Scotland has announced it will be come into line with England and Wales and allow Lateral Flow Tests for Day 2 testing from 31 October.
The move was welcomed by Barrhead Travel President Jacqueline Dobson.
“We can finally move into the Christmas period with the most sustainable and accessible travel framework that we’ve had since before the pandemic,” she said.
“A four-nations approach is the only feasible way for international travel to fully recover – so it’s positive to see decision-making that is much more in sync than earlier this year.
“Confidence is returning to the market: reflected in the growth in demand across October from our customers.
“With every announcement comes an increase in bookings and I expect this move will be no different.”
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said the switch from PCR tests to cheaper LFTs would take place at 4am on 31 October.
She said the Scottish Government had decided to align with England ‘for practical reasons’. England began allowing arrivals to take LFTs on 24 October and Wales is set to follow on 31 October.
Travellers will be able to book Lateral Flow Tests from the list of providers on the gov.uk site in advance of arrival into Scotland from around 5pm on Friday.
“These tests cost between £20-£30 – which is less than a PCR test – so I am sure this change will be welcomed by travellers, and by the travel industry,” said Ms Sturgeon. “However it is important to stress that if a lateral flow test is positive, a PCR test must then be booked to confirm the result.”
