Travellers arriving in UK will no longer have to take PCR tests

The prime minister has said the government will scrap PCR tests as a requirement for travellers arriving in the UK from 4am this Friday.

Those arriving in the UK are now required to take a lateral flow test (LFT).

LFTs on average cost between £20 and £30 while PCR tests cost around £8- per test.

Pre-departure tests travellers currently must undergo 48 hours prior to their return to the UK are also set to be scrapped.

Consumers along with travel firms are likely to welcome the move which is set to dramatically reduce the cost of Covid-compliant travel.

Commenting on the Prime Minister’s announcement on travel restrictions, Airport Operators Association Chief Executive Karen Dee said:

“Removing all the temporary travel restrictions is a welcome recognition that they no longer serve a purpose, now omicron is well-established in the UK.

“The UK Government’s decision follows the same approach some other European countries have taken in recent days, such as the Republic of Ireland. The devolved governments should now follow suit, enabling a continued four-nation approach to travel in the UK.

“Despite the removal of the temporary measures, airports continue to face a difficult period. There continue to be countries who have imposed restrictions on UK arrivals and consumer confidence has been knocked during the crucial Christmas booking period. The UK and devolved governments should set out how they will support aviation towards a sustainable recovery to ensure the UK has the connectivity and the airports necessary for our economic recovery.”