Fully vaccinated travellers arriving in England will be able to take a lateral flow test – rather than a more expensive PCR test – from 24 October.
The government confirmed the date for the switch, which will see the publication of an approved list of private providers with which a lateral flow test must be booked (from 22 October) and submitted on or before day two of their arrival in England from non-red list countries.
A statement from the government said passengers must upload a photo of their test along with the booking reference supplied to verify results as soon as possible, with free follow-up PCR tests available for any positive cases. NHS Test and Trace tests cannot be used for international travel, it added.
Passengers arriving in England after 24 October that have already bought PCR tests do not need to purchase a new test.
Health and social care secretary Sajid Javid said: “We want to make going abroad easier and cheaper, whether you’re travelling for work or visiting friends and family.
“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.”
Grant Shapps, Secretary of State for Transport added: “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.”
The government said it will allow some tests supplied to the private testing market that are pending validation to remain on the market in the short term to address any potential shortage of supply while work continues to ensure only high-performing tests are ultimately approved for use.
Passengers returning from non-red list destinations that are not fully vaccinated with an authorised vaccine must still take a pre-departure test, day two PCR test and day 8 test and complete ten days of self-isolation.
Clive Wratten, CEO of the Business Travel Association, said: “Expensive PCR tests have been a major financial and logistical barrier to business and leisure travel, and the BTA welcomes their long overdue removal. To continue the long road to recovery, it’s vital that the Government now takes a leadership role in developing consistent international protocols for entry.”