Traveling To Amber Countries: What You Need To Know

The UK government's traffic light system for international travel during the COVID-19 pandemic categorised countries as red, amber, or green. Amber countries were those that were deemed to pose a moderate risk to travellers. The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) advised against all but essential travel to amber list countries. Travellers returning to the UK from amber countries were required to take a pre-departure test and quarantine at home for 10 days, taking a PCR test on day 2 and day 8. However, those who were fully vaccinated were exempt from quarantine and only needed to show proof of a negative lateral flow test before departure and take a PCR test within two days of arrival.

Do I need to quarantine when returning from an amber country?

As of 19 July 2021, fully vaccinated adults and all children returning to the UK from amber list countries do not need to quarantine. However, they will still need to take a PCR test on their second day back. If this test returns a positive result, then you should quarantine for 10 days from the date of the test.

If you are not fully vaccinated, you will need to quarantine for 10 days on your return from an amber list country. You can use the Test to Release test to leave quarantine after the fifth day (if you test negative for COVID).

What tests do I need to take before returning to the UK from an amber country?

The FCDO advises against all but essential travel to amber list countries.

If you are fully vaccinated in the UK, US or EU, or are under the age of 18, you do not have to quarantine when returning to the UK from an amber country. However, you must show proof of a negative lateral flow test before departure, and take a PCR test within two days of arrival in the UK. The second jab must have been administered at least 14 days prior to entry into the UK.

If you are not fully vaccinated, you will need to take a pre-departure test before returning to England and must quarantine at home for 10 days, taking a PCR test on day 2 and day 8.

What happens if I test positive for COVID-19 when returning from an amber country?

The FCDO advises against all but essential travel to amber list countries. Amber countries require a pre-departure test before returning to England and a 10-day quarantine at home, with PCR tests on day 2 and day 8. If you test positive for COVID-19 on either of these days, you must follow your local/national guidelines on what to do if you have tested positive. This doesn't necessarily mean you have symptoms, and it's entirely possible to be infected without knowing. It is important to follow government advice for symptoms of COVID-19, including booking a symptomatic COVID-19 test if you develop any symptoms at any time after leaving quarantine.

What are the amber list rules for fully vaccinated travellers?

The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) advises against all but essential travel to amber list countries. This includes tourism.

If you are fully vaccinated, you do not need to quarantine when returning to the UK from an amber list country. You must show proof of a negative lateral flow test before departure, and take a PCR test within two days of arrival in the UK. The second jab must have been administered at least 14 days prior to entry into the UK.

If you are not fully vaccinated, you must quarantine at home for 10 days, taking a PCR test on day 2 and day 8.

What are the amber list rules for unvaccinated travellers?

The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) advises against all but essential travel to amber list countries. This means that tourism is not recommended.

If you are unvaccinated and choose to travel to an amber list country, you will need to take a pre-departure test before returning to England and must quarantine at home for 10 days, taking a PCR test on day 2 and day 8. You will also need to take a negative PCR test 3-5 days before arrival, a negative PCR test on arrival, and then another negative PCR test on day 7 of quarantine.

If you are travelling with children, they will not need to isolate if they are under 18 and a UK resident. However, children aged five and over will need to take a PCR test on day two.

It is important to note that unless the FCDO advises it is safe to travel, it will be difficult to find valid insurance.

Frequently asked questions