NEW rules being introduced will make a holiday abroad much cheaper, after the UK government announced a reduction in tests required from Brits.
Last week, the traffic light scheme was scrapped, dropping the green and amber lists and leaving just the red list for countries still having a travel ban in place.
However, the Department for Transport (DfT) also announced a number of changes taking place next month, to make holidays both easier and cheaper for families.
Here is everything you need to know about going on holiday right now.
What are the current holiday testing rules?
Brits going on holiday who are fully vaccinated need the following tests if returning from a country (as long as it isn't on the red list):
- A pre-arrival Covid test (lateral flow or PCR)
- A day two Covid test (PCR only)
The pre-arrival test must be taken at least 72 hours before arrival, along with a Passenger Locator Form.
The day two test must be booked before returning, and taken on the second day back in the UK.
This only applies to vaccinated travellers – anyone who hasn't had both jabs will have to follow the rules similar to the former amber list which includes a pre-arrival test, a test on day two and day eight, and a 10-day home quarantine.
Anyone returning from a red list country must still pay £2,285 to quarantine at a government-mandated hotel.
What are the new holiday testing rules?
From Monday, October 4, new rules are in place for vaccinated travellers.
The pre-arrival test, which had to be a lateral flow or PCR test and taken before returning to the UK, will no longer be required.
Holidaymakers will instead just need:
- A day two Covid test (PCR only)
The day two PCR test will be scrapped later in October, with hoildaymakers able instead to have a lateral flow test.
The government is yet to confirm when this will be in place, although it is hoped to be enforced in time for the October half-term.
Here are some of the cheapest places to buy a PCR test for your holiday, as the free NHS tests are not allowed.
And we've also rounded up the tour operators and companies selling lateral flow tests, from just £20.
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