The UK Updates Guidance for Red, Amber, and Green Countries

On Thursday, July 8, the UK Home Office updated its guidance and traveler requirements for the Traffic Light System. The most significant change in this update is that the UK government will no longer recommend against travel to amber list countries and fully vaccinated travelers from amber list countries will not need to quarantine on arrival in England or test on day 8.

 

Guidance for Travelers from Red List Countries and Territories

Travelers who have been in a country or territory on the red list in the 10 days before arriving in England, will only be allowed to enter the UK if they are a British or Irish National, or have residence rights in the UK.

Before arriving, travelers must:

 

On arrival in England, travelers must:

The full list of Red countries and territories is available here.

 

Guidance for Travelers from Amber List Countries and Territories

UPDATE: From 4 am, Monday, July 19, the government will no longer recommend against travel to amber list countries. Travelers coming from amber regions who are fully vaccinated with an NHS vaccine, will not need to quarantine on arrival in England or take a COVID-19 test on day 8.

Until July 19, travelers must follow the following rules, even if they have been vaccinated.

Before arriving, travelers must:

 

On arrival in England, travelers must:

  • quarantine at home or in the place you are staying for 10 days
  • take a COVID-19 test on or before day 2 and on or after day 8

Children aged 4 and under do not need to take the day 2 or day 8 test. Travelers may be able to end quarantine early if they pay for a private COVID-19 test through the Test to Release scheme.

The full list of Amber countries and territories is available here.

 

Guidance for Travelers from Green List Countries and Territories

Before arriving, travelers must:

 

On arrival in England, travelers must:

You must take a COVID-19 test on or before day 2 after you arrive.

Children aged 4 and under do not need to take this test. Travelers only need to quarantine if they test positive or if NHS Test & Trace informs them that they have traveled to England with someone who has tested positive.

The full list of Green countries and territories is available here.
Travelers from Ireland, the UK, the Channel Islands, and the Isle of Man

Individuals traveling within the UK, Ireland, the Channel Islands, and the Isle of Man (the Common Travel Area) do not need to take a COVID-19 test or quarantine on arrival in England if they have not been outside of the Common Travel Area in the previous 10 days.

 

Background

From May 17, the ‘Stay in the UK’ campaign imposed a red, green, and amber traffic light system, with varying requirements depending on recent travel history. Protocol and requirements for travelers arriving in England depend on where travelers have been in the 10 days before arrival.

 

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.