Fully vaccinated people arriving in England from countries not on the red list can take a cheaper and quicker lateral flow test rather than the PCR version from October 24 – in time for those returning from half-term breaks.
This rule will make testing simpler and cheaper for travellers and is a major step forward in normalising tourism and encouraging confidence back into international travel and will hopefully give the travel industry a boost for the half term holiday.
Removing expensive mandatory PCR testing will hopefully boost the travel industry and is a major step forward in normalising international travel and encouraging people to book holidays with confidence.
Health Secretary Sajid Javid hailed the success of the vaccine rollout as a major factor in enabling the rule change and said international travel would be made easier and less expensive for tourists. “We want to make going abroad easier and cheaper, whether you’re travelling for work or visiting friends and family,” said Mr Javid.
“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.”
The number of countries on the red list has now been slashed from 54 to just seven.
People returning from red list countries will need to quarantine in a government-approved hotel.
The countries on the red list are Colombia, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Haiti, Panama, Peru and Venezuela.
You’ll find all the latest country-specific information on testing and entry requirements on the Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office website >> https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice
