Today the Government are announcing additional mandatory measures at the border, meaning people will need to provide a negative coronavirus test before entry into the UK, helping us control the virus as we roll out the vaccine at pace over the coming weeks.

The Government already have significant measures in place to prevent imported cases of Covid-19, but with new strains of the virus developing internationally – such as in Denmark and South Africa – we must take further precautions now.

From 4am on Friday 15 January, people entering England from abroad will be required to present a negative coronavirus test taken up to 72 hours prior to departure. People will also still be required to self-isolate for ten days, regardless of their test result, as an additional layer of safety, if they are arriving from countries not on the Travel Corridor list.

This will provide a further line of defence, helping us control the virus as we roll out the vaccine at pace over the coming weeks.

Passengers will be required to show their negative test result before boarding, and transport operators will deny boarding if necessary. On arrival back into the UK, Border Force will check passengers test results through the current spot check regime, to ensure that individuals are compliant with the new rules, and passengers will be subject to an immediate fine of £500 if they fail to comply with the new regulations on pre-departure testing.

All travellers will still be required to complete a passenger locator form before arrival into England. This is critical in being able to track the virus in case of any local outbreaks, and those who fail to complete a passenger locator form will be subject to an increased fine of £500.