The current traffic-light system for arrivals into England is to be replaced by a single red list with simplified measures for the rest of the world, the UK¡¯s transport secretary has announced.?
The new system will come into effect at 4am on Monday 4 October and will also see pre-departure tests scrapped for people arriving in England from countries not on the red list and who are doubly vaccinated. The government has also indicated that vaccinations from 17 further countries, including Canada, Israel, Japan and Singapore, would now be accepted.
Grant Shapps has also indicated that day 2 PCR tests are to be replaced by cheaper lateral flow tests from the end of October.
Testing for unvaccinated passengers from non-red countries will continue to include pre-departure tests, day 2 and day 8 PCR tests.
Shapps said: ¡°Today¡¯s changes mean a simpler, more straightforward system. One with less testing and lower costs, allowing more people to travel, see loved ones or conduct business around the world while providing a boost for the travel industry.
¡°Public health has always been at the heart of our international travel policy and with more than 8 in 10 adults vaccinated in the UK, we are now able to introduce a proportionate updated structure that reflects the new landscape.¡±
The government has also announced that Turkey, Pakistan, the Maldives, Egypt, Sri Lanka, Oman, Bangladesh and Kenya would be removed from the red list from 4am on Wednesday 22 September.
The rules for international are devolved in the UK and it remains to be seen whether Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland will follow suit.
Read industry reaction to the changes here.