UK allows cheap COVID-19 tests to return vaccinated travelers
Fully vaccinated travelers returning to England from countries not on the travel ban red list can take a COVID-19 negative lateral flow test (LFT) instead of the more expensive polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test under new rules effective 24 October Huh. The traveler’s government said immunizations in more than 100 countries and territories, including India, would be treated the same as returning fully vaccinated UK residents.
These eligible fully vaccinated travelers arriving in England from countries not on the Red List can take LFTs instead of PCR tests from 24 October on or before two days of their arrival.
The LFTs can be booked from October 22 onwards and is largely aimed at families planning a holiday during the upcoming school holidays later this month. UK Health Secretary Sajid Javid said: “We want to make it easier and cheaper to travel abroad, whether you are traveling for work or visiting friends and family.”
“The lateral flow tests will be available for those returning from half-term holidays later this month. This change in 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,” he said. Travelers will be able to order cheap LFTs from private testing providers as an alternative to PCR, which will lead to faster results.
The list of approved private providers will go live on GOV.UK later this month. Passengers will have to take a photograph of their LFT and the booking reference provided by the private provider and send it back to them to verify the result.
“Today’s rule changes will make testing on arrival simpler and cheaper for people across the country who are hoping to earn well for the half term this October,” said UK Transport Secretary Grant Shapps.
“The removal of costly mandatory PCR testing will give a boost to the travel industry and is a major step towards normalizing international travel and encouraging people to book holidays with confidence,” he said. Those who have already purchased a PCR need not buy another test.
Under the rules, the earliest arrival test must be taken on or before the second day of a traveler’s arrival in the UK. “Testing, along with vaccines, is one of our first lines of defense against COVID-19. Dr Jenny Harris, chief executive of the UK Health Protection Agency (UKHSA), said testing as early as possible on arrival and in isolation can help control the spread of the virus and protect each other.
All passengers are required to fill out a “Passenger Locator Form” prior to travel, which also includes a test booking reference number supplied by a test provider. Passengers will be able to upload their test booking references in the form starting 22 October for UK arrivals from 24 October.
Under the current system, the cost of PCR tests on the second day after returning to England could be around £75 (USD 102) per person. When the changes take effect, anyone who receives a positive result from their LFT will need to self-isolate and have a free “confirmation” PCR test to confirm that result.
The changes come as the UK continues to record a high level of COVID-19 infections and deaths, with another 45,066 cases and 157 deaths recorded on Thursday.
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