Unvaccinated Brits may be forced to take two PCR tests for all foreign travel

The results of a formal review of Covid restrictions for overseas travel are expected within weeks

Ministers are looking at simplifying the traffic light system (

Image: Tejas Sandhu/Getty Images)

Unvaccinated Brits could be forced to take two costly PCR tests on arriving in the UK as part of an overhaul to Covid travel rules.

Ministers are looking at simplifying the traffic light system for foreign travel for double jabbed travellers within weeks.

But people who haven’t been vaccinated could face tougher rules, as the Government seeks to encourage more younger people to get inoculated.

Arrivals without both doses would be required to take two PCR tests on arrival in the UK from all countries under a review of travel rules expected to be approved by ministers tomorrow, according to The Times.

Unvaccinated travellers could also be required to isolate for up to ten days.

PCR tests are currently mandatory on day 2 of arrival back in the UK
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Image:

AFP via Getty Images)

Rules for fully jabbed Brits look set to be relaxed, with proposals to drop the need for arrivals to take a PCR test on their second day back.

The requirement for a pre-departure lateral flow test up to 72 hours before travelling to the UK could also be axed.

Sources told the paper the changes could come into force from October 4, ahead of school half term.

But a Government source branded reports “speculation” and insisted no decisions had been made yet.

Officials are conducting a formal review of foreign travel rules by October 1 – with speculation mounting that the green and amber lists could be simplified into one category.

The red list would remain in place for high risk countries, which means some travellers would still be required to quarantine.

On the review, a Government spokesperson previously said: “Our international travel policy is guided by one overwhelming priority – protecting public health.

“Decisions on our traffic light system are kept under regular review and are informed by the latest risk assessment from the Joint Biosecurity Centre and wider public health factors.

“The next formal checkpoint review will take place by 1 October 2021.”

The regular update to the countries on each list could be announced tomorrow after Boris Johnson’s Cabinet reshuffle derailed Government business.

The announcement had been expected today.