Rule change comes into force for travellers to use lateral flow tests instead of PCR

Covid rules will relax for returning holidaymakers who are fully vaccinated - in what the Government is hailing a “huge boost” for the travel industry.

From 4am on Sunday fully vaccinated people arriving in England from a non-red list country can use a lateral flow test rather than the more expensive PCR version on or before day two.

'Huge boost'

Health and Social Care Secretary Sajid Javid said: “I’m delighted that from today eligible travellers to England, who’ve had the life-saving Covid vaccine can benefit from a cheaper lateral flow test, providing faster results.

“This huge boost to the travel industry and the public will make it easier and cheaper for people to book holidays and travel abroad, and it is it is because of our incredible vaccine programme that this is possible.

“Anyone who tests positive must take a PCR test, which, if positive, may be genomically sequenced to check for variants and further help us fight this virus.”

Lateral flow tests for international travel must be purchased from a private provider as NHS Test and Trace lateral flow tests cannot be used for international travel.

Bookings for lateral flow tests opened on Friday and can be purchased through the private providers listed on GOV.UK.

'Faster results'

Transport Secretary Grant Shapps, said: “The change in rules for post-arrival tests will give passengers more options and faster results, just in time for many half-term holidays.

“It’s thanks to the success of our vaccination programme that we can make this switch, giving the industry and consumers a much-needed boost.”

As of Saturday afternoon, there were 25 providers on the Government website and prices ranged from £19 to £39.