The UK Changes Amber List Rules on “Freedom Day”

The public health and safety protocols that travelers must adhere to will vary based on where they’re coming from and where they’ve been within the previous 10 days.

Changes in the Country Categories as of July 19

• Red List Changes: Cuba, Indonesia, Myanmar, Sierra Leone have been added to the “red list.” Guidance remains that people should not travel to red list countries or territories. See the full list of red countries and regions.
• Amber List Changes: The British Virgin Islands and the Balearic Islands have been added to the “amber list.” See the full list of amber countries and regions.
• Green List Changes: Bulgaria, Hong Kong, and Taiwan have been added to the “green list.” See the full list of green countries and regions. 

The green, amber, and red lists are updated every 3 weeks.

Health and Safety Protocols as of July 19

• Red Countries: If coming from a red list country or region, only British or Irish Nationals or those with residence rights in the UK can enter. Permitted travelers 10 and older must take a COVID-19 test before traveling; and all travelers must complete a passenger locator form and book a quarantine hotel package, including 2 COVID-19 tests.
• Amber Countries:
  • If Fully Vaccinated Under the UK Vaccination Program: Travelers 10 and older must take a COVID-19 test before traveling; travelers four and older must book and pay for a day 2 COVID-19 test to be taken after arrival in England. All travelers must complete a passenger locator form. Travelers will not need to quarantine if the test results are negative.
    • The amber list rules for fully UK vaccinated people do not apply to France. Travelers from France will need to quarantine for 10 days on arrival in England and take day 2 and day 8 COVID-19 tests.
  • If NOT Fully Vaccinated Under the UK Vaccination Program: Travelers 10 and older must take a COVID-19 test before traveling; all travelers must complete a passenger locator form. On arrival, travelers must quarantine for 10 days and take a COVID-19 test on or before days 2 and 8.
• Green Countries: Travelers 10 and older must take a COVID-19 test; travelers 4 and older must book and pay for a day 2 COVID-19 test to be taken after arrival in England. All travelers must complete a passenger locator form.

From May 17, the UK Home Office imposed a red, green, and amber traffic light system, with varying requirements depending on recent travel history.

Erickson Immigration Group will continue to send updates as more news is available. If you have questions about anything we’re reporting above or case-specific questions, please contact your employer or EIG attorney.