As of 4 October, the traffic light system that classifies countries according to three risk categories will be scrapped, keeping only a "red list" of countries, for which the limitations will continue to be greater.

The British government intends the measures "to reduce the cost of travel", while continuing to protect public health, said Minister Grant Shapps.

The measures apply to England, as the rules for Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland are determined by the respective autonomous regional governments, although they have so far remained broadly aligned.

Until now, before returning to England, people travelling from countries on the “amber list”, such as Portugal, had to present a negative antigen test before boarding and carry out a PCR test within the first 48 hours after arrival.

However, for people with full vaccinations, it will be possible to replace the PCR tests required on arrival with antigen tests, which are significantly cheaper.

Non-vaccinated people will continue to be required to take a test before boarding and PCR tests on the second and eighth days after arrival.

Shapps said this system is "simpler and more straightforward", that it will also be cheaper, "allowing more people to travel, meet their families or do business around the world, while boosting the travel industry."