Test to Release Scheme

The government’s ‘Test to Release’ scheme has been rolled out as of today, 15th Dec 2020, meaning that self-isolation period on return to the UK from countries not on the travel corridor list could be cut from 10 days to 5 days with a negative test result.

How It Works

The scheme is voluntary and applies to those self-isolating in England only. If you don’t want to opt into it, then you will need to self-isolate until 10 full days have passed since you were last in a place that is not on the travel corridor list.

To take part in the scheme you need to:

Book a test with a private test provider
Choose to opt into the scheme on the passenger locator form

The government has compiled a list of providers for the Test to Release scheme to book a test with a private provider. The list can be found here.

You will be asked to enter details of your test in the passenger locator form in order to take part in the scheme. Therefore you should book your test before travel to England. If you decide to take part after you have arrived in England, you will need to complete another passenger locator form.

You will have to pay the private test provider for your test. You will need to book an individual test for each person opting into Test to Release, including children.

The Rules

If you have been somewhere that is not on the travel corridor list, you must self-isolate when you arrive in England.

The earliest you can take the test if 5 full days after you were last in a place that is not on the list. For most international arrivals this will be on your 5th full day of isolation.

If your test is negative you can stop self-isolating as soon as you receive the result. If the test is positive, you need to self-isolate for another 10 days. Count the 10 days starting from the day you took the test, or from when you first had symptoms if that is earlier. People you live with in the UK, if people you are staying with, should also self-isolate for 10 days from the date of your positive test.