Ministers draw up plans to require passengers to show proof of booster jab to enter UK

Ministers are set to ditch the Covid testing system for fully vaccinated holidaymakers within days.

The move will give the hard-hit travel industry another boost after the Government scrapped pre-return tests and costly post-arrival PCR swabs earlier this month.

It will save a family of four around £80 to £100 on testing costs. As it stands, returning double-jabbed Britons must take one rapid lateral flow test by day two. If positive, they must take a confirmatory PCR test.

But ministers are preparing to scrap this requirement, with an announcement by next Wednesday. It will be the first time fully-vaccinated Britons can go abroad without having to test on return since travel swabs were introduced in January last year. 

Prime Minister Boris Johnson speaking during Prime Minister’s Questions on Wednesday

It is understood the definition of ‘fully vaccinated’ could remain two jabs rather than three until spring. After that, travellers who have not received a booster jab could face testing restrictions.

Unvaccinated travellers will remain subject to multiple tests and self-isolation.

Transport Secretary Grant Shapps is said to have been leading the charge for scrapping the remaining testing restrictions.

 However, all arrivals will still need to fill out a passenger locator form within 48 hours of arrival in England.

Boris Johnson came under pressure in the Commons over the issue from his predecessor yesterday after announcing Plan B curbs would be lifted.

The move will give the hard-hit travel industry another boost after the Government scrapped pre-return tests and costly post-arrival PCR swabs earlier this month 

Former PM Theresa May said: ‘If we’re going to learn to live with Covid, we need to facilitate travel. 

‘So will [Mr Johnson] take this opportunity to announce that when Plan B restrictions are removed next week, the Government will also make it clear that there will be no testing requirements for anybody entering England who is fully-vaccinated?’ 

He replied: ‘We’re certainly reviewing the testing arrangements for travel and [Health Secretary Sajid Javid] will be making a statement in the next few days.’

Alluding to the fact many countries will likely require three jabs as a condition of entry, he added: ‘But I think it’s very important everybody in the country understands that getting your booster, wherever you want to go in the world, is going to be a pretty crucial thing to do.’

Tim Alderslade, chief executive of Airlines UK, said: ‘Ministers have been saying all the right things about needing to get on with our lives – this feels like the last hurdle to achieving that.’