Passengers flying to the UK from Covid-ravaged red list countries will transit through a dedicated terminal at Heathrow Airport from today.
From 4am on Tuesday arrivals from the high risk list of countries will be directed through terminal three of the busy airport.
Arrivals from the list of 43 countries must also pay for a hotel quarantine for 10 days.
It comes after concerns were raised by travellers reportedly having to stand next to arrivals from red list countries for hours while queuing at the airport.
A spokesperson for the airport said previously: "Red list routes will likely be a feature of UK travel for the foreseeable future as countries vaccinate their populations at different rates.
"We're adapting Heathrow to this longer-term reality by initially opening a dedicated arrivals facility in Terminal 3 from June 1 for red list passengers arriving on direct flights.
"We will move this facility to Terminal 4 as soon as operationally possible.
"While opening this facility will be very challenging logistically, our hope is that it will enable Border Force to carry out its duties more efficiently as passenger volumes increase in line with the green list.
"Until then, the current red list system will remain in place."
Under the new traffic light system, which will be reviewed every three weeks, only returning UK citizens are allowed to fly home from red list countries.
After arrival, they will have to isolate in a managed quarantine hotel for 10 days and take a Covid-19 test on day two and day eight of the isolation period.
People should not travel to red list countries or territories, according to government guidelines.
Just 12 countries are on the green list of travel destinations that don't require any isolation period on returning to the UK.
