Travellers from the Netherlands heading to England will no longer have to show a negative coronavirus test to travel, under new rules introduced from Thursday.

And from Sunday people will no longer have to take a PCR test after being in the country for two days, although a cheaper lateral flow test will remain a requirement.

The move comes after British prime minister Boris Johnson said Omicron is so prevalent that tests are having limited impact.

The new ruling covers those passengers who are fully vaccinated or are under the age of 18.

✈️INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL UPDATE ✈️

We’re removing the temporary extra testing measures we introduced last year at the border to slow cases of Omicron coming to the UK. Now Omicron is the dominant variant & is widespread in the UK, these measures are no longer proportionate [1/6]

— Rt Hon Grant Shapps MP (@grantshapps) January 5, 2022

The Scottish government is expected to follow England later on Thursday. 

Travellers from the UK coming or returning to the Netherlands will, however, have to have a negative PCR test to travel and go into quarantine for at least five days on their return because the country is one of several considered to be a very high risk.

There are some exemptions from the quarantine rule, including necessary family visits to a close family member.