Fully-vaccinated people arriving from a non-red list country can now use a lateral flow test on, or before, day two of their return.
Wales will make the same change a week later. Scotland and Northern Ireland have indicated they may follow suit. Before then, anyone travelling on to the other UK nations in the 10 days after arrival in England must follow the rules for testing and quarantine in those places.
The latest change to the travel rules in England comes in time for many families going on half-term holidays.
The lateral flow tests for returning travellers must be bought from private providers – NHS kits cannot be used – with prices listed on the government website starting at £19.
Passengers need to book tests before travelling to the UK. They must send a picture of their lateral flow test to verify the result, and failure to do so could result in a fine of £1,000.
The change also applies to under-18s who live in the UK, whether or not they are vaccinated.
Travellers will still need to complete a passenger locator form before they return.
The Department of Health said that anyone who tested positive would have to take a PCR test, which they could get free through the NHS.
Since October 4th, fully-vaccinated passengers travelling to the UK from any non-red list country no longer have to take a Covid test before setting off.
People who are not fully vaccinated – and are 18 or over – still have to self-isolate at home for 10 days after arrival in the UK.
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