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What are the New Rules for Travel Testing in the UK? Here are the Key Facts:

- Due to a new variant of concern originating in Southern Africa being detected in Europe, the UK Government has changed the Testing Requirements for Entry into the UK, regardless of vaccination status.

When Do the New Testing Rules Come into Force?

The new rules for PCR tests come into effect from 4am on Tuesday 30 November. All travellers arriving into the country from then will be required to take a PCR test on or before day 2 and self isolate until they have received a negative test result. 

The requirement for all travellers to take a Pre-Departure Lateral Flow test before setting off for the UK comes into force from 4am on Tuesday 7th December.

What are the Travel Testing Rules?

If you're arriving from a non-red list country, you must now take a Pre-Departure Lateral Flow Test before setting off for England, and a PCR Test on or before your Day 2, even if you are fully vaccinated. You must also self-isolate until you have been confirmed as not being infected with Covid.

What are the New Rules for Unvaccinated Travellers?

The rules for unvaccinated travellers remain unchanged. Arrivals into the UK who have not received both doses of their vaccination are required to take a Lateral Flow Test before setting off for the UK and to self-isolate for 10 Days when they arrive back in the UK, taking a Day 2 and 8 PCR test in this time. There is also the option to take a Day 5 Test to Release, to end isolation early.

Which Countries are on the New UK Red List?

Because of the new variant of concern, the UK Government has announced a new red list, arrivals from which will be required to self-isolate in a designated hotel and take PCR Tests on Days 2 and 8.

Please Visit Our Day 2 PCR Tests Update Page for More Information