Eligible fully vaccinated passengers arriving from countries not on the red list will be able to take a lateral flow test on or before day two of their arrival rather than a PCR test. These can be booked from 22 October.
Travellers will be able to order cheaper lateral flow tests from private testing providers as an alternative to a PCR, which will reportedly offer faster results.
Passengers will need to take a photo of their lateral flow test and booking reference supplied by the private provider and send it back to them to verify the result.
Travellers will 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.
Those who have already bought a PCR do not need to buy another test, the government said.
The arrival test must be taken as soon as possible on or before the second day of a passenger’s arrival in the UK. Anyone who tests positive will need to self-isolate and take a confirmatory PCR test.
Health secretary Sajid Javid said the change is possible due to the "incredible" progress of the UK’s vaccination programme.
"We want to make going abroad easier and cheaper, whether you’re travelling for work or visiting friends and family," he added.
Transport secretary Grant Shapps said the rule change will "boost the travel industry" and is a "major step forward" in normalising international travel and encouraging people to book holidays with confidence.
"Today’s rule changes will make testing on arrival simpler and cheaper for people across the country who are looking forward to well-earned breaks for this October half-term," Shapps continued.
