Easing of testing rules a boost for travel industry - Chamber

The easing of testing rules for people travelling to England provides a much-needed boost for the travel industry, business leaders said today.

The Government has announced that from tomorrow fully-vaccinated travellers no longer need to take a test two days before travelling to England from countries outside the UK and the Common Travel Area.

On arrival, they must take a PCR test but will no longer have to self-isolate while awaiting the result.

From 4am on Sunday, they will only be required to take a lateral flow test instead of a PCR test on day two.

However, this test must be from a private test provider, rather than a free NHS test.

Unvaccinated passengers will need to continue to take a pre-departure test, PCR tests on day two and day eight, as well as self-isolating for 10 days.

Raj Kandola, head of policy at Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce, said: “The latest announcement will offer a timely boost for the travel industry which has been shaken from pillar to post during the pandemic.

“Whilst we recognise the importance of minimising the spread of the virus, the rapid explosion of Omicron case rates in this country suggests that stringent border controls would do little to stem the flow across the UK.

“For months we 've argued that exorbitant cost of travelling was supressing customer demand and hindering a full recovery in the sector so we are pleased the Government has acted decisively.

“With spring around the corner, it 's essential the Government now sets out a strategy which will allow us to manage the fallout from the virus but also turbocharge a resurgence across international travel. ”

Meanwhile, the Government has extended Plan B Covid restrictions, with the next review now taking place on 26 January.

Read the GBCC 's document 'Plan B: A Blueprint for Businesses '.