ALL travel corridors that allow arrivals into the country have now closed.

People arriving in the UK, at airports including Gatwick, will have to show proof of a negative coronavirus test before being allowed into the country.

The test must be taken 72 hours before setting off and anyone arriving without it can be fined up to £500.

The ban came into force at 4am on Monday, in a bid to keep out new coronavirus strains – such as those which have been discovered in Brazil and South Africa.

All passengers will still be required to quarantine for up to 10 days but the isolation period can be cut short with a negative test after five days.

The Argus: Passengers at Gatwick airport will have to provide a negative test before arrvingPassengers at Gatwick airport will have to provide a negative test before arrving

EasyJet chief executive Johan Lundgren said the loss of travel corridors will not have a “significant impact” on his airline in the short term as flight numbers were already limited due to the pandemic.

He told Today that the minimum number of days arrivals must wait to take a negative test releasing them from quarantine could be reduced from five days to three days.

“We know that there’s a big difference between people’s willingness to sacrifice to go and travel if you have to quarantine for 10 days or 14 days, down to five days or even three days,” he said.

“So it’s really, really important that, as part of the plan for recovery, the Government also has the plan to unwind these restrictions that are in place.”

The Department for Transport announced on Monday that business travellers, performing arts professionals and journalists have lost their exemption from travel restrictions.

Other people who must now abide by the rules include those working in “high-end” television production and film, ornamental horticulture, advertising and for the National Lottery.

Aircraft crew, hauliers, offshore oil and gas workers and people involved in elite sport are among those whose exemptions remain.