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More changes affecting international arrivals and students: pre-departure travel tests introduced

In light of emerging evidence on the Omicron variant, the UK government has taken the decision to extend the requirement for pre-departure Covid tests for all passengers aged 12 and over travelling to the four nations of the UK from any country.

The new requirement applies regardless of vaccination status and came into effect from 4am on Tuesday 7 December. Tests will need to have been taken within 48 hours of the date of departure and can be either a PCR or lateral flow.

Commenting on the new additional travel restrictions, Jodie Gray, chief executive has said:

'The return of pre-departure tests is yet another obstacle to the recovery of UK ELT, particularly when travel confidence is already fragile. The longer the current raft of measures continue, the more UK ELT, as part of the wider international tourism industry, will need targeted financial support to survive and recover thereafter. We are calling for a price-cap on PCR tests and a commitment from the government to lift measures as soon as scientific advice allows.'

Red-list countries

Nigeria was moved to the red list from 4am on Monday 6 December. UK and Irish citizens and residents arriving from Nigeria must isolate in a government-approved managed quarantine facility for 10 days, and receive two negative PCR tests, as further precautionary action is taken against the Omicron variant.

• Government press release: Tests required before travel to UK and Nigeria added to red list
• Quarantine and testing requirements for red list countries and territories
• For test locations overseas visit the GOV.UK foreign travel advice pages

English with Confidence

For full Covid-19 travel information for agents and students visit our English with Confidence website.