and mourners pay tribute

After Thursday’s announcement, a flood of condolences came in from all corners of the globe: world officials, cultural icons and everyday people alike mourned.

“Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II embodied the British nation’s continuity and unity for over 70 years,” said French President Emmanuel Macron. “I remember her as a friend of France, a kind-hearted queen who has left a lasting impression on her country and her century.”

Queen’s Last public appearance

The Queen was last seen in public on 6th September 2022, Tuesday when she formally appointed Liz Truss as the UK’s new prime minister. A photograph from the audience showed the monarch smiling, standing in the drawing room in Balmoral, carrying a walking stick. Liz Truss is the 15th – and the last – British Prime Minister to be appointed by Elizabeth.

There have been concerns over the Queen’s health ever since a brief hospital stay last October 2021. She has experienced episodic mobility issues, which have at times caused her to withdraw from official engagements.

But those concerns grew deeper on Wednesday when Buckingham Palace announced the Queen had postponed a virtual meeting of her Privy Council after being advised by doctors to rest.

On Thursday, the palace announced that the Queen was under medical supervision, but said she was “comfortable” at Balmoral. As her children rushed to her side during the day, it became clear the situation was serious.

Her death comes seven months after the Queen marked the 70th anniversary of her accession to the throne. The UK officially celebrated the Queen’s platinum jubilee in June with days of pomp and pageantry and she made several public appearances in London.

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Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee

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Britain celebrated its longest-reigning monarch, Queen Elizabeth II, in her Platinum Jubilee year. The 96-year-old queen is being toasted across the nation with four days of events showcasing the best of British pomp and pageantry. It was a four-day extravaganza that consumed Britain. Every minute is covered live on local TV, in daily front-page splashes in tabloid and broadsheet newspapers, and on social media in a frantic manner.

Crowds in London got a glimpse of royal family members on the Buckingham Palace balcony, while others attended the concerts and street parties or simply enjoy the national holiday.

Queens Platinum Jubilee
Queens Platinum Jubilee

The UK had a four-day bank holiday weekend at the beginning of June, for Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee.

Queen Platinum Jubilee schedule:

2nd June 2022, Thursday:

The celebrations kicked off with Trooping the Colour, a military parade in honour of the queen’s official birthday. In the evening, more than 3,200 beacons ignited, reimagining and repurposing the torchlight relays once deployed in England to warn of a possible invasion. The Cambridge kids were extremely visible during the entire Platinum Jubilee weekend, and their first appearance was perhaps the most exciting: Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis rode in a carriage during the Queen’s birthday parade. The Cambridge kids sat with their mom, Kate, Duchess of Cambridge, and their step-grandmother, Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, and waved to the crowds that packed the Mall. Notably, Prince Louis wore the same sailor suit his dad, Prince William, wore 37 years ago to the Trooping the Colour celebrations.

Prince George, Prince Louis and Princess Charlotte wave from the carriage procession at Trooping the Colour, June 2, 2022
Prince George, Prince Louis and Princess Charlotte wave from the carriage procession at Trooping the Colour, June 2, 2022. (Image Souce: KARWAI TANG/GETTY IMAGES)

3rd June 2022, Friday: 

The queen and royal family attended a church service of thanksgiving at St Paul’s Cathedral in London. Queen Victoria marked her Diamond Jubilee here in 1897 with a similar service. When a spokesperson for the Duke and Duchess of Sussex confirmed the attendance of Prince Harry and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex at the Platinum Jubilee, there was much speculation surrounding what events they would attend. Ultimately, Meghan and Harry only made one public appearance during the four days of festivities, choosing to attend the National Service of Thanksgiving at St. Paul’s. The two watched Trooping the Colour from the Major General’s Office with other non-working members of the British royal family. And while Lili and Archie made no appearances, the Sussexes confirmed their children would be travelling to the UK with them—therefore, the family celebrated Lili’s first birthday in private this weekend.

