Welsh ministers consider private travel test U-turn
Will PayneThe Welsh government is reportedly considering plans to scrap a ban on travellers using private Covid tests when returning from abroad.
According to current guidance, travellers from Wales should use NHS tests, which cost £68 each, when going abroad or face a £1,000 fine.
According to the BBC, Wales first minister Mark Drakeford said in July he had "no plans" to change the country’s approach to travel tests.
But a Welsh government spokesperson reportedly confirmed that the policy is now being reviewed.
Wales is the only UK nation that requires overseas travellers to use NHS PCR tests on day two of their return and day eight if unvaccinated.
The Scottish government announced last Friday that it would follow England and Northern Ireland in allowing travellers to use PCR tests provided by private firms on their return from international travel.
In August, the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) announced a review into the Covid testing system for overseas travel.
A number of Welsh travellers reportedly told BBC Wales they have used private PCR tests without any issues.
The Welsh administration has said anyone who arrives in Wales and has booked tests with a private test provider could still face a fine of £1,000.
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