UNDERSTANDING TRAFFIC LIGHTS
We all (should) understand the workings of traffic lights when driving, however if only it was that simple with the new definition of traffic lights being used by the UK to categorise the 3 levels of travel conditions for different countries with regard to Covid.
Introduced since May, the system includes a green, amber and red list of countries, with each colour meaning different rules around testing and quarantining.
Since Monday 19 July, UK residents who are fully vaccinated do not have to isolate when travelling back from amber list countries, making the list more accessible for the 73% of adults who have received both doses of a Covid vaccine.
Here’s what the rules for each traffic light colour are, we have not included the list of countries as this will keep changing, but if you check out:
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/red-amber-and-green-list-rules-for-entering-england
There you will find the current list of countries for each colour.
GREEN
One pre-departure test up to 72 hours before returning to the UK (type unspecified).
One PCR test on or before day two of arrival in the UK.
No quarantine unless a test is positive.
Countries with low cases and deaths, high vaccination rates and low numbers of ‘variants of concern’ have been given the green light.
It’s worth remembering that other countries’ travel policies will differ from ours; so even if the government lists a country as green, we may not be allowed to enter if that country bans international travel. Countries may also have their own testing requirements upon arrival, although some have said they plan to waive quarantine for fully vaccinated travellers.
AMBER
As mentioned above, since Monday 19 July, UK residents and citizens who are fully vaccinated or under 18 do not have to isolate when travelling back from amber list countries. The following rules still apply to anyone over 18 who is not double-vaccinated.
One pre-departure test.
Quarantine at home for 10 days on arrival in the UK.
PCR test required on days two and eight of quarantine (reduced to day five by paying for the cost of an extra test on that day if it’s negative – although this is not an option in Northern Ireland).
Amber countries include mainland Spain, Greece and France, and more than 100 other countries, with many in Europe.
RED
One pre-departure test.
On arrival, passengers must quarantine in a hotel for 10 days at a cost of £2,285 per person.
PCR test required on days two and eight of quarantine (included in the quarantine hotel package).
Passengers must book and agree to pay for a quarantine package before departing for the UK.
WILL THE TRAFFIC LIGHT COUNTRIES CHANGE?
Yes they will, regularly so be sure to check. The lists and restrictions will be reviewed every three weeks, meaning some more countries could be moved up or down in time for high summer. Since country lists and regulations are likely to still be somewhat fluid, we recommend booking a trip with a flexible policy and investing in travel insurance with Covid cover for extra peace of mind. Keep a mask handy even if not required, better to stay say and continue to get the borders open!
Source:
cntraveller.com