Prince Harry and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex leave St Paul’s Cathedral after attending the National Service of Thanksgiving, June 3, 2022.
Prince Harry and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex leave St Paul’s Cathedral after attending the National Service of Thanksgiving, on June 3, 2022. (Image source: WPA POOL/GETTY IMAGES)

4th June 2022, Saturday: 

The royal family attended a horse race at Epsom Downs, south of London. The queen, though a keen rider and horse breeder, may miss the event to attend a birthday party for her great-granddaughter Lilibet, daughter of Prince Harry and his wife, Meghan. In the evening, a concert featuring Elton John, Diana Ross and Andrea Bocelli took place at Buckingham Palace for an audience of 22,000 people. During the Platinum Party at the Palace, Prince Charles gave a heartfelt speech where he spoke directly to his mother the Queen, thanking her for her service and support. “Your Majesty, Mummy,” he began, “The scale of this evening’s celebration—and the outpouring of warmth and affection over this whole Jubilee weekend—is our way of saying thank you—from your family, the country, the Commonwealth, in fact, the whole world. On behalf of us all, I wanted to pay my tribute to your lifetime of selfless service.”

The Prince of Wales delivers a speech during the BBC Platinum Party at the Palace, June 4, 2022
The Prince of Wales delivers a speech during the BBC Platinum Party at the Palace, on June 4, 2022. (Image Source: WPA POOLGETTY IMAGES)

5th June 2022, Sunday: 

More than 10 million people are expected to take part in “Big Jubilee Lunches” across the nation. The community-organized street parties and barbecues aim to foster neighbourliness, and similar events took place in Canada, Brazil, New Zealand and South Africa. The weekend ended with a People’s Pageant, involving the military and members of the public and led by the queen’s Gold State Coach, alongside a host of celebrities, including singer Ed Sheeran and soccer star David Beckham.

Last but certainly not least, the youngest Cambridge kid deserves a moment of his own for his antics throughout the weekend. From his shenanigans on the Buckingham Palace balcony during Trooping the Colour to his dance moves while watching the Platinum Jubilee Pageant, Prince Louis was unstoppable.

Kate and her son, Prince Louis, watching the Jubilee Pageant from the royal box, June 5, 2022.
Kate and her son, Prince Louis, watching the Jubilee Pageant from the royal box, June 5, 2022.

 

People from all over the UK and across the Commonwealth are giving their time and creativity to build this event and celebrate this momentous occasion. Communities across the UK can find a connection to the ‘People’s Pageant’. Britons enjoyed an additional day’s holiday from Thursday to Sunday, while huge street parties happened across the UK.

Travellers from all around the world poured into London to see the spectacle and celebrations unfold and be part of something truly euphoric. Summers are a perfect time for you to book your trip to London. Don’t miss out as the Covid restrictions have been uplifted, it’s a perfect time to make those dream travel plans and book your London tour package with us. Check out some awesome tours we have recently added for you to book. “Click Here” 

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Eid Al Fitr 2022 festivities will be held around the UK

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Eid Al Fitr 2022 festivities will be held around the UK as Muslims celebrate the end of Ramadan.

Eid al Fitr translates as “the festival of the breaking of the fast” and is one of the major holidays in the Muslim calendar. This year it is special after 2 years of covid restrictions.

Sadiq Khan tweeted on Twitter: “As Eid celebrations across the globe begin, I want to pay tribute to London’s Muslim communities whose charity and huge contributions help to make our capital what it is – the greatest city in the world.”

In central London, Eid will be celebrated in Trafalgar Square on May 7 the Mayor of London’s 17th Eid in the Square, a festival developed by grassroots Muslim organisations. The Main Stage will be hosted by award-winning actor, filmmaker and BBC Asian Network presenter Mistah Islah alongside former teacher and trailblazing broadcaster Mehreen Baig and features a mix of traditional and contemporary acts including Baha Yetin Sufi Ensemble, Nafees Ifran & Qalandar Qawwali Band, Dur Dur Band, Star Children’s Choir and the Original Mummy’s Boy, spoken word poet Hussain Manawer, plus a special guest star. Don’t miss out on visiting Trafalgar Square on 7th May to exhibit the Eid Celebrations.

For the first time this year, the international Edgbaston cricket stadium in Birmingham is being used to celebrate Eid Al Fitr with 2,000 people on Monday.

Organisers at the Green Lane Masjid and Community Centre, will also host another Eid celebration in Small Heath Park and welcome an estimated 20,000 people.

