From 4am on 18 January, if people intend to travel to England, Scotland, or Wales, including UK nationals returning home from travel abroad, they must provide evidence of a negative COVID-19 test result taken up to 3 days before departure.

If they do not comply (and they do not have a valid exemption) the airline or carrier may refuse them boarding and/or they may be fined on arrival. All other current entry requirements and restrictions continue to apply.

The Prime Minister Boris Johnson explained the new rules at today's Coronavirus briefing, 'Because we have the hope of that vaccine and the risk of new strains coming from overseas that we must take additional steps now to stop those strains from entering the country.

'So, yesterday we announced that we are banning flights from South America and Portugal.

'And, to protect us against the risk of as yet unidentified new strains, we will also temporarily close all travel corridors from 0400 on Monday.

'Following conversations with the devolved administrations, we will act together so that this applies across the whole of UK.'

Johnson expanded, 'This means that if you come to this country, you must have proof of a negative Covid test that you have taken in the 72 hours before leaving and you must have filled in your Passenger Locator Form, and your airline will ask for proof of both before you take off.

'You may also be checked when you land and face substantial fines for refusing to comply

'And, upon arrival, you must then quarantine for ten days – not leaving your home for any reason at all, or take another test on day 5 and wait for proof of another negative result.

'And we will be stepping up our enforcement – both at the border and in-country.

'And it is vital to take these extra measures now when day by day, hour by hour, we are making such strides in protecting the population.'

(source: www.gov.uk/)