The UK Updates Traffic Light System Before Streamlining Border Plans

The UK government has updated its travel guidance, with changes to go into effect as of Wednesday, September 22 at 4 AM.

Changes to Traffic Light Categories

• Red List | No new changes. See the full Red List.
• Amber List | Bangladesh, Egypt, Kenya, Maldives, Oman, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Turkey. See the full Amber List.
• Green List | The Azores. See the full Green List.
  • Green Watch List (These countries are at risk of moving from green to amber) |Anguila, the Azores, Antarctica, Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Bermuda, British Indian Ocean Territory, Cayman Islands, Croatia, Dominica, Grenada, Israel, Madeira, Montserrat, Pitcairn, Henderson, Ducie, and Oeno Islands; Taiwan, Turks and Caicos Islands.

 

Current Guidance

The UK’s guidance varies based on where a traveler has been within the past 10 days.

• Red List | The UK Home Office has said individuals should not travel to red list countries or territories. Individuals who have been in a country or territory on the red list in the last 10 days will only be allowed to enter the UK if they are a British or Irish National, or they have residence rights in the UK. The rules apply to everyone, including the fully vaccinated.
  • Before traveling to England, permitted individuals coming from red list regions or countries must take a COVID-19 test – children aged 10 and under do not need to take this test; book a quarantine hotel package, including 2 COVID-19 tests; and complete a passenger locator form.
  • On arrival in England, permitted individuals coming from red list regions or countries must quarantine in a managed hotel, and take 2 COVID-19 tests.
• Amber List | Before traveling to England, all individuals must take a COVID-19 test 3 days before travel; book and pay for COVID-19 tests – to be taken after arrival in England; complete a passenger locator form.
  • Requirements on arrival vary based on vaccination status.
    • Fully vaccinated individuals must take a COVID-19 test on or before day 2.
    • Unvaccinated individuals must quarantine at home or in the place they are staying for 10 days, and take a COVID-19 test on or before day 2 and on or after day 8.
• Green List | Before traveling to England, all individuals must take a COVID-19 test, book and pay for a day 2 COVID-19 test, and complete a passenger locator form. After arrival in England, Green List travelers must take a COVID-19 test on or before day 2.

Categorization for red, amber, and green countries — and their corresponding protocol — are reviewed every 3 weeks. 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.