Uk's Travel Traffic Light System: What Does It Mean?

The UK's traffic light system for travel is a scheme that determines the safety of international travel during the COVID-19 pandemic. Each country is evaluated based on infection and vaccination rates, as well as the possibility of new variants, and assigned a colour: green, amber, or red. The system dictates the requirements and restrictions for travellers returning to the UK from these countries, such as testing, quarantine, and self-isolation rules. The lists are reviewed every three weeks, and any changes are implemented after one week.

Testing requirements for green list countries

The UK's traffic light system for international travel categorises countries as either red, amber, or green, depending on their COVID-19 infection rates, vaccination rates, and variant possibilities. The system is designed to evaluate the safety of international travel and protect UK citizens from the risks of COVID-19.

For travellers returning from green list countries, there are specific testing requirements to be followed. These requirements are in place to ensure the safety of the traveller and the wider UK population. Here are the key testing protocols for green list countries:

• Pre-Departure Testing: All travellers returning from green list countries must take a COVID-19 test before their departure. This can be a lateral flow test or a PCR test, depending on the specific requirements of the country. The test must be taken within a specified time frame, typically 72 hours or less before the departure flight.
• Passenger Locator Form: In addition to testing, travellers must complete a Passenger Locator Form. This form should be filled within 48 hours of arriving back in the UK. It is an essential step in the travel process and helps the authorities track and manage any potential COVID-19 exposure.
• Day 2 Testing: Upon arrival in the UK, travellers from green list countries are required to take a COVID-19 test on or before the second day of their return. This test is crucial to identify any potential infection acquired during travel.
• Quarantine Requirements: Unlike amber and red list countries, travellers returning from green list countries are not required to quarantine. However, if a traveller tests positive on the day 2 test, they will need to self-isolate immediately and follow the latest government guidelines for COVID-19 positive cases.
• Additional Testing: It is important to note that some green list countries may have their own specific testing and quarantine requirements for incoming travellers. These requirements are determined by the destination country's government and are separate from the UK's testing protocols. Therefore, travellers should always check the latest entry requirements for their destination country before planning their trip.
• Testing for Vaccinated Travellers: The testing requirements for vaccinated individuals vary. Fully vaccinated travellers are generally exempt from quarantine requirements and may not need to take a pre-departure test before travelling to the UK. However, they still need to comply with the destination country's entry requirements, which may include specific testing and quarantine protocols.
• Testing Packages: To facilitate travellers, leading package holiday providers are offering testing packages at a lower cost. These packages can be booked along with the holiday reservation, providing convenience and potential savings for travellers.

It is important to stay informed about the latest testing requirements as they can change frequently. Travellers should refer to official government sources and seek guidance from reputable travel agents to ensure they comply with all necessary testing protocols when travelling to and from green list countries.

Testing requirements for amber list countries

The UK's traffic light system for travel is a scheme that determines the safety of international travel. It evaluates the pandemic state of countries outside of the UK based on certain criteria, then assigns them a colour based on how safe it is deemed to travel there. The three categories are green, amber, and red. Each colour has protocols in place to ensure that UK citizens are as safe as possible when travelling to destinations with different levels of risk.

• Pre-departure test: All travellers must prove they have tested negative with a PCR test 3 days before starting their journey back to England. This applies to all travellers, regardless of vaccination status or citizenship. Failure to do so may result in a fine of up to £500.
• Day 2 test: Upon arrival in England, travellers must take another test on the second full day.
• Quarantine: Travellers returning to the UK from amber list countries are required to quarantine for 10 days within the confines of their home.
• Day 8 test: Travellers must take another PCR test 8 days after their return to the UK.
• Test to release: Travellers can opt to pay for an additional test 5 days after their return to the UK to end their quarantine period early. However, they will still need to take the test on day 8.

Exemptions for Fully Vaccinated Travellers

As of July 19, 2021, fully vaccinated travellers returning from amber list countries are exempt from the quarantine requirement. However, they must still take a pre-departure test and a PCR test on day 2 of their return.

Fully vaccinated travellers are those who have completed a course of an approved vaccine at least 14 days before arriving in the UK. The approved vaccines are those administered under the UK vaccination programme or an approved overseas vaccination programme. Under 18s follow the same guidance as fully vaccinated travellers.

Exemptions for Non-Vaccinated Travellers

Non-vaccinated travellers must follow the testing and quarantine requirements outlined above. They must also complete a Passenger Locator Form within 48 hours of arriving in the UK and enter their pre-booked Day 2 PCR test booking reference number on the form.

