Travellers’s Q&A as new measures are announced to tackle Omicron Covid variant

As new travel restrictions come into effect, we answer the key questions

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The government has announced travel measures to tackle the new Omicron coronavirus variant. From 4am on November 30, anyone who enters the UK must take a PCR test by the end of the second day after arrival and self-isolate until they have received a negative result.

Prime minister, Boris Johnson, announced the measures at a press conference at the weekend, just weeks after international travel rules were eased to allow cheaper lateral flow tests.

complete a passenger locator form – to be completed in the 48 hours before you arrive in England

self-isolate

take a PCR test before the end of day 2 after you arrive (lateral flow tests will not be accepted). You cannot use an NHS test for this. You must use a private test provider.

Take a Covid-19 test (antigen test, LAMP test or PCR test) in the three days before you return. If your test result is positive, you must not travel. You must follow local rules and guidance for positive coronavirus cases.

Complete a Passenger Locator Form in the 48 hours before you return.

Pre-book a mandatory 11-night quarantine hotel package, which will include two PCR tests, taken on day two and day eight, and add the details to your Passenger Locator Form.

In England, Wales and Northern Ireland, children aged four and under do not need to take any tests on their return to the UK. Children aged 5-17 only need to take a day two test (lateral flow or PCR).

In Scotland: children aged 10 and under do not need to take any tests on their return. Children aged 11-17 only need to take a day two test (lateral flow or PCR).