Shapps outlines pre-travel test requirement for arrivals

The move will come into effect next week and will apply to anyone seeking to travel to England by air, sea or rail.

Shapps said the new rules would guard against the import of new strains of Covid-19, such as those detected in Denmark and more recently in South Africa.

Arrivals from non-travel corridor destinations will still be required to self-isolate for 10 days upon arrival, even if their pre-departure Covid status is negative.

Travellers will have to present evidence of their negative test result to their carrier upon arrival at their departure airport, as well as their completed passenger locator form.

UK Border Force will then conduct spot checks on arrival, with passengers subject to immediate £500 fines for non-compliance..

The Scottish government has confirmed it too will introduce a pre-travel testing requirement, and it is understood the UK’s devolved administrations in Wales and Northern Ireland are also looking at similar measures.