All international arrivals, including UK nationals, will be required to present a negative Covid-19 test taken up to 72 hours prior to departure for entry into the UK.
Those arriving from a country not in the travel corridor scheme will still need to quarantine for 10 days.
Transport secretary, Grant Shapps said: “We already have significant measures in place to prevent imported cases of Covid-19, but with new strains of the virus developing internationally we must take further precautions.
“Taken together with the existing mandatory self-isolation period for passengers returning from high-risk countries, pre-departure tests will provide a further line of defence - helping us control the virus as we roll out the vaccine at pace over the coming weeks.
UKHospitality CEO Kate Nicholls said: “If we want to instil confidence in travellers and gradually encourage international visits then common international standards for pre-departure testing around the world are vital. It is encouraging to see the government addressing the issue and looking to restore confidence among the public.
“In due course, as travel resumes, restrictions are lifted and travellers’ confidence is restored, this pre-departure testing must replace quarantine. This can boost confidence as well as ensuring that safety remains a priority.
“Sections of the hospitality sector draw a substantial amount of their business from international visitors, be they tourists or business travellers. Getting these visits back up and running safely and smoothly will be key to securing the future of the hospitality sector and therefore the whole economy.”