Travel Resumption In The Uk: When And How?

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a huge impact on the travel industry, with many countries imposing restrictions on international travel. In the UK, the government introduced a risk-based traffic light system, classifying countries as red, amber, or green based on the COVID-19 situation in each country. This system determined the rules for travellers entering England, with those coming from green countries facing fewer restrictions compared to those from amber or red countries.

Over time, as vaccination rates increased and the pandemic situation improved, the UK government gradually eased travel restrictions. Initially, the government announced that international travel could resume from May 17, 2021, with a four-stage roadmap for lifting COVID-19 measures, including the reopening of hotels and travel abroad. However, the specific dates for each stage were subject to change based on the latest data and recommendations from experts.

As of 2023, the situation has improved significantly, and non-essential travel is now permitted within the UK and to some countries with a controlled COVID-19 situation. While the traffic light system has been updated and simplified, travellers are still advised to check the latest government guidelines and recommendations before planning their trips.

Quarantine rules for travellers

As of May 17, 2021, international travel has resumed in the UK. However, there are specific rules and requirements that travellers must follow, depending on the country they are coming from.

The UK government has implemented a traffic-light system, classifying countries as either green, amber, or red, indicating the level of risk associated with COVID-19. These classifications are subject to change, and the list of countries is reviewed every three weeks.

Green Countries:

Travellers arriving from countries on the green list must:

• Fill in a passenger locator form
• Take a pre-departure test
• Book a COVID-19 test from a government-approved provider before travel
• Take a PCR test on or before day 2 of arrival

No quarantine is required for travellers from green-listed countries, and they do not need to take any further tests if the initial test result is negative.

Amber Countries:

For travellers arriving from amber-listed countries:

• A passenger locator form must be filled in
• A pre-departure test is mandatory
• A COVID-19 test must be booked from a government-approved provider before travelling
• Travellers must quarantine at home for 10 days
• PCR tests must be taken on day 2 and day 8 of the return, with the option to end quarantine early on day 5 with a negative test

Red Countries:

Arrivals from red-listed countries are required to:

• Fill in a passenger locator form, including details of their quarantine package
• Take a pre-departure test and obtain a negative result within three days before travelling
• Book a quarantine package, which includes a managed quarantine hotel, transport, and a travel test package, from a government-approved provider before travelling
• Quarantine for 10 days in a managed quarantine hotel
• Take PCR tests on day 2 and day 8 of the return, with no option for early release

The cost of the hotel quarantine period is the responsibility of the traveller and is estimated to be approximately £1,750 per person for the entire 10-day period.

All travellers entering the UK from outside the Common Travel Area must complete a passenger locator form within 48 hours before arrival. This form should include:

• Proof of a negative COVID-19 test result obtained no more than three days before departure
• A reference number and the name of a test provider if using the Test to Release scheme to end self-isolation early
• A booking reference for a post-arrival COVID-19 test package for tests on days 2 and 8 of isolation
• A booking reference for a hotel quarantine package if the traveller has visited a red-listed country in the previous 10 days

Additionally, travellers must take two COVID-19 tests while in quarantine on days 2 and 8, in addition to showing proof of a negative test no more than 72 hours before departure to the UK.

Exemptions:

While most travellers are required to follow these quarantine rules, there are some exemptions. Essential workers and individuals passing through the UK for necessary business are not mandated to self-isolate for 14 days. Some specific professions are exempt, including:

• Road haulage workers and road passenger transport workers
• Seamen, pilots, inspectors, and ship surveyors
• Air crew, shuttle staff, operational and rail maintenance workers
• Crown servants or government contractors performing essential work
• Extradition escorts
• Essential and emergency workers, as well as specialist technical workers in essential services
• Healthcare professionals working within 14 days of entering the UK
• People working in the UK but living abroad (or vice versa), travelling between the two countries at least once a week

Penalties:

The UK government has imposed strict penalties for travellers who do not comply with the quarantine rules. Travellers who fail to follow the hotel quarantine guidelines may face fines of up to £10,000. Providing false information on the passenger locator form, such as hiding travel history, can result in fines of $19,000 and even jail time of up to 10 years.

The traffic light system

Green-Listed Destinations

There are no quarantine requirements in the UK or the international destination. Travellers must do COVID tests before they depart and on or before day 2 of their arrival back in the UK.

Amber-Listed Destinations

Upon returning to the UK, travellers will be required to quarantine for ten days at home. Three PCR tests must be done: one before departure, and two more on days 2 and 8 of the return. Early release from quarantine can be obtained by purchasing an additional test on day 5.

Red-Listed Destinations

Non-essential travel is banned. A mandatory ten-day hotel quarantine will be enforced upon return from your destination, which must be booked via a government-authorised hotel at a minimum cost of £1,750. Three PCR tests must be done: one before departure, and two more on days 2 and 8 of the return.

