The UK government has announced that fully vaccinated international passengers arriving in England will no longer have to take Covid-19 PCR tests on arrival but can instead take the cheaper and quicker lateral flow test.<\/p>\n
These changes will take effect from 24 October, the UK government said in a notice on Thursday (14 October), and will apply to all countries that are not currently on the UK’s travel red list – including South Africa.<\/p>\n
“Eligible fully vaccinated passengers arriving in England from countries not on the red list can take a lateral flow test on or before day 2 of their arrival from 24 October, rather than PCR tests \u2013 cutting the cost of tests in time for travellers returning from half-term breaks. These can be booked from 22 October.<\/p>\n
“Eligible travellers will be able to order cheaper lateral flow tests from private testing providers as an alternative to a PCR, offering faster results. The list of approved private providers will go live on 22 October.”<\/p>\n
Passengers will need to take a photo of their lateral flow test and booking reference supplied by the private provider and send it back to them to verify the result.<\/p>\n
Passengers can also book to have a test that they can take on their arrival into the UK at testing centres located in some airports.<\/p>\n
The UK’s secretary of state for Transport Grant Shapps said that the move would help boost the country’s tourism industry and was a major step to reopening travel.<\/p>\n
“Today\u2019s rule changes will make testing on arrival simpler and cheaper for people across the country who are looking forward to well-earned breaks for this October half term.<\/p>\n
“Taking away expensive mandatory PCR testing will boost the travel industry and is a major step forward in normalising international travel and encouraging people to book holidays with confidence.”<\/p>\n
South Africa was officially removed from the UK’s red list on Monday (11 October), meaning travellers will no longer have to endure an expensive 10-day hotel quarantine when flying to the country.<\/p>\n
To enter the UK under the new regulations, you must have had a complete course of one of the following vaccines at least 14 days before you arrive in England:<\/p>\n
However, health minister Dr Joe Phaahla has confirmed that the UK will accept South Africa’s newly-launched digital vaccine passport as proof of vaccination.<\/p>\n