British authorities have cut the quarantine requirement to 5 days upon arrival to the country. The new order is becoming effective on December 15th and will only be applicable for those who test negative for Covid-19.

Travelers coming to England from countries not on the government’s “quarantine free list” will be able to spend only 5 days on quarantine instead of the standard 14 days. For the initial 5 days, it will still be mandatory to self-isolate, but if the test shows negative after 5 days, the quarantine can be stopped without any delay. Wales, Northern Ireland, and Scotland will set their policy independently.

Testing will not be free of charge – the passengers will have to pay up to £120. They will also be free to decide which properly authorized provider to choose.

The Transport Secretary said, “Our new testing strategy will allow us to travel more freely, see loved ones and drive international business. By giving people the choice to test on day five, we are also supporting the travel industry as it continues to rebuild out of the pandemic.”

Earlier, Prime Minister Boris Johnson confirmed that the countrywide lockdown would not be extended and would end as planned on December 2nd. Instead, a three-tier regional system will be executed.