By England arrivals to get option to cut quarantine with private test
British holidaymakers returning from high-risk countries will soon see their quarantine period cut by more than half if they pay for a Covid test after five days, the transport secretary has announced.
Under the new travel rules, passengers who arrive from a destination not on the government’s travel corridors list will still need to enter self-isolation.
However, if they pay for a test after five days and it comes back negative, they will no longer need to self-isolate.
Results will normally be issued in 24 to 48 hours, cutting quarantine time from 14 days to around five.
The rules will come into force from December 15 and the tests from private firms will cost between £65 and £120.
The plan was confirmed by Transport Secretary Grant Shapps who said he also wants to see quarantine replaced by daily tests in the New Year.
The travel industry has welcomed the move.
Tim Alderslade, chief executive of Airlines UK, the industry association representing UK-registered carriers, told The Telegraph: “This is a hugely welcome step that will begin the process of opening up international travel and restarting UK aviation […] by more than halving the quarantine period we should see demand tentatively return and more routes and destinations become viable once again.”
He added: “That said, a test at day 5 does not get rid of quarantine and that’s why we look forward to working with the Government to move towards a pre-departure or domestic testing regime that can remove safely the need for self-isolation altogether, as quickly as possible.”
Mr Shapps said: “Our new testing strategy will allow us to travel more freely, see loved ones and drive international business. By giving people the choice to test on day five, we are also supporting the travel industry as it continues to rebuild out of the pandemic.”
