Coronavirus testing rules have changed for holidaymakers flying into England.
The new rules mean that fully vaccinated passengers heading into the country from non-red list countries can take a lateral flow test within two days of arrival.
Anyone who tests positive on a lateral flow test will then be ordered to a take a free confirmatory PCR test from the NHS.
It is a change from the PCR tests that travellers had to take, which were more expensive than the new £22 rapid testing option.
Lateral flow tests for international travel must be purchased from a private provider, as mentioned on the Government website, as NHS Test and Trace lateral flow tests cannot be used for international travel.
Passengers who have already bought a PCR to use for travel do not need to buy another test as PCRs can still be used.
UK Government ministers say that the change has been able to go ahead due to the ‘success of the vaccination programme’.
Tory Health Secretary Sajid Javid said: “We want to make going abroad easier and cheaper, whether you’re travelling for work or visiting friends and family.
“Lateral flow tests will be available later this month for those returning from half term holidays.
“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.”
But the rules for passengers arriving in Scotland from a non-red listed country are different to those recently put in place in England.
Fully vaccinated travellers will be required to book a PCR test from the Scottish Government website for £68 or from a list of providers listed by the UK Government.
This test must be taken within two days of your arrival back into Scotland.
It is expected that Scotland will align with England’s testing policy for international arrivals in the not too distant future.
The Scottish Government is yet to confirm a decision either way on this policy.
Scottish Transport Secretary Michael Matheson previously said last month: “We also intend to align with the UK post-arrival testing regime.
“The detail of that is still being developed with lateral flow tests being considered and we will engage further with the UK Government on those plans.
“Details will be announced at the same time as the UK.”
Scots that are not fully vaccinated are currently required to take a PCR test before travelling into Scotland.
An additional two PCR tests must be taken on day two and eight of their return.
People who have not received both jabs must also self-isolate for 10 days when arriving back in Scotland under the current rules.