“We have worked with the Edgbaston team on a number of projects and have been impressed by their professionalism and genuine commitment to supporting the local community,” said Kamran Hussain, chief executive of Green Lane Masjid, a leading UK mosque in Birmingham.

In Manchester, more than 10,000 people are at Eid in the Park, which has become of the fastest-growing events and is now, at Platt Fields Park, in its seventh year.

Two other events are being held in Ilford, East London, and another at Shepherd’s Bush in West London.

The Ilford event is back at Goodmayes Park for its 16th year and the Shepherd’s Bush event at Westfield Shopping Centre is now in its third year.

We wish all our Muslim followers an Eid Mubarak 2022.

Eid Mubarak 2022
Eid Mubarak 2022

Travel to London

In case you are planning to travel during Ramadan and Eid, you can check our tour packages and we also have share information for you to plan your travel to London from your city.

SEE ALL LONDON TOURS

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We have partnered with London’s best Corona Test Centre

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We have partnered with London’s best Corona Test Centre for your travel safety. Corona Test Centre is a leading government recognised provider of COVID-19 testing. They work with UKAS accredited laboratories to offer fast, reliable and convenient testing throughout the UK.

In case you are entering to the UK, leaving the UK, or a general Covid-19 Test. We have got you covered. With Corona Test Centre you will be able to book your covid tests at ease of your home or visit the nearby covid-19 test centres.

Covid-19 Test Options:

You can select from the following range of Covid-19 travel tests including RTPCR, Antigen, Day 2 of your stay in the UL & Day 8th Tests of your stay in the UK & test to release.

Entering the UK

If you are travelling to the UK and are Vaccinated, then you will need to go through either:

  1. Pre-Departure Lateral Flow Test
  • Results in 20 mins and your Fit to Fly certificate issued within 3 hours of ID verification
  • Dedicated 24/7 UK based customer support
  • Suitable as a pre-departure test before flying back into the UK

Buy Lateral Flow Test

OR

2. Day 2 PCR Test

  • Mandatory government test for all UK arrivals
  • Results delivered as fast as 23:59 the same day
  • Government-recognised Day 2 test provider

Book a Day 2 Test

If you are travelling to the UK and are Unvaccinated, then you will need to go through either:

  1. Pre-Departure Lateral Flow Test

–   Results in 20 mins and your Fit to Fly certificate issued within 3 hours of ID verification

  • Dedicated 24/7 UK based customer support
  • Suitable as a pre-departure test before flying back into the Uk

Buy Lateral Flow Test

2. Day 2 and 8 PCR Test

  • Government tests suitable for UK arrivals who aren’t fully vaccinated from the UK, EU, USA, or other approved vaccination programme
  • Results delivered by 18:00 two days after your test
  • Government-recognised Day 2 & Day 8 provider

Book a Day 2 Test

They have further variety of more tests which you may need to take to be compliant with the latest Covid-19 travel regulations. We all need to take this seriously and put in our efforts to safeguard not only ourselves but our communities too. By taking Covid tests whenever we enter to the UK or travelling abroad. Together we can promote safe travels for everyone.

The covid-19 cases are on the rise in the UK. We request all London tour package followers and customers to not take this lightly, and make sure you take the covid tests, as in whenever you have any symptoms.

To know more about latest Covid-19 news and travel restrictions, please do check out our news section.

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“Major incident” declared by the Mayor of London due to the rapid spread of the Omicron coronavirus variant.

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Sadiq Khan said Omicron is now the “dominant variant” in London and was having an impact on staff absences in the emergency services across the city.

He said London was the UK region with the largest number of Covid cases.

Latest government data shows there are 1,534 Covid patients in London hospitals – up 28.6% on last week.

Mr Khan said in the last 24 hours, London had seen the largest number of new cases since the coronavirus pandemic began – more than 26,000.

He added: “Hospital admissions are going up, but also staff absences are going up by a massive level.

“So I’ve taken the decision in consultation with our partners to declare a major incident today.”

Major incidents have previously been called in response to the Grenfell Tower fire in June 2017 and the terror attacks at Westminster Bridge and London Bridge.

A major incident is any emergency which requires the implementation of special arrangements by one or all of the emergency services, the NHS or the local authority.

