Major tourism changes are happening TOMORROW

NEW holiday rules are coming into force this week which will save hundreds of pounds.

The UK Government has announced yesterday’s changes, creating an impetus for the tourism industry before the summer.

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Here are the new travel rules explained, including when they will be enforced.

1. Removed pre-departure tests

From tomorrow, people arriving in the UK will not need to take a Covid test before arrival, which was reintroduced in December due to Omicron..

Transport Secretary Grant Shapps confirmed: “Completely eligible and under-18 passengers will NO longer need to take a pre-departure test before heading back to the UK if they arrive after 4am on Friday. January 7”.

This not only saves the UK money, with side outflows costing around £22 each, but also avoids the risk of testing positive for Covid before travelling, resulting in stuck in a foreign country.

2. Quarantine time removed

Also from tomorrow, all arrivals will no longer have to be quarantined upon entering the UK.

Previously, anyone entering the UK would have to be quarantined pending the results of a second day’s test – this has now been removed.

Shapps confirmed: “Completely vaxxed & under-18 passengers will NO longer need to self-isolate pending post-arrival results if arriving after 4am on Friday, January 7.”

In the UK, the 10-day quarantine period after testing positive for Covid has been reduced to seven days, with requirements reduced to five days.

3. Second day PCR tests are replaced by lateral flow assays

Effective January 9 (Sunday), the mandatory second-day PCR test will be phased out in favor of a cheaper lateral flow test.

This is the biggest savings from Britons, with side-flow around £60 cheaper than PCR.

Shapps said: “After arriving in the UK, all fully vaxxed & under-18s will now only need to take the LATERAL FLOW test (instead of a PCR test) if they arrive after 4am on Sunday, January 9th.”

Side flow is not through the NHS, with Covid testing firm prices starting at £22.

If lateral flow comes back positive, then a PCR test must be performed, but this can be free through the NHS.

Travel rules also still apply to countries abroad – destinations like Spain and Cyprus require a Covid test on arrival even if fully vaccinated.

And some are still banning the British – France, Morocco and Hong Kong All are currently enforcing a travel ban on UK tourists and flights.

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