The last year has been pretty surreal, with the COVID-19 reaching pandemic proportions it’s put a halt to the travel industry – severely reducing global tourism and flying for leisure. As avid travel geeks, it has been a very different year for us. We’ve gone from flying at least once a month to a grand total of two flights in the last year. However, things seem to be easing up a little, in the UK, at least.
It feels like there’s light at the end of the tunnel and we’re slowly coming out of the lockdown with a strong possibility of travelling for leisure this summer. However, as the situation varies across the world, the UK government has mapped our a framework to safely reopen international travel.
So, how does the traffic light system works, where can you go and what is the traffic light system?
What is the traffic light system?
The new traffic light system will categorise countries based on risk alongside the restrictions required for travel. Countries will be grouped into Green, Amber and Red. Each group will have its own set of rules on things like PCR tests to quarantine requirements if you visit.
- Green: arrivals will need to take a pre-departure test as well as a PCR test on or before day 2 of their arrival back into the UK – but will not need to quarantine on return (unless they receive a positive result) or take any additional tests, halving the cost of tests on their return from holiday
- Amber: arrivals will need to quarantine for a period of 10 days and take a pre-departure test, and a PCR test on day 2 and day 8 with the option for Test to Release on day 5 to end self-isolation early
- Red: arrivals will be subject to restrictions currently in place for ‘red list’ countries which include a 10-day stay in a managed quarantine hotel, pre-departure testing and PCR testing on day 2 and 8
What are the key dates and when will we know more?
Although the traffic light system has been announced, the countries have not been categorised yet.
A COVID-19 charter will also be introduced from 17 May 2021, clearly setting out what is required of passengers and what their rights are while measures remain in place. A list of countries have now been announced that are on the green list:
Restrictions will be formally reviewed on 28 June 2021. This will take into account the domestic and international COVID situation. It will seek to determine if current measures could be rolled back.
Further formal reviews will take place at checkpoints no later than 31 July and 1 October 2021.
Green list countries
Do Your Research
While we’ve made every effort to ensure we’ve presented accurate information, the situation is changing continually.
We therefore recommend you check directly your home and destination government websites before travelling. For more detailed information about travel to the UK during the COVID pandemic visit: https://www.gov.uk/uk-border-control
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