It means the emergency services and hospitals cannot guarantee their normal level of response.

Mr Khan also declared a major incident on 8 January due to the rapid spread of Covid-19 and its impact on the health service.

It was in place until 26 February as case numbers in the capital fell.

Making the announcement on Saturday, Mr Khan said: “The really bad news is those in hospital – the vast, vast majority are unvaccinated that’s why it is so important to get both the vaccines and the booster jab.

“Londoners will notice over the course of the next few days even more places across the city offering both the vaccines and the booster.

“What we can’t afford to see is even more of our crucial key workers going off sick because they have this virus.”

Mr Khan’s comments came as Wembley Stadium, Stamford Bridge and The Valley were all set up as mass vaccination centres.

Oxford Street will also have a vaccination bus and Mr Khan urged people who were eligible to get a booster jab and for others to make sure they were vaccinated.

He said: “It is still the case that in some pockets of London there are black Londoners, there are Muslim Londoners, there are Jewish Londoners, there are Eastern European Londoners, who still haven’t had a vaccine.

“So reaching out to those communities…to explain why the vaccine is important and to make sure nobody is left behind, we are making sure more Londoners get the first dose.”

Latest government figures show 2.7m Londoners have received their booster jab.

Georgia Gould, chair of London Councils, said: “The rapid spread of Omicron across our city is of huge concern.

“Local councils have stepped up and played a vital role in supporting their communities through the pandemic. I know they will continue with these efforts, but we cannot do this alone.”

The mayor’s decision was announced as Cabinet ministers were set to be briefed on the latest Covid data.

Omicron is now thought to be the dominant Covid variant in England and Scotland, replacing Delta.

On Friday, the UK saw another record number of daily Covid cases for the third consecutive day, with more than 93,000 infections confirmed.

But there were also a record 861,306 booster and third dose vaccine jabs administered – the highest daily total so far.

Planning your travel to London?

Before you travel to London, please make sure that you have all necessary covid vaccines taken. Travel responsibly and safe. Keep checking our website and news, Covid section to keep up-to date with the latest travel advisory for travel to London and the UK.

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London Christmas Lights 2021

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London Christmas Lights 2021

Christmas is just around the corner and the city has lit up with the famous Christmas lights all around. London has kicked off its Christmas festivities with the world’s largest light switch-on this time.

The capital’s best-known hotspots including Mayfair, Piccadilly Circus and Leicester Square have been decked out with more than one million LED lights (energy efficient lights) in the lead-up to Christmas festivities.

Shoppers are delighted to see the lights from Oxford Street and Regent Street since last Friday. A total of 20 streets across the city’s West End all had their lights switched on at the same time by the Lord Mayor of Westminster to mark the beginning of the 2021 festive season.

Sadiq Khan, the mayor of London, said: “London is the greatest city in the world and I’m thrilled that this year the West End is hosting the largest Christmas lights switch-on ever seen.

“From our world-class shops, attractions, arts, and culture to our incredible bars and restaurants — all of which will be sparkling under more than a million lights — there is so much to see and do this festive season.

“With just six weeks to go until Christmas, I’m urging Londoners and visitors to enjoy the best our capital has to offer, see the amazing lights and support our hospitality to continue to bounce back.”

“Having lost out on Christmas last year, 2021 has to be about getting the chance to really cherish that joy that you get in the lead-up to Christmas and where better to do this than the West End?” Don’t miss out on this beautiful festive season, visit London with us. Check out our London tour packages.

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trafalgar square london 2019|Ice Skating Natural history museum London|christmas tree in Trafalgar square 2019

Christmas in London 2019

Christmas in London 2019 London is a place transformed into a Winter wonderland during December. It is filled with festive

United Kingdom may face another lockdown in Christmas if we don’t act soon

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United Kingdom may face another lockdown in Christmas if we don’t act soon

A prominent adviser to the UK government on Covid-19 has said he is very fearful of another Christmas lockdown, as he urged the public to do everything possible to reduce the spread of the virus. Public and health officials need to act soon to take extra precautions to curtail

Professor Stephen Reicher says vaccines are “not quite enough” on their own and “other protections” are now needed – as a fellow expert says he is fearful of another “lockdown Christmas”.

