New Travel Test: Everything You Need To Know About Lateral Flow Testing

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The cost (and faff) of acquiring an expensive PCR test has put many of us off travel abroad. But now, the system is set to change to make tests easier and cheaper to access.

From October 24, fully vaccinated passengers arriving in England from countries that are not on the red list can take a cheaper and quicker lateral flow test, rather than the PCR version.

This will apply to the test they’re required to take on day two of arrival to the UK. Fully vaccinated individuals no longer have to take a pre-departure test when travelling to a non-red list country.

On October 11, the red list was cut to just seven countries, opening up travel without PCR tests to most of the world for Brits who are fully vaccinated.

The change to the day two test will come into effect for those returning from half-term breaks. Here’s what else we know about the changes:

Eligible travellers will be able to order lateral flow tests from private testing providers, with a list of approved private providers going live on gov.uk on October 22.

Passengers are also able to book to have a test which they can take on their arrival into the UK at testing centres located in some airports. You can not use a free NHS lateral flow test. However, private lateral flow tests will be cheaper than private PCR tests, the government has said, and they offer a result within half an hour, rather than a couple of days.

Passengers must upload a photo of their lateral flow test and booking reference supplied by the private provider to verify results as soon as possible.

Anyone who tests positive will be supplied with free a confirmatory NHS PCR test, the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) said.

If you test positive, you will need to self-isolate and take the confirmatory PCR test. You’ll need to remain in isolation until you receive that result.

If you’re unvaccinated, you still have to take a pre-departure test, and PCR tests on days two and eight of return to the UK, whether you’re returning from a red list country or a non-red list country. Unvaccinated people also have to self-isolate at home for 10 days when coming back from any country.

In order to be considered fully vaccinated, you must have had your second vaccination two weeks ago.

Everyone traveling to/from a red list country will have to take a pre-departure test, plus a PCR test on day two and eight of their return to the UK. You must also quarantine in a hotel for 11 nights. This rule is in place regardless of your vaccination status.

Health secretary Sajid Javid said the government wants to make going abroad easier and cheaper, whether you’re travelling for work or visiting friends and family.

“This change to testing is only possible thanks to the incredible progress of our vaccination programme, which means we can safely open up travel as we learn to live with the virus.” he said.