Politics

Expensive Covid PCR tests 'set to be scrapped for double-jabbed travellers'


The aim is to bring in new rules, meaning the expensive PCR test will no longer be needed for anyone heading back from a green or amber-listed country, by the next school half term

Brits heading back from amber or green-listed countries may soon no longer need to have a PCR test
Brits heading back from amber or green-listed countries may soon no longer need to have a PCR test

Brit holidaymakers returning to the UK may no longer need to splash out on expensive PCR Covid tests if they have had two jabs under new government rules, it’s reported.

The aim is to bring in the change ahead of the next half-term break for people coming from green and amber-listed countries and there will be cheaper lateral flow tests instead of the PCR requirement, reported the Mail on Sunday.

Part of the plans will also mean that travellers will also no longer need to have a Covid test when they leave the UK.

It comes following plenty of criticism that PCR providers have been taking advantage by pushing up the costs of the tests to make it very expensive to travel.

Currently a typical family of four face costs of sometimes more than £600 for the PCR tests and the Competition and Markets Authority has reportedly received many complaints over “dodgy pricing practices”.








It would be a big boost for the tourism industry if the change came in
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Image:

AFP via Getty Images)



Boris Johnson along with Chancellor Rishi Sunak, the Health Secretary Sajid Javid and Cabinet Office Minister Michael Gove will discuss the plan this coming week.

Under present rules anyone entering the UK has to pay for the PCR test by the second day of their arrival while arrivals from an amber listed country will have to have a PCR or lateral flow test before departing.



The test is not needed for anyone heading from a green-listed country but anyone coming from a destination on the red list will have to quarantine in a hotel for 10 days.

It means that travel is becoming easier especially within Europe where many countries have now stopped requiring a PCR test for the fully vaccinated.








PCR providers have been criticised for the cost for travellers of having the test with many firms
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Image:

Getty Images/iStockphoto)



For the tourism industry as a whole the rule change would be a breath of fresh air following the problems it has had to face during the pandemic.

Paul Charles, of The PC Agency travel firm, told the Mail on Sunday: “This would be a significant vote-winner with consumers and the industry.



“It’s exactly what we’ve been calling for because these tests have been expensive and too confusing.

“It’s a significant move that would boost confidence and help the travel sector recover substantially. It would help airlines, tour operators, and hoteliers, and crucially, it would help the inbound travel industry which is in turmoil.”





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