Melissa Carey
The UK's traffic light system for international travel has caused widespread confusion, with many unsure whether travel to countries on the amber list is permitted. While the government advises against holidays in amber list countries, it is not illegal to travel to these destinations. However, there are several rules and restrictions in place for those who do choose to travel.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Is it illegal to visit amber list countries? | No, but the government advises against it. |
| Do I need to prove I have an essential reason to visit an amber list country? | Not necessarily. The UK government no longer stipulates that you need to show evidence of an "essential" reason to go abroad. However, the destination you're planning on travelling to might require this depending on its current entry regulations. |
| What does the Foreign Office advice say? | It's usually the FCDO advice that determines whether your travel insurance will be invalidated or not. If it advises against all non-essential travel to your destination, your insurance won't cover you (unless you've bought a specialist policy). |
| Are tour operators offering holidays to amber list destinations? | Yes, some major UK travel operators are taking holidaymakers to amber list destinations. Airlines are also operating daily flights to a number of amber list destinations. |
| What are 'extreme circumstances'? | Essential and extreme circumstances could include unavoidable work commitments. |
What You'll Learn
Quarantine-free travel for fully vaccinated passengers returning from amber list countries
Foreign travel has opened up in England under a traffic light system, with countries classified as green, amber, or red and given restrictions to match based on the risk of importing coronavirus infections back into the UK.
Quarantine-free travel will resume for fully vaccinated passengers returning from amber list countries. This change will also include children under the age of 18. Until then, the Department for Travel continues to warn Brits against visiting amber and red destinations for “leisure” purposes.
The UK government no longer stipulates that travellers need to show evidence of an “essential” reason to go abroad, regardless of the destination country's list status. However, the destination country may still require this depending on its current entry regulations.
Under the new plans, those who have been double-jabbed will be allowed to follow green list guidance, which means they will have to take tests before and after travelling home.
The change could save summer holidays for many as Spain, Portugal, Greece, and the United States are currently on the amber list. Under current rules, Britons must self-isolate for ten days on their return.
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No proof of an essential reason to visit amber list countries
As of May 17, 2021, the UK government no longer requires proof of an essential reason to visit amber list countries. This means that people can now travel to these countries for non-essential reasons such as holidays, visiting family and friends, or leisure purposes. However, it is important to note that each country has its own rules and restrictions around travel, so it is advisable to check the latest regulations for your destination before planning a trip.
When returning to the UK from an amber list country, there are specific requirements that must be followed. These include taking a pre-departure test and PCR tests on days two and eight after arrival. Adults who are not fully vaccinated against COVID-19 are also required to self-isolate for 10 days at home. It is worth noting that the UK government advises against travelling to amber list countries for leisure purposes, but there are no fines or penalties for going against this advice.
The list of amber countries includes popular holiday destinations such as Greece, Spain, Portugal, Italy, and the Canary Islands. While the UK government allows travel to these countries, it is important to check the entry regulations and requirements of the specific country as they may differ. For example, France, which is on the amber list, had restricted travel from the UK in 2021, effectively banning people from holidaying there.
The UK's traffic light system for international travel categorises countries as green, amber, or red based on the risk of importing coronavirus infections. The green list countries are considered the safest, and travellers returning from these destinations are not required to quarantine. However, testing requirements may still apply. It is important to stay updated with the latest travel advice as the situation can change rapidly during the pandemic.
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No fines or penalties for travelling to amber list countries
While the UK government advises against holidaying in any country not on the green list, recreational international travel is no longer illegal in England. Guidance is not the same as law. The Department for Transport has advised travellers that they "should not be travelling to 'amber' and 'red' countries for leisure", but there are no fines or penalties issued for going against this advice.
Until 19 July 2021, the Department for Travel continued to warn Brits against visiting amber and red destinations for “leisure” purposes. However, this was lifted from 4 am on that date. Quarantine-free travel resumed on 19 July for fully vaccinated passengers returning from amber list countries.
As of 17 May 2021, the UK government no longer stipulates that travellers need to show evidence of an “essential” reason for going abroad, regardless of whether the destination is green, amber, or red. However, the destination being travelled to might require this depending on its current entry regulations. It is recommended to check the latest rules on the Foreign Office (FCDO) destination pages.
It is worth noting that the rules for returning to the UK differ depending on whether the traveller is returning to Scotland or elsewhere in the UK. For those returning to Scotland, the rules are tighter – all international travellers, regardless of their origin destination, must enter managed quarantine. For those returning elsewhere in the UK, travellers must fill in a passenger locator form, present a negative Covid test taken within three days of departure, and self-isolate at home for 10 days upon return.
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Travel insurance and FCDO advice
The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) provides up-to-date travel advice, entry requirements, and crime levels for each country. It is important to check the FCDO's advice on your destination and any countries you may transit through on your journey there or back to the UK.
The FCDO sometimes issues advice against "all but essential travel" or "all travel" to certain countries or parts of countries because of the threats posed by coups d'etat, civil unrest, disease, natural disasters, and terrorism.
If such advice is in place, the majority of travel insurance policies will not cover you, and you will not be insured if you travel against formal FCDO advice. However, some niche operators will provide varying levels of cover in some circumstances if you travel against the advice issued by the UK government. These include Avanti Travel Insurance, battleface, Cedar Tree, CoverForYou, Outbacker, Staysure, and Voyager Insurance.
If the FCDO advice changes after you've bought your policy, you will likely be covered. It is best to check your individual policy for any limitations and restrictions.
If you travel against FCDO advice, you will not be covered by travel insurance if the advice was in place at the time you bought the policy. Your travel insurer will not cover you if you travel against FCDO advice because you are knowingly taking a risk by choosing to travel.
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Tour operators offering holidays to amber list countries
Tour operators are offering holidays to amber list countries, with Tui, a major UK travel operator, taking holidaymakers to amber list destinations. Tui has stated that it wants to offer its customers flexibility and choice, and will operate to destinations where borders are open and FCDO advice allows travel. The company reviews its cancellations in line with government updates every three weeks.
Holiday Hypermarket, a package holiday comparison website, also offers holidays from major tour operators to amber list countries. The company offers money off big-name brands, including Tui, and is fully ATOL protected.
Airlines are also operating daily flights to a number of amber list destinations, including Barcelona, Tenerife, and Alicante in Spain, and Miami and Philadelphia in the US.
It is important to note that the UK government advises against holidaying in any country not on the green list, and travellers should be aware of the latest rules and regulations regarding travel to amber list countries.
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Frequently asked questions
No, but the government advises against it.
You will need to demonstrate evidence of a negative Covid test before travelling and then quarantine for 10 days upon arrival. You must then take a PCR test on or before day two and on or after day eight.
Not necessarily. As of 17 May, the UK government no longer stipulates that you need to show evidence of an “essential” reason to go abroad. However, your destination country might require this.
It depends on the FCDO advice. If it advises against all non-essential travel to your destination, your insurance won't be valid unless you have a specialist policy.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson has urged people only to travel to these locations "in extreme circumstances". Health Secretary Matt Hancock said people should not visit amber list countries "unless it’s absolutely necessary, and certainly not for holiday purposes”.
