Latest updates 24th October
For England: testing requirements changed on 24 October
From 24 October, eligible fully vaccinated adults and under 18s from countries with an approved vaccine programme can now book a lateral flow test (instead of a PCR test) for day two after arrival.
The lateral flow tests are booked in the same way but are generally less expensive and easier to take – passengers simply send a photo of their test result back to their provider.
> See the update guidance for travel to England
Please note:
- The lateral flow test must be pre-booked through an authorised UK provider. See list of authorised UK test providers
- The booking reference number is required for the Passenger Locator Form
- Passengers need to take the test on or before day two and send a photo of their test result back to their provider with their test booking reference.
- If the lateral flow test result is positive, arrivals will need to take a confirmatory PCR test (free of charge). If this is positive, they will need to self-isolate for 10 days from the day they took the PCR test
This change ONLY applies to those arriving passengers who are exempt from quarantine. This means eligible adults from the approved list of countries (i.e. those vaccinated with a UK-approved vaccine) and all under 18s from the same countries. The list indicates the evidence required for each country.