Changes to the System

Over time, countries can be expected to move between colour categories, depending on their success in fighting the COVID pandemic. If a country becomes green-listed, there is no specific protocol in place. However, travellers and travel companies should check the destination country's protocols to determine if they have also updated their traffic light lists. If a country was green or amber-listed and is updated to amber or red, travellers will be given the opportunity to amend their travel plans up until the day of departure.

Booking COVID Tests

The price of mandatory COVID tests, required before and after travelling, has been a topic of discussion. It is important to purchase tests before travelling, to ensure peace of mind and security. The cost of PCR tests in the UK has decreased, and tour operators are now offering further reductions to encourage consumers to book with them.

Reciprocity

It is important to keep in mind that although a country may be on the UK's green or amber list, this may not be reciprocated. Some countries may not allow entry to travellers from the UK, and others may have stricter regulations for visitors. It is good to check what your destination requires of travellers, as well as what the UK will require of you upon your return.

Vaccination requirements

The UK's high vaccination rate has been instrumental in easing lockdown restrictions, with shops and attractions in London and across England reopening. The vaccination drive has also facilitated the resumption of non-essential travel within the UK and to some countries with controlled COVID-19 situations.

The UK government has implemented a risk-based "traffic light" system, categorising countries as "red", "amber", or "green". This system guides passengers entering England from abroad, with similar rules in place for Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.

Green List Requirements:

If you are travelling from a country on the green list, you can enter England without needing to quarantine. However, you must:

• Take a COVID-19 test before travelling to England, with proof of a negative result. The test must be taken within 3 days before the departure service to England.
• Book and pay for a day 2 COVID-19 test, to be taken after arrival in England, on or before day 2.
• Complete a passenger locator form.

Amber List Requirements:

For travellers arriving from amber list countries:

• Fill in a passenger locator form.
• Take a pre-departure test.
• Book a COVID-19 test from a government-approved provider before travel.
• Quarantine at home for 10 days.
• Take a PCR test on day 2 and day 8 of your return. Alternatively, you can use a test-to-release option on day 5 to end the quarantine early.

Red List Requirements:

For travellers arriving from red list countries:

• Fill in a passenger locator form, including details of your quarantine package.
• Take a pre-departure test and obtain a negative result within three days before travelling.
• Book a quarantine package, including a managed quarantine hotel, quarantine transport, and a travel test package, from a government-approved provider before travel.
• Quarantine for 10 days in a managed quarantine hotel.
• Take a PCR test on day 2 and day 8 of your return, with no option for early release.

The UK government reviews the traffic light list every three weeks, and the situation is constantly evolving as vaccination rates increase and COVID-19 cases fluctuate. Therefore, it is essential to stay updated with the latest government guidelines and travel advice before planning any trips.

The Global Travel Taskforce

The task force was launched as part of a four-stage roadmap for easing Covid-19 restrictions in England. The roadmap included the easing of restrictions on international travel and domestic holidays. The British government emphasised that the May 17 date was the "absolute best-case scenario" and would depend on the vaccine rollout continuing at pace and evidence that vaccines were effective in reducing hospitalisations.

The aviation minister, Robert Courts, defended the task force, arguing that it was "about making this [restart] work as quickly as we can in a sustainable way." He emphasised that the UK government was "leading" the way on the restart of travel in Europe and that the task force was not merely a "talking shop". Courts acknowledged the unpredictability of the virus and advised individuals to be flexible and consider their options when booking summer holidays.

The impact on the travel industry

The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the travel industry has been profound, with restrictions and lockdowns bringing travel to a standstill. The UK's travel industry has been eagerly awaiting the resumption of travel, which was announced to be from May 17, 2021, onwards, with a traffic-light system in place to classify countries based on their COVID-19 risk level.

The pandemic has had a significant impact on the industry, with a shift in consumer behaviour and preferences. There has been a rise in popularity for 'staycations' and local travel, as well as an increase in bookings for budget-friendly options. This has forced the industry to adapt and focus on providing value-for-money offerings and local tourism experiences. The industry has also had to address the changing dynamics of business travel, with a surge in virtual meetings and a reduction in non-essential business trips.

Technology has played a pivotal role in helping the industry navigate these challenging times, with advanced booking systems, data analytics, and AI-driven solutions enhancing customer satisfaction and operational efficiency. Sustainability and responsible tourism have also come to the forefront, with businesses adopting more environmentally friendly practices.

The road to recovery for the travel industry is likely to be focused on eco-friendly and sustainable practices, with technology continuing to play a key role in enhancing customer experiences and driving operational efficiencies. Marketing strategies will also need to evolve to highlight the value and benefits of responsible and sustainable tourism.

The UK's travel industry is known for its resilience and ability to adapt, and with the easing of restrictions, there is optimism for recovery and growth, with a new focus on sustainability, local experiences, and value for travellers.

Frequently asked questions