International arrivals to be required to produce a negative test result

The Transport Secretary has announced international arrivals will be required to produce a negative COVID-19 test result before departure for England.

Under the new rules inbound passengers arriving by boat, plane or train will have to take a test up to than 72 hours before departing the country they are in, and present proof of a negative COVID-19 test result to carriers, as well as their passenger locator form. The UK Border Force will conduct spot checks on arrival into England to ensure that passengers are fully compliant.

Permitted travellers will need to take their test up to 72 hours before departure, and this will apply irrespective of whether a country is on the travel corridor list. 

Those arriving from a country not on the travel corridors list will still have to self-isolate for 10 days, regardless of test result, although this can be shortened using the test to release scheme.

Government press release. The new rules are expected to come in in England next week, and in Scotland, 'as soon as possible'. Wales and Northern Ireland are looking at similar measures.

Further guidance is expected, including details of exemptions.