I am pleased that international travel can begin to reopen safely from 17 May, allowing people to go on summer holidays to countries on the ‘green list’. These destinations have low rates of infection and you can travel with the confidence provided that you follow all of the necessary regulations. This is a huge step back on the road to normality as the vaccination roll out continues and restrictions are lifted.
The ‘Stay in the UK’ regulation will lift on 17 May, meaning leisure travel will no longer be illegal. However, strict border control measures will remain in place as international travel gradually resumes. Different levels of restriction will be applied to individuals returning to England from countries based on the traffic light system.
‘Green list’
People are being guided on where they can safely visit without needing to quarantine on return to England – starting with the additions of Portugal including the Azores and Madeira, Israel and Jerusalem and Singapore among others to the ‘green list’. They will still need to take a pre-departure test up to 72 hours before their return travel, and a single PCR test on or before day 2 of arrival into England.
In total, 12 countries and territories have been added to the green list. These are:
- Australia
- Brunei
- Falkland Islands
- Faroe Islands
- Gibraltar
- Iceland
- Israel and Jerusalem
- New Zealand
- Portugal (including the Azores and Madeira)
- Singapore
- South Georgia and South Sandwich Islands
- St Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha
However, many ‘green list’ countries will continue to place restrictions on UK travellers, including quarantine measures, so passengers are encouraged to check all requirements and FCDO travel advice before they book any foreign travel.
‘Amber list’
The countries on the ‘amber list’ can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/red-amber-and-green-list-rules-for-entering-england#amber-list
Before you return to England you must: complete a passenger locator form, take a COVID-19 test, and book and pay for day 2 and day 8 COVID-19 travel tests - to be taken after arrival in England
Once you arrive in England you must both quarantine at home or in the place you are staying for 10 days, and take a COVID-19 test on or before day 2 and on or after day 8.
‘Red list’
The countries on the ‘red list’ can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/red-amber-and-green-list-rules-for-entering-england#red-list
Before you travel to England you must complete a passenger locator form, take a COVID-19 test, and book a quarantine hotel package, including 2 COVID-19 tests. On arrival in England you must quarantine in a managed hotel, including 2 COVID-19 tests.
Given that the virus is still spreading in many parts of the world, people should not be travelling to amber and red countries for holidays. 10-day hotel quarantine requirements will remain in place for those returning from ‘red’ countries, and quarantine at home alongside stringent testing will be required for those returning from ‘amber’ destinations.
