Trips abroad this winter have just become cheaper and easier for people in England who are fully vaccinated against coronavirus.
From today, if you’ve had both your jabs, you no longer need to take an expensive PCR test after returning to England from a non-red list country and can instead use a cheaper, faster lateral flow test.
This is one more step in the right direction for ski season 21/22.
The government says the move is a “huge boost” for the travel industry.
Wales will make the same change in a week’s time. Scotland and Northern Ireland have indicated they may follow suit.
The lateral flow tests for returning travellers must be bought from private providers – NHS kits cannot be used – with prices listed on the government website starting at just £19— a savings of up to £150.
Travellers will need to book their tests before entering the UK, and must send a picture of their lateral flow test to verify the result. Failure to do so could result in a fine of £1,000.
The change also applies to under-18s who live in the UK, whether or not they are vaccinated.
Travellers will still need to complete a passenger locator form before they return.
