Red list restrictions on 11 African countries are set to be lifted as soon as this week, according to a report in the Mail on Sunday.
The countries were put on the UK’s red list as the Omicron variant of Covid-19 emerged earlier this month – forcing thousands of travellers into hotel quarantine for 10 days.
Less than three weeks after they were put on the red list, the Mail on Sunday reported that transport secretary Grant Shapps is said to have convinced colleagues quarantine should be replaced with testing for the fully vaccinated.
And instead of quarantine in a government-mandated hotel, travellers from former red list countries will need to isolate at home.
The report says the move is expected to be approved as soon as this week.
All countries were removed from the red list earlier this year as travel restrictions eased.
However, the emergence of Omicron in southern Africa prompted the government to put six countries in the region on the list, with effect from November 26.
Other African countries have since been added to the red list, including Nigeria, bringing the total to 11.
Last week, health secretary Sajid Javid has insisted tightened travel restrictions could be eased “in the days and weeks ahead” if the Omicron variant becomes dominant.
He said there would be less need for any travel restrictions if the new variant took hold.
On Sunday evening (December 13), prime minister Boris Johnson announced a ramping-up of the booster jab programme, warning that a “tidal wave” of Omicron is coming.
Also last week, Heathrow airport called on the government to allow UK nationals from red list countries to isolate at home so that they can be reunited with loved ones for Christmas.
John Holland-Kaye, Heathrow chief executive, said: “By allowing Brits to isolate at home, ministers can make sure they are reunited with their loved ones this Christmas.”