Uk Travel List: Updates And Changes Explained

The UK's traffic light system for international travel was introduced on May 17, 2021, dividing countries into green, amber, and red lists, each with varying quarantine and Covid testing requirements. The lists were initially expected to be reviewed every two weeks, with changes taking effect a week later. However, the government later confirmed that the lists would be reviewed every three weeks, with the first update expected between June 1 and 3, 2021, and changes taking effect on June 10. The Transport Secretary, Grant Shapps, indicated that the green list would be updated regularly to add more travel destinations.

The traffic light system

The criteria assessed for the traffic light system include infection rates, vaccination rates, and the possibility of new variants. Infection rates consider death statistics, the speed of infection, and the percentage of citizens infected. Vaccination rates take into account the number of citizens who have received their first dose, both doses, and those who are unvaccinated. The government also assesses the age groups of the vaccinated and unvaccinated populations. Variant possibilities are evaluated to understand the risk of new strains that current vaccines may not protect against.

The protocols for each category are as follows:

Green-Listed Destinations

Green-listed countries are deemed safe to travel to, with low infection rates, high vaccination rates, and a low risk of producing a variant strain. There are no quarantine requirements in the UK or the destination country. Travellers must, however, take COVID tests before departure and on or before the second day of their arrival back in the UK.

Amber-Listed Destinations

For amber-listed countries, travellers returning to the UK are required to quarantine for ten days at home. Three PCR tests must be conducted: before departure and on the second and eighth days after returning to the UK. An additional "test to release" option is available on the fifth day to end self-isolation early.

Red-Listed Destinations

Non-essential travel is banned for red-listed countries. Travellers returning from these countries must undergo a mandatory ten-day hotel quarantine, booked through a government-authorised hotel, at a minimum cost of £1,750. Three PCR tests must be taken: before departure and on the second and eighth days after returning to the UK.

It is important to note that countries can move between these categories as their success in fighting the COVID-19 pandemic changes. The government aims to keep the public informed about any changes to the traffic light system and the impact on travel plans.

The green list

The UK's green list was first announced in spring 2021 as part of a traffic light system, categorising countries and territories around the world based on Covid-19 risk. The list is reviewed every two to three weeks, with any changes coming into effect a week later.

The list is updated based on several criteria, including the percentage of a country's population that has been vaccinated, the rate of infection, the prevalence of variants of concern, and the country's access to reliable scientific data and genomic sequencing.

It's important to note that being on the green list does not guarantee quarantine-free travel, as some of these countries may still have entry requirements that include quarantine or bans on British travellers. Additionally, the green watchlist indicates countries that are at risk of moving to the amber list, which could affect travel plans, especially for unvaccinated individuals.

The amber list

When the traffic light system was first announced, it was confirmed that the rules would be reviewed every three weeks. This means that travellers would get three weeks between any colour changes, such as a country moving from green to amber, and the lights would be updated every two weeks, with an extra week to get home to the UK before the change was made.

However, there was some confusion over the timing of the first review. While it was initially suggested that the first review would take place on 7 June, the Independent's Simon Calder reported that it would actually happen on 3 June, with any changes to the list taking effect one week later on 10 June.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson has also advised against travelling to amber list countries, saying, "you should not be going to an amber list country except for in extreme circumstances, such as the serious illness of a family member. You should not go on holiday."

Despite this, some government figures have offered a different interpretation of the rules. Environment Secretary George Eustice told broadcasters that people could go to amber list countries as long as they observed quarantine rules on their return, and Welsh Secretary Simon Hart said that the public should ask themselves whether a trip to an amber list country was "essential" before conceding that "some people might think a holiday is essential".

Paul Charles, chief executive of travel consultancy The PC Agency, argued that there were many people who could "safely and responsibly travel to an amber country" to see family, do business, or visit a second property. He added that "it's vital consumers are aware that they will have to pay for tests and self-isolate on their return to the UK but it is safe to travel out to an amber country and not illegal in any way whatsoever."

The red list

The list is updated periodically, with countries being added or removed based on the latest risk assessments from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA). For example, on 26 November 2021, South Africa, Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Namibia, and Zimbabwe were moved onto the red list. On 15 December 2021, all 11 countries on the red list were removed as the Omicron variant spread in the UK and other countries, rendering the list less effective in slowing its incursion.

The Joint Biosecurity Centre (JBC) produces risk assessments of the spread of variants of concern internationally, covering factors such as surveillance and sequencing capability, available data, evidence of community transmission, exportation of new variants to the UK or other countries, and travel connectivity with the UK. These risk assessments inform the government's decisions on which countries to add or remove from the red list.

Covid testing and vaccination requirements

The UK's Covid-related travel restrictions have changed over time, with the government moving from a traffic light system to a simplified two-list system. As of 4 October 2021, countries are divided into a 'red list' and a 'rest of the world' list. The red list includes countries deemed to be at high risk for Covid, while the rest of the world list includes countries that are not on the red list. The Covid testing and vaccination requirements for entry into the UK differ depending on which list a country falls under.

For travellers arriving in the UK from a country on the 'red list', there are specific requirements that must be followed, regardless of vaccination status. These individuals must:

• Take a pre-departure Covid-19 test within 3 days of departure to the UK.
• Book a managed quarantine package and quarantine for 11 nights in a government-designated hotel.
• Take Covid-19 tests on day 2 and day 8 of self-isolation.
• Complete a passenger locator form.

Only British or Irish Nationals, or those with residence rights in the UK, can enter the UK from red list countries. They must also enter through a designated port.

For travellers arriving from countries on the 'rest of the world' list, the requirements differ depending on vaccination status. Fully vaccinated travellers and unvaccinated under-18s:

• Do not need to take a pre-departure Covid-19 test before travelling to the UK.
• Need to take a Covid-19 test on or before day 2 of their arrival in the UK.
• Do not need to quarantine on arrival or take any additional tests.

Unvaccinated travellers or travellers vaccinated with unauthorised vaccines:

• Must provide proof of a negative Covid-19 test taken within 3 days of departure to the UK.
• Must book and pay for Covid-19 tests on day 2 and day 8 after arrival.
• Must complete a passenger locator form within 48 hours before arriving in the UK.
• Must self-quarantine at home for 10 days after arrival.

It is important to note that the requirements for travel may vary depending on the specific country and the traveller's vaccination status. Additionally, individual countries may have their own entry requirements, such as proof of vaccination or a negative Covid-19 test. It is essential to check the latest guidance before travelling.

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