UK Transport Secretary Grant Shapps announced yesterday that beginning 15 December international arrivals by air, sea or rail to England from points outside the country's travel corridor list will have the option to take a COVID-19 test after being in quarantine for 5 days.

Since 8 June, international arrivals - including returning Brits - have been required to quarantine for 14 days. This has put a damper on UK international travel, both inbound and outbound.

Arrivals will have to pay for the tests themselves - 65 to 120 GBP - and make their own arrangements to use a government-approved provider.

Mr. Shapps 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."

More than 30 countries, including Portugal, Italy and Germany, have introduced a form of passenger testing. France and Portugal require no quarantine on arrival if individuals can show a recent negative test result.

It's unknown when or if "Test to Release" will be rolled out to the rest of the UK.