Double jabbed travellers and those under 18 years of age returning to the UK will no longer be required to undergo a pre-departure test.
Also, the lateral flow replaces the PCR test for the Day Ttwo test with no need to self-isolate while waiting for the result.
Secretary of State for Transport, Grant Shapps said today on Twitter:
“We’re removing the temporary extra testing measures we introduced last year at the border to slow cases of Omicron coming to the UK.
“Now Omicron is the dominant variant & is widespread in the UK, these measures are no longer proportionate. By reducing testing requirements for fully vaxxed passengers to just a lateral flow post-arrival, we’re supporting the safe reopening of international travel.”
Travellers will now have to pay between £20-£30 for the lateral flow test costs around £20 to £30 rather than having to fork out £80+ for PCR swabs.
According to scientists including the chief medical officer for England, Sir Chris Whitty, lateral flow tests are reliable in detecting infection. Anyone testing positive will have to take a PCR test to enable scientists to sequence the virus to check for any new variants,
The revised travel measures are due to come into force at 4am on Friday 7 January and will be a major boost not just for holidaymakers but also for the beleaguered travel and tourism industry.