The government is understood to favour scrapping pre-departure tests and PCR testing for travellers who are double jabbed, according to reports in Thursday’s national press (16 September).

According to The Telegraph, transport secretary Grant Shapps and chancellor Rishi Sunak are thought to back the move as part of a new streamlined testing regime that could reportedly save a family of four up to £400 on an autumn holiday abroad.

Ministers also plan to replace expensive PCR tests, which travellers have to take on day two of their arrival in the UK, with cheaper lateral flow tests. They are expected to finalise the plans at a Cabinet Covid-O committee meeting on Thursday or Friday.

The Financial Times, citing a "government insider", reported that ministers will announce that people who have had two jabs will no longer need to take a Covid-19 test before entering England, in a bid to boost the travel industry ahead of the winding down of furlough support at the end of the month.

The expected rule changes come months after backlash from the travel industry over the UK’s complex travel regulations.

Speaking to Sky News on Sunday (12 September), health secretary Sajid Javid said he wanted to end PCR testing for those returning to the UK "as soon as he possibly could".