Britain’s much-derided Coronavirus (COVID-19) 'traffic light' travel system is to be scrapped today, according to reports.
Amber ratings are set to go alongside the requirement for PCR tests for those who have been double-jabbed while dozens of countries are to move off the red list, the Times said.
Boris Johnson is expected to announce the changes later.
Airline and travel company shares jumped on the report with both industries heavy critics of the confusion and expense caused by the existing system.
PCR tests cost on average around £100 or even more for the fastest response and have to be taken before travelling and on returning to the UK.
For unvaccinated travellers, the rules are likely to be tightened said the reports, while the Telegraph suggested passengers will also now have to pay £30 for lateral flow tests as free provision by the government will no longer be available.
Environment Secretary George Eustice told Sky News that no decisions had been made yet but any changes would be confirmed by the Cabinet COVID sub-committee later today.
“Obviously we took an important step earlier this summer when we removed the need to quarantine for those countries coming from amber list countries - that was a really big step forward - but we have retained the need for testing, and that's really so we can pick up any variants of concern through that PCR test.
"But, look, I know this has been raised by the travel industry, that they think some of that testing may be unnecessary, may be onerous - the Government will be listening to that.”
Shares in British Airways owner IAG jumped 3.6% to 147.6p and holiday group TUI by 4.1% to 297.3p.