Blog Post

Travel Traffic Light System

Ian Holmes • 4 June 2021

4th JUNE 2021: TRAVEL TRAFFIC LIGHT SYSTEM EXPLAINED 

How does the travel traffic light system work? A colour grouping method has been adopted by the Department of Transport which ranks countries according to their respective Covid-19 risks. The higher the risk, the more stringent the measures.


The following criteria is used to place countries as green, amber or red:


• The percentage of vaccinated people;

• The rate of infection.

• The prevalence of variants; and

• Their access to up-to-date scientific data and genome sequencing


Travelling within the UK You do not need to take a COVID-19 test or quarantine on arrival in England if you are travelling within the UK, Ireland, the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man and you have not been outside of the Common Travel Area in the previous 10 days.


What you will need to do


Red Status

Pre Departure (at destination) - PCR Test and complete online passenger locator form


On arrival to the UK - PCR Test on days 2 and 8


Quarantine on arrival to the UK - 10 days in a pre-booked Government approved hotel


Amber Status

Pre Departure (at destination) - PCR Test and complete online passenger locator form


On arrival to the UK - PCR Test on days 2 and 8


Quarantine on arrival to the UK - 10 days self isolation and optional day 5 PCR test


Green Status

Pre Departure (at destination) - PCR Test and complete online passenger locator form


On arrival to the UK - PCR Test on or before day 2


Quarantine on arrival to the UK - Not required unless PCR test result is positive


GREEN STATUS

There are a number of countries on the green list, however, it’s worth noting that some still have domestic restrictions in place for incoming travellers.


At the time of writing this guide, the four green-listed countries that are open to tourists who are exempt from quarantine are:


Gibraltar - The population of Gibraltar became fully vaccinated back in March 2021 and as part of the British Union Territory, welcomes those coming from the UK without the requirement of a PCR test.


Iceland - Travellers are welcome providing they can present a certificate of being fully vaccinated or show proof of having a previous Covid infection. The Icelandic Government will accept the UK NHS vaccination card as evidence. Holidaymakers will need to pre-register their visit at https://visit.covid.is/ and undergo at least one Covid-19 screening (free of charge) on arrival. Visitors will have to wait at their accommodation for a test to arrive, typically within 24 hours.


Israel - As of the 23rd May 2021, vaccinated tourists can visit Israel. A PCR test is required prior to travel with a negative test result presented within 72 hours. Visitors are required to take another PCR test upon arrival.


PORTUGAL WILL BE REMOVED FROM THE GREEN LIST AND TRANSFERRED TO AMBER ON THE 8TH JUNE 2021


The following countries are also rated as ‘green’ but are not yet open to holidaymakers:

• Australia

• Brunei

• Falkland Island

• Faroe Islands

• New Zealand – currently closed to all visitors

• Singapore

• South Georgia and South Sandwich Islands

• St Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha


It’s not that travel is denied to these countries but permission to enter (for a valid reason) along with strict testing and long quarantine measures can make short-term travel restrictive. Visitors will need to check the exact rules of entry prior to booking a trip so not to get caught out.


The good news is that passengers who have only visited or transited through a green list country will not be required to quarantine on arrival in England, but do have to:

• Complete a passenger locator form

• Provide a valid negative Covid-19 test result prior to travel

• Take a private PCR sequencing test on day 2 after arrival


AMBER STATUS


Any country not listed as green or red should be assumed as amber. Popular holiday hotspots such as Spain, France, Italy, and Greece are on the amber list with Portugal being added on the 8th June 2021. Despite these countries opening their borders to arrivals from the UK, The UK Government advises against all but essential family and business travel to amber rated countries.


Passengers who have visited or transited through an amber country on their way to England, must:


• Complete a passenger locator form

• Provide a valid negative Covid-19 test result prior to travel

• Quarantine / self-isolate at home for 10 days

• Take a private PCR sequencing test on day 2 and day 8 after arrival Passengers will be given the option to reduce their isolation period with an optional PCR test on day 5 under the Test Release Scheme


RED STATUS


This list of countries that are red rated can be found on the UK Government website here: https://www. gov.uk/guidance/red-amber-and-green-list-rules-for-entering-england#red-list


It will come as no surprise that the UK Government advises against all travel to red rated countries, and to protect against the virus and importation of variant strains, those who have visited or transited through a red country in the previous 10 days will be refused entry into England with the exception of British and Irish citizens with residents’ rights, who must stay in pre-booked government approved accommodation for 10 days.


The estimated costs to individuals to quarantine, including transfer from the airport, food and two PCR tests, is around £1,750.


Helpful links:


Guidance for British people travelling abroad during the Covid pandemic: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/travel-advice-novel-coronavirus


Green, Amber and Red list rules for entering England: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/red-amber-and-green-list-rules-for-entering-england


Red listed countries: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/red-amber-and-green-list-rules-for-entering-england#red-list


Amber listed countries: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/red-amber-and-green-list-rules-for-entering-england#amber-list


Green listed countries: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/red-amber-and-green-list-rules-for-entering-england#green-list


FCDO travel advice during Covid: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/travel-advice-novel-coronavirus#fcdo-travel-advice-during-covid


Countries and territories can move between lists. The UK Government intends to update lists every three weeks. You can sign up to receive alerts by email when visiting www.gov.uk

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