LONDON - The Britih government says that international travellers will be asked to produce a negative Covid-19 test before being allowed into the UNITED KINGDOM (UK).

The new rules, which will come into force next week, apply to returning UK nationals as well as foreign citizens.

Passengers will need to produce a test result taken less than 72 hours before their journey, and could be fined £500 without a negative result.

From some time next week, most international arrivals, including UK nationals, will be required to present a negative Covid-19 test taken up to 72 hours prior to departure to the UK. The procedure will be at the passenger’s expense. It will not apply to arrivals from the republic of Ireland.

Children under 11, lorry drivers and flight, sea and rail crew will be exempt. Passengers travelling from countries deemed to lack “the infrastructure available to deliver the tests” will also avoid the requirement.