The UK’s travel regulations are undergoing changes once again

In recent weeks, the UK's travel rules have seen several modifications.

Only days after new locations were added to the 'green list,' several countries, including Majorca, are being downgraded back to 'amber' status.

This latest update comes as travel guidelines, along with the risk-based 'traffic light' system, continue to create confusion for those hoping to travel after the lifting of the foreign holiday ban in May.

Here’s everything you need to know about the current UK travel rules, including the most recent green list and green watch list additions, as well as forthcoming adjustments for amber-designated countries.

Are UK residents now permitted to travel abroad for vacations?

Since May 17, residents of England, Scotland, and Wales have been allowed to go on holiday, after restrictions that previously banned nonessential overseas travel were lifted.

The relaxation of travel rules for Northern Ireland residents took place on May 24.

Despite the changes, UK government officials have repeatedly cautioned travelers that the experience will be very different due to ongoing concerns about Covid-19.

On June 21, UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson emphasized to reporters that, regardless of the situation, this will be a challenging year for travel.

"There will be inconvenience, there will be delays, because the top priority is to ensure the country remains safe and prevent the virus from re-entering."

On July 19, social distancing rules in England were lifted, and wearing face masks has become optional in all environments.

What countries are currently on the green list?

The UK's traffic light system categorizes travel destinations by safety, with 'green' countries or territories considered the safest, meaning travelers to these locations won't have to quarantine upon their return.

Here is the complete green list as of Monday, July 19. The destinations in bold are currently on the 'green watchlist,' indicating they are at risk of being downgraded to amber:

Anguilla

Antarctica/British Antarctic Territory

Antigua and Barbuda

Australia

Barbados

Bermuda

British Indian Ocean Territory

Brunei

Bulgaria

Cayman Islands

Croatia

Dominica

Falkland Islands

Faroe Islands

Gibraltar

Grenada

Hong Kong

Iceland

Israel

Madeira (an autonomous group of Atlantic islands belonging to Portugal)

Malta

Montserrat

New Zealand

Pitcairn Islands

Singapore

South Georgia and South Sandwich Islands

St Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha

Taiwan

Turks and Caicos Islands

Portugal was initially placed on the green list but was downgraded to amber on June 8.

It's important to note that entry to Australia, Brunei, the Faroe Islands, New Zealand, and Singapore is highly restricted, so just because a destination appears on the list doesn’t guarantee UK travelers can visit.

Which countries are accessible to residents of England?

Travelers from England can visit 'green' list countries without the need for quarantine on return, as long as they take a predeparture test and a PCR test on or before day two of their return to the UK.

That being said, some countries currently on the green list, like New Zealand and Australia, remain closed to international travelers.

While it's possible to visit countries marked as 'amber' or 'red,' the restrictions are far more stringent, making them much less appealing options.

Travelers heading to 'amber' listed destinations, such as Portugal, Greece, Spain, and Italy, and who are not fully vaccinated, must quarantine for 10 days upon return, take a predeparture test, and undergo PCR tests on day two and eight of their isolation.

However, most 'amber' destinations – excluding France – offer a test-to-release scheme, allowing travelers to take a PCR test after five days of quarantine. If the result is negative, they can then leave quarantine and resume normal activities.

UK Transport Secretary Grant Shapps has confirmed that, from July 19, fully vaccinated UK residents returning from amber list countries won't need to quarantine, provided they are vaccinated through the UK rollout.

However, residents will still need to take a Covid-19 test before returning home, as well as a second test on day two after arrival.

Children under 18 will no longer have to self-isolate, but they will still be required to undergo testing, as confirmed by Shapps.

This announcement comes as British Airways and Virgin Atlantic revealed plans to pilot fast-track lanes at Heathrow for fully vaccinated travelers on select flights.

The trial will cover four routes, allowing passengers on flights from Athens, Los Angeles, Montego Bay, and New York to upload their vaccination details before boarding.

Which countries are available for travel if I live in Scotland, Wales, or Northern Ireland?

So far, the separate 'green lists' issued by Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland have mirrored England’s list.

