The UK government has updated its travel guidance, with changes to go into effect as of Monday, August 30 at 4 AM.
Changes to Traffic Light Categories
- Red List | Montenegro, Thailand. See the full Red List.
- Amber List | There are no new additions to the Amber List. See the full Amber List.
- Green List | The Azores, Canada, Denmark, Finland, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Switzerland. See the full Green List.
- Green Watch List (These countries are at risk of moving from green to amber) | Anguilla, 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.
- Requirements on arrival vary based on vaccination status.
- 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.
Erickson Insights
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.