Prof Peter Openshaw, a member of the New and Emerging Respiratory Virus Threats Advisory Group (Nervtag), said the current number of cases and deaths rates were unacceptable, and reiterated the importance of measures such as working from home and mask wearing.

His intervention comes after the prime minister resisted calls from health leaders, including the head of the NHS Confederation and the council chair of the British Medical Association, who urged “categorically” that the “time is now” for tighter restrictions.

Asked on Friday about the possibility of a winter lockdown, Boris Johnson said there was “absolutely nothing to indicate that that is on the cards at all”. The chancellor, Rishi Sunak, also said the vaccine rollout and booster jabs made a lockdown or “very significant economic restrictions” unlikely.

Cases and deaths as published 23 Oct 2021
Cases and deaths as published 23 Oct 2021. Vaccinations as % of total population (including under 18s), published 22 Oct 2021. Weekly change shows difference from 7 days ago. Source: data.gov.uk.

The health secretary, Sajid Javid, conceded earlier this week that new cases could reach a record 100,000 a day, but Downing Street insisted there was still spare capacity in the NHS and that “plan B” winter measures, including the mandatory use of face masks and working from home guidance, would only be activated if it came under significant pressure.

Speaking in a personal capacity, Openshaw told BBC Breakfast on Saturday that he feared “another lockdown Christmas if we don’t act soon”. He said: “We know that with public health measures the time to act is immediately. There’s no point in delaying. If you do delay then you need to take even more stringent actions later. The immediacy of response is absolutely vital if you’re going to get things under control.”

He said getting measures in place now in order to “get transmission rates right down” was key to having “a wonderful family Christmas where we can all get back together”.

Openshaw said it was “unacceptable to be letting this run at the moment … I think hospitals in many parts of the country are barely coping actually. Talking to people on the frontline, I think it’s just not sustainable to keep going at this rate.”

The UK recorded its highest number of Covid-related deaths since March last week.

Openshaw said: “At one stage last week there were 180 deaths in a single day. That is just too many deaths. We seem to have got used to the idea that we’re going to have many, many people dying of Covid and that I think is just not the case,.”

He urged the public to take matters into their own hands to slow down transmission of the virus, rather than waiting for the government to reintroduce measures, including avoiding public transport and crowded spaces if possible, getting vaccinated and accepting the offer of the booster jab.

“The sooner we all act, the sooner we can get this transmission rate down, and the greater the prospect of having a Christmas with our families,” he said.

england covid stats as on 22nd October 2021
England covid stats as on 22nd October 2021

Members of the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (Sage) said in minutes of a meeting published on Friday that a further huge rise in infections as seen in January was increasingly unlikely. Other experts predict a series of broader, flatter peaks as the virus continues to spread.

In its meeting dated 14 October, however, Sage said measures contained in the government’s plan B would be most effective if implemented in unison and earlier rather than later.

Trade union leaders representing 3 million frontline workers attacked the government’s “laissez-faire approach to managing the pandemic” on Friday. They said it risked “another winter of chaos” without urgent action, including mandatory mask wearing in shops and on public transport.

And at least a dozen local public health chiefs in England have broken from the government’s official guidance and recommended plan B measures, including mask wearing and working from home, to combat a surge in Covid infections in their areas.

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Coronavirus London Latest Information and Advice

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Coronavirus London Latest Information and Advice

29 March: What’s changed

Some of the rules on what you can and cannot do changed on 29 March. However, many restrictions remain in place. You must not socialise indoors with anyone you do not live with or have formed a support bubble with. You should continue to work from home if you can and minimise the number of journeys you make where possible. You should get a test and follow the stay at home guidance if you have COVID-19 symptoms.

You can read the “COVID-19 Response – Spring 2021 (roadmap)” for more information on roadmap out of lockdown in England. It is underpinned by law.

From 29 March:

  • you can meet outdoors either in a group of 6 (from any number of households), or in a group of any size from up to 2 households (a household can include an existing support bubble, if eligible)
  • you can take part in formally organised outdoor sports with any number of people (outdoor sports venues and facilities will be able to reopen)
  • childcare and supervised activities are allowed outdoors for all children
  • formally organised parent and child groups can take place outdoors for up to 15 attendees. Children under 5 will not be counted in this number

Keeping yourself and others safe

You should stay 2 metres apart from anyone who is not in your household or support bubble where possible, or 1 metre with extra precautions in place (such as wearing face coverings) if you cannot stay 2 metres apart.