However, the countries included on each list may change based on the specific needs of each nation.

How does the UK determine which countries are placed on its lists?

The UK government has stated that its decisions are based on factors such as the Covid-19 transmission risk in a country, the risk from variants of concern, and the country’s genomic surveillance capacity.

The UK’s Joint Biosecurity Centre conducts risk assessments for each destination, using data such as the number of vaccination doses administered per 100 people. More details on the data used and methodology can be found here and here.

Is it advisable to book a summer holiday in a country on the amber list?

The amber list includes some of the UK’s favorite holiday spots, such as Portugal, Italy, Greece, Spain, and France.

Government advice is that UK residents should avoid booking holidays to amber list countries or planning nonessential travel. However, it’s no longer illegal to do so. The amber list can change at any time, meaning countries could move to green or red.

Can I take a holiday within the UK?

Travelers from England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland can travel anywhere within these nations, and overnight stays at hotels, B&Bs, and hostels are allowed, though group size restrictions vary by location.

Travelers planning to visit any of the Scottish islands are recommended to take two lateral flow tests prior to their journey.

Will I need to quarantine when I return home?

Quarantine requirements depend on whether the country you're traveling to/from is on the 'green,' 'red,' or 'amber' list.

If you are arriving from a 'red' list country, you will need to quarantine in a designated hotel for 10 days at your own expense. Hotel bookings must be made via the online portal, and the cost for a single adult is £1,750.

Designated quarantine hotels are available in England and Scotland. If your final destination is in Wales or Northern Ireland, you will need to book a hotel in either England or Scotland.

If you're arriving from an 'amber' list country, you must quarantine at home for 10 days. Your household members don’t need to quarantine unless they traveled with you, show Covid symptoms, or test positive.

Arriving from a 'green list' country means quarantine is not required. However, testing still applies. You must take a Covid test on or before day two of your quarantine, and again on or after day eight.

If you're coming from an 'amber list' country, you may be able to shorten your quarantine through the Test to Release scheme. After paying for a private test, if it’s negative, you can end your quarantine. This can only be done after staying in England for at least five days.

When arriving from a 'red' or 'amber' destination, your passenger locator form must include details about your quarantine destination.

You may use public transport to reach your quarantine destination, but only if you have no other option. For full details, refer to the official guidance here.

While you're in quarantine, NHS Test and Trace will contact you.

When can we expect changes to the rules?

The UK government has stated that the 'red,' 'amber,' and 'green' lists will be 'continuously monitored' and updated every three weeks. It's important to stay informed about your destination before you travel, as there’s no certainty that a 'green' country will remain on the list.

Regarding the system overall, travel restrictions will be officially reviewed on June 28, and no later than July 31 and October 1, 2021.

Will I need to be vaccinated in order to travel?

Some destinations, like Iceland, are welcoming international travelers who can provide proof of vaccination. In some cases, a recent negative Covid-19 test or proof of recovery from the virus may also be accepted.

The rules vary greatly by country, so it’s important to check the specific requirements for your destination both before you book and closer to your departure date.

Do I need a Covid test to travel?

Yes. Travelers heading to approved countries must take a pre-departure test, as well as a PCR test on or before day two upon returning to the UK.

Your destination may require a Covid test. Currently, most countries that allow travelers to enter demand a recent negative PCR test result before granting entry.

Portugal, which is currently on the “amber” list, will now accept lateral flow tests for travelers arriving from the UK, as well as from EU and Schengen nations.

When will UK residents be allowed to fly to the United States?

The United States is still on the UK’s “amber” list. As mentioned earlier, the UK advises against nonessential travel to “amber” countries. Additionally, UK citizens have been barred from entering the US since March 2020, and this travel ban remains in effect.

When the initial “green list” destinations were announced, the World Travel & Tourism Council expressed frustration that the US was excluded, criticizing the UK government for being overly cautious.

Airlines have been pushing for the reopening of the transatlantic travel corridor, a key route that was among the busiest globally before the pandemic hit.

It’s unclear when the United States will be added to the “green list,” but it’s expected to happen around the same time the US eases its restrictions on UK travelers.