Eligible fully vaccinated passengers arriving in England from
countries not on the red list can take a lateral flow test on or
before day 2 of their arrival from October 24, rather than PCR
tests – cutting the cost of tests in time for travellers
returning from half term breaks. These can be booked from 22
October.
Eligible travellers will be able to order cheaper lateral flow
tests from private testing providers
as an alternative to a PCR, offering faster
results. The list of approved private providers will go live
on GOV.UK on the 22nd October.
Passengers will need to take a photo of
their lateral flow test and booking reference
supplied by the private provider and send it back to
them to verify the result. Passengers are also able to book
to have a test which they can take on their arrival into the UK
at testing centres located in some airports.
Those that have already bought a PCR do not need to buy another
test. The arrival test must be taken as soon as
possible on or before the second day of a passenger’s
arrival in the UK. Lateral flow tests for
international travel must be purchased from a private provider as
NHS Test and Trace tests cannot be used for international travel.
The government is able to make this change thanks to the success
of the vaccination programme both in the UK and around the world
which has protected millions of people
and reduced the risks of opening up international
travel.
Anyone who tests positive will need
to self-isolate and take a confirmatory PCR
test. PCR tests can be accessed free of
charge by ordering in the usual way through NHS Test
and Trace – via nhs.uk/coronavirus or
by calling 119. Providers will be expected to advise people
to self-isolate and direct people towards the NHS Test and Trace
booking page.
Health and Social Care Secretary said:
“We want to make going abroad easier and cheaper, whether you’re
travelling for work or visiting friends and family.
“Lateral flow tests will be available later this month for those
returning from half term holidays.
“This change to testing is only possible thanks to the incredible
progress of our vaccination programme, which means we can safely
open up travel as we learn to live with the virus.”
, Secretary of State for
Transport said:
“Today’s rule changes will make testing on arrival simpler and
cheaper for people across the country who are looking forward to
well-earned breaks for this October half term.
“Taking away expensive mandatory PCR testing will boost the
travel industry and is a major step forward in normalising
international travel and encouraging people to book holidays with
confidence.”
Dr Jenny Harries, Chief Executive of the UK Health
Security Agency (UKHSA) said:
“Testing, along with vaccines, remains one of our first lines of
defence against Covid-19. Getting a test as early as possible on
arrival and isolation when necessary, can help control the spread
of the virus and protect one another.”
The government will extend regulations and publish
protocol to allow some tests supplied to the private testing
market that are pending validation to remain on the market in the
short term. This is to address any potential shortage of supply
while work continues at pace to ensure only high performing tests
are ultimately approved to remain on the UK
market. The government will continue to publish a list
of private testing providers who meet the minimum standards for
the public to choose from, with PCR test options available as
well.
All travellers must complete their Passenger Locator Form prior
to travel, including a test booking
reference number supplied by a testing
provider. Travellers will be able to upload their test
booking reference to the Passenger Locator Form from 22 October
for arrival in the UK from 24 October.
Eligible travellers vaccinated in over 100 countries
and territories including Brazil, Ghana, Hong Kong, India,
Pakistan, South Africa and Turkey, will be treated the same as
returning fully vaccinated UK residents.
This means they will be eligible for the quarantine exemption and
reduced testing measures, including taking just a lateral flow
test on arrival. This is as long as they have not visited a red
list country or territory in the 10 days before arriving in
England. Eligible under 18s from these countries will also be
treated as if fully vaccinated. The government continues to work
with the Devolved Administrations to ensure there continues to be
robust border measures in place to protect the UK.
Passengers who are not fully
vaccinated with an authorised vaccine returning from a
non-red destination must still take a pre-departure test, a
PCR test on day 2 and day 8
test and complete 10 days self-isolation (with the
option of Test to
Release on day 5).
