UK scraps pre-departure testing

The British government has confirmed the removal of its pre-departure test requirements for fully vaccinated passengers travelling into England.

PCR tests and self-isolation on arrival has also been scrapped, with the government reverting to its previous requirement of a lateral flow test to be taken within 48 hours of arrival and, if positive, a PCR test to check for variants.

The changes to international travel rules will come into effect from 4am on Friday, January 7, when pre-departure tests for travel to England and quarantine for arrivals will be removed.

From 4am Sunday, January 9, lateral flow tests will be accepted in place of PCR tests for arrivals. These lateral flow tests can be booked from Friday, January 7.

Those who are not fully vaccinated must still self-isolate on arrival.

Click here for the formal announcement from the British Government.