England has updated its traffic lights system. This will affect the rules of travel and quarantining for both inbound and return Brits to a variety of destinations. Canada, Denmark, and Switzerland have been upgraded from amber to green. Popular holiday destinations such as France, Spain, Greece, Portugal, and Italy remain on the amber listing.
In May, international travel to England was reopened under a traffic signal system. This categorizes countries according to their COVID-19 risk into red, green, or amber. Similar rules are in place for Wales, Northern Ireland, and Scotland. After making progress in its vaccination campaign, Canada was today announced as one of the countries that were promoted to green. Canada is preparing to open its borders for international tourists from all over the globe in September. This includes UK holidaymakers.
The amber-to-green upgrade was also made to Denmark, Finland Liechtenstein Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Switzerland and the Azores. The mid-risk amber listing remains unchanged at the moment.
Denmark was one of the countries that were upgraded to the low risk green category for travel Eugene Anball/500px
It's bad news for travellers planning to travel to Thailand, as the country in Southeast Asia was named a high-risk nation. It joins Montenegro, which is also on the red list. This means that non-essential travel from these countries to England is now closed due to increasing coronavirus cases. These new rules will take effect Monday, August 30, at 4am.
Traveling to England? All arrivals, except those from the UK or Ireland, must pass a PCR test prior to entering the country. A second test will be required on the second day of arrival. A passenger locator form must also be completed by all travelers. Depending on your origin, you may need to fill out additional forms.
France was among the countries that were bumped to amber Justin Tallis/AFP/Getty Images
What are the rules regarding green list arrivals?
The green list is for destinations with low infection rates and high vaccination rates. They are therefore not subject to quarantine rules. All arrivals must have a negative COVID-19 test result within 72 hours of arriving in England. After arriving in England, they must take another test and complete a passenger locator form. This includes passengers who have been vaccinated.
What are the rules regarding arrivals to amber lists?
The amber list includes mid-risk countries, and many of England's top outbound tourist destinations. If they have been fully vaccinated within the UK, EU and the US before arriving in England, they are exempted from quarantine. They must still take the COVID-19 test within 72 hours of arriving in England. If they have a negative result, they will need to present it to authorities. They will also have to book another test upon arrival in England, and complete a passenger locator form.
Travelers from Amber countries will need to be quarantined for 10 days in England or at their accommodation. Two COVID-19 testing will be required when they arrive in England. One within 48 hours and one on the eighth day of their quarantine period. These tests must be completed within 72 hours of arrival in England.
What are the rules regarding red-list arrivals?
It is illegal to travel non-essentially from red-list countries. This is a country where there is still a high risk of COVID-19. These countries are only open to British, Irish and UK citizens. However, they can travel to England via these countries but must quarantine in a government-approved hotel. For the duration of quarantine, the cost for one adult is 2285. Children between five and 12 years old pay 325
Red-list country passengers are asked to undergo a COVID-19 testing within 48 hours after arriving. A second test can be taken on or after the eighth day of quarantine. All arrivals are subject to the same rules, regardless of their vaccination status.
The red list includes Mexico, Peru, Chile, Kenya and Turkey.