You should follow the guidance on how to stop the spread of coronavirus at all times, including if you have been vaccinated against COVID-19.

You should follow this guidance in full to limit the transmission of COVID-19. It is underpinned by law.

Face coverings

You must wear a face covering in many indoor settings, such as shops and places of worship, and on public transport, unless you are exempt. This is the law. Read guidance on face coverings.

If you are clinically extremely vulnerable
If you are clinically extremely vulnerable, you could be at higher risk of severe illness from coronavirus.

If you are clinically extremely vulnerable, you should continue to follow the guidance for people who are clinically extremely vulnerable. From 1 April, you will no longer be advised to shield. However, you should continue to take precautions to protect yourself.

If you have been vaccinated against COVID-19

To help protect yourself and your friends, family, and community you should continue to follow all of the guidance on this page even if you’ve been vaccinated against COVID-19.

The vaccines have been shown to reduce the likelihood of severe illness in most people. Like all medicines, no vaccine is completely effective, so those who have received the vaccine should continue to take recommended precautions to avoid infection.

We do not know by how much the vaccine stops COVID-19 from spreading. Even if you have been vaccinated, you could still spread COVID-19 to others.

Meeting family and friends indoors

You must not meet indoors with anybody you do not live with or have formed a support bubble with (if you are eligible), or another legal exemption applies.

Meeting friends and family outdoors (rule of 6)

You can meet up outdoors with friends and family you do not live with, either:

  • in a group of up to 6 from any number of households (children of all ages count towards the limit of 6)
  • in a group of any size from up to two households (each household can include an existing support bubble, if eligible)

If you’re in a support bubble

If you are eligible to form a support bubble, you and your support bubble count as one household towards the limit of 2 households when meeting others outdoors. This means, for example, that you and your support bubble can meet with another household, even if the group is more than 6 people.

Where you can meet

You can meet in a group of 6 or a larger group of any size from up to 2 households (including their support bubbles) outdoors. This includes private outdoor spaces, such as gardens, and other outdoor public places and venues that remain open. These include the following:

  • parks, beaches, countryside accessible to the public, forests
  • public and botanical gardens
  • the grounds of a heritage site
  • outdoor sculpture parks
  • allotments
  • public playgrounds
  • outdoor sports venues and facilities

If you need to enter through a house to get to a garden or other outside space and there is no alternative access, you should wear a face covering, wash or sanitise your hands when entering, and then go straight to the outside space. If you need to use the bathroom, wash your hands thoroughly and go back outside immediately. You should maintain social distancing from anyone who is not in your household or support bubble.

When you can meet with more people or meet indoors

Gatherings above the limit of 6 people or 2 households, or gatherings indoors, can only take place if they are permitted by an exception. These exceptions are listed on this page.

Where a group includes someone covered by an exception (for example, someone who is working or volunteering), they are not generally counted as part of the gatherings limit. This means, for example, a tradesperson can go into a household without breaking the limit if they are there for work, and the officiant at a wedding would not count towards the limit.

Travelling to England from outside the UK

All visitors to London, England are subject to the coronavirus restriction rules.

All those planning to travel to London should follow the guidance on entering the UK. Before travelling to the UK, you must complete a passenger locator form and have proof of a negative COVID-19 test, unless you are exempt.

All arrivals will need to take a coronavirus (COVID-19) test on day 2 and day 8 of quarantining. Arrivals must book a travel test package. See the guidance on how to quarantine when you arrive in England.

You cannot travel to the UK if you’ve visited or passed through a country where travel to the UK is banned in the last 10 days, unless you’re:

  • a British national
  • an Irish national
  • anyone with residence rights in the UK

Everyone allowed to enter England who has visited or passed through a country where travel to the UK is banned in the last 10 days must:

  • quarantine for 10 days in a managed quarantine hotel
  • take a coronavirus (COVID-19) test on or before day 2 and on or after day 8 of quarantining, the tests are included in the hotel package
  • follow the guidance on this page

See the guidance on booking and staying in a quarantine hotel when you arrive in England

Check out the London Tour Packages here.

