Travelers to England able to take lateral flow tests for Covid from 24 October | Corona Virus

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The government has announced that fully immunized international passengers arriving in England from countries not on the red list can take a cheaper and faster bypass test from October 24 instead of issuing a PCR.

Those who have been vaccinated, most of whom are under the age of 18, can have a lateral flow test on or before the second day of their arrival in the UK.

The change will take effect for those returning from half-term breaks, with Covid-19 tests available for reservation through private providers listed on the government’s website.

The Ministry of Health and Social Care said tests can be booked from October 22 and passengers must upload a photo of their test to check their results as soon as possible. Anyone who tests positive will need to self-isolate and have a confirmatory PCR test.

Eligible travelers are those who have been vaccinated in more than 100 countries and territories including Brazil, Ghana, Hong Kong, India, Pakistan, South Africa and Turkey, and would be eligible for a quarantine exemption.

Sajid Javid, Minister of Health, said: “We want to make it easier and cheaper to travel abroad, whether you are traveling for business or visiting friends and family.

Lateral flow exams will be available later this month for those returning from mid-term breaks.

“This change in testing is only possible thanks to the amazing progress of our vaccination programme, which means we can safely unlock travel while we learn to live with the virus.”

Travelers can also book a test that they can take when they arrive in the UK at centers located at some airports.

The government added that travelers who have already purchased a PCR do not need to buy another test and lateral flow tests for international travel must be purchased from a private provider, as NHS tests and tracer tests cannot be used for international travel.

Grant Shapps, Secretary of Transportation, said: “Today’s rule changes will make on-arrival testing simpler and cheaper for people across the country who are looking forward to well-earned vacations in the first half of October.

“Dispensing costly mandatory PCR testing will boost the travel industry and represent a major step forward in normalizing international travel and encouraging people to book vacations with confidence.”

The government said it would expand regulations to allow some tests supplied to the private testing market awaiting validation to remain in the market in the short term to address any potential shortfalls in supply.

It will continue to publish a list of private testing providers that meet the minimum criteria for the public to choose from along with available PCR testing options.

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