Traffic Light System for Travel

Last updated: 5th August 2021

 

The government no longer recommend against travel to amber list countries. Fully vaccinated passengers returning to the UK from Amber list countries, including those who are under 18, will not need to quarantine on arrival in England or take a COVID-19 test on day 8. For further information read the announcement about the rule changes.

Some requirements will still remain in place regarding testing on day 2 and passenger locator forms, therefore please ensure you are fully up to date with the changes and visit gov.uk for the latest travel requirements for entering England.

  

The government's traffic light system for travel abroad puts countries into red, amber, and green lists depending on a number of COVID-19 related factors. What you must do when you arrive in England from abroad depends on where you have been in the 10 days prior to your arrival and from July 19th will depend on whether you are fully vaccinated or not.

 

For more detailed information, including which countries are rated as red, amber or green for Coronavirus (COVID-19) and the rules you must follow to enter England, please visit the gov.uk site.

 

What are the red, amber and green list rules?

 

Everyone entering England from overseas (including UK nationals and residents) must provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test taken within 3 days prior to direct departure to England.

Before departure check the list of red, amber, and green countries, as the list can change regularly.

 

Red list passengers

1. Book a managed quarantine package

2. Complete a passenger locator form

You can only enter if you are a British or Irish National, or you have residence rights in the UK. You must enter through a designated port of entry and quarantine in a government approved hotel for 10 days.

 

Amber list passengers

1. Book tests for day 2 and 8

2. Complete a passenger locator form

3. Make plans to self-quarantine in private accommodation for 10 full days after arrival (or full duration of stay if less than 10 days)
15

If you are arriving from an Amber country, and have been fully vaccinated through an approved vaccination programme, at least 14 days before your arrival in England, you must:

1. Book a test for day 2

2. Complete a Passenger Locator Form

 

Green list passengers

1. Book a test for day 2

2. Complete a passenger locator form

 

These measures apply to all persons (including UK nationals and residents) arriving in England from outside the common travel area comprising the United Kingdom, Ireland, the Isle of Man, and the Channel Islands. The British Overseas Territories are not in the common travel area. Public health requirements may vary depending upon in which nation of the UK you’re staying.

 

These are mandatory requirements to travel - including the passenger locator forms. Failure to comply with the above measures is a criminal offence and you could be fined. Boarding can be refused by the carrier if the above conditions are not met.

 

Please note: NHS tests will not be accepted for travel.

 

Need more Coronavirus information? Head back to our Coronavirus hub page for more information, or find out more about specific country travel restrictions via the boxes below.