Advice for visitors and foreign nationals in England

Foreign nationals are subject to the national restrictions.

If you are visiting the UK, you may return home. You should check whether there are any restrictions in place at your destination.

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London Tourists Attractions and Restaurants are Opening – COVID-19

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From 4th July London is opening its doors to tourists. Many see the move as caution. Many still think it’s the right move. We all need to make sure that we take all the right precautions while moving around within London or coming to London for holidays, tourism, and family meetings after more than 3 months of COVID-19 lockdown. London will never be the same, as some say. But we need to support our businesses and kick-start the tourism economy with caution.

london-attractions-are-opening
London Attractions are Opening

London tourist Attractions Opened and opening up – 10th July 2020

London’s top attractions are allowed to open their gates to tourists from around the world and within the UK. Despite the new ruling, some of the attractions are still closed namely The British Museum, National History Museum, Victoria and Albert Museum and Science Museum.

The National Gallery opened on the 8th of July, the Tower of London on the 10th of July, and Tate Britain and Modern will open on the 27th of July. Each one of London’s attractions has to follow strict pandemic rules and make sure all the places are sanitised and every public entrant needs to be thermally tested before entering the premises.

Londoners are urged to become Tourists – Sadiq Khan

Londoners are urged by the government (Sadiq Khan) to become tourists in their own city to support COVID-19 recovery. The city has been massively hit by the pandemic. And everyone dreads a long painful recovery for local businesses. Experts are contemplating a slow tourism recovery, as many nations are still recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic. European countries have somewhat recovered from the pandemic, but we all need to be cautious and start travelling responsibly. London locals are allowed to move around the city without any restrictions and are asked by the government to visit London’s beautiful sites.

London restaurants are opening post covid
London restaurants are opening post COVID-19

Restaurants Now Open in London – 10th July 2020

Many restaurants have opened up in the city of London, and all have been extra cautious and doing what they can to maintain hygiene and serve the city. The majority of them were functional partially by doing home delivery of the food. And now Londoners and tourists can enjoy going to restaurants as the rules have been recently relaxed. Following are some of the restaurants which have recently opened up in the city of London:

Romulo

This Filipino restaurant on High Street Kensington will reopen on July 10. 343 Kensington High Street, W8 6NW, romulocafe.co.uk

Dishoom

The popular Indian restaurant group will reopen its Carnaby, King’s Cross and Shoreditch locations on July 10, with Kensington following on July 24. For a limited time, it will allow diners to book in groups of up to six in the evenings. Various locations, dishoom.com

Allegra

Patrick Powell’s highly praised Stratford restaurant will return on July 10. Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, 20 International Way, E20 1FD, Allegra-restaurant.com

Da Terra

Rafael Cagalli’s two Michelin-starred restaurants in Bethnal Green will welcome guests from July 10. 8 Patriot Square, E2 9NF, daterra.co.uk

Seabird

The sky-high seafood restaurant at The Hoxton in Southwark will reopen on July 10. 40 Blackfriars Road, SE1 8NY, seabirdlondon.com

Gold

The popular Notting Hill Italian has said it plans to reopen on July 10 (bookings open on June 24). 95-97 Portobello Road, W11 2QB, goldnottinghill.com

Brigadiers, Bank

Indian barbecue, beer & whisky restaurant Brigadiers is now open for terrace dining Weds-Sat 12 pm-9.30 pm before the bar opens on 15 July, brigadierslondon.com

Goodman, Mayfair

Goodman steak restaurant reopens its flagship location so you can enjoy that Lake District grass-fed fillet once again, GoodmanMayfair.COM

Kitty Fisher’s, Mayfair

Kitty Fisher’s returns with an outside space, a few ground-floor tables and a takeaway to start. KittyFishers.com

Jamavar, Mayfair

This high-end Indian restaurant near Berkeley Square returns with its highly rated tasting dishes.JamavarRestaurants.com

Go out, enjoy the heart of London, and be safe and travel responsibly.

Note: You can book your COVID-19 test here

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