Testing requirements for red list countries

The UK's traffic light system for travel is a scheme for determining the safety of international travel during the COVID-19 pandemic. Countries are evaluated based on infection and death rates, vaccination rates, and the possibility of new variants. They are then assigned a colour—green, amber, or red—which indicates the safety of travelling there and the protocols travellers must follow upon their return to the UK.

Red list countries are deemed to be incredibly high risk. Non-essential travel to these countries is banned. Travellers returning to the UK from a red list country must:

• Take a pre-departure test. This must be a privately booked PCR test, taken within 72 hours of arriving back in the UK. Failure to present a negative test may result in a fine of up to £500.
• Quarantine for 10 days upon arrival in the UK. This must be done in a government-authorised hotel, with a minimum cost of £1,750.
• Take a PCR test on day 2 and day 8 of quarantine.
• Take a "test to release" on day 5 (optional). This allows travellers to end their quarantine early if they receive a negative test result. However, they must still take the test on day 8.

Quarantine rules for amber list countries

The UK's traffic light system is a scheme that determines the safety of international travel by evaluating the pandemic state of countries outside the UK. The system categorises countries as either green, amber, or red, each with their own set of protocols to ensure the safety of UK citizens travelling to these destinations.

The amber list comprises countries that have moderate COVID-19 risks associated with travelling to and from them. Here are the quarantine rules for travellers returning to the UK from amber list countries:

For Fully Vaccinated Travellers:

• Provide evidence of a negative COVID-19 test (either PCR or antigen) taken within three days before departure.
• Complete a Passenger Locator Form within 48 hours of arriving in the UK, which will include details of your COVID-19 test.
• Take a PCR test on or before day two of your arrival back in the UK.
• No need to quarantine upon return.

For Unvaccinated or Partially Vaccinated Travellers:

• Provide evidence of a negative COVID-19 test (either PCR or antigen) taken within three days before departure.
• Complete a Passenger Locator Form within 48 hours of arriving in the UK.
• Take a day two and day eight PCR test.
• Quarantine for 10 days upon arrival in the UK.
• You may take an additional test on day five, and if negative, you can end your quarantine early, but a test on day eight is still required.

It is important to note that these rules are subject to change, and travellers should stay updated with the latest government guidelines.

Quarantine rules for red list countries

The UK's traffic light system for travel is a scheme that determines the safety of international travel during the COVID-19 pandemic. Countries outside the UK are evaluated based on specific criteria and assigned a colour (green, amber, or red) indicating the risk level associated with travelling to that destination.

Countries on the red list are considered high risk and have the toughest travel restrictions in place. Here are the quarantine rules for travellers returning to the UK from red list countries:

• Mandatory Hotel Quarantine: Travellers returning from red list countries are required to undergo a mandatory 10-day quarantine period in a government-authorised hotel. The cost of this quarantine period has increased to up to £2,285, which covers the accommodation, food, security, essential services, and COVID-19 tests during their stay.
• Arrival Airports: Travellers from red list countries can only arrive at designated entry points, which currently include five airports in England: Farnborough Airfield, London Heathrow, Birmingham, Manchester, and Gatwick. Arriving at any other airport may result in a penalty of up to £10,000 and the requirement to cover the cost of transportation to the nearest designated entry point.
• Booking Process: Travellers must book their quarantine hotel in advance through an online portal. Failure to book a quarantine hotel before arriving in England can result in a penalty of up to £4,000, in addition to the cost of quarantine.
• Testing Requirements: All travellers from red list countries must fill out a Passenger Locator Form and provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test result taken within three days of departure to England. During the quarantine period, they must also take COVID-19 tests on day two and day eight of their quarantine.
• Payment Options: The cost of hotel quarantine is £1,750 for the first adult, £650 for an additional adult or child over 12, and £325 for a child between 5 and 12 years old. People on income-related benefits can apply for a deferred repayment plan, allowing them to pay back the cost in 12 monthly instalments.
• Penalties for Non-Compliance: Travellers arriving in England from red list countries who fail to comply with the quarantine rules face potential fines of up to £10,000. Providing false information on passenger locator forms can result in even harsher penalties, including imprisonment of up to 10 years.
• Exemptions: There are some exemptions to mandatory hotel quarantine, including government contractors, defence personnel, and hauliers travelling from Portugal.

Frequently asked questions