From May 17, the ‘Stay in the UK’ campaign imposed in response to the COVID-19 pandemic will end and international travel will be permitted as guided by a new traffic light system.
The Traffic Light System
- Red Countries: Travelers who have visited a region on the red list will only be permitted to enter the UK if they are a British or Irish National, or have residence rights in the UK. They will need to take a COVID-19 test, book a quarantine hotel and follow-up tests, and complete a passenger locator form.
- Amber Countries: Before traveling to the UK, passengers must take a COVID-19 test, pre-book COVID-19 tests for day 2 and day 8 after arrival and complete a passenger locator form. These travelers will be able to quarantine at their destination for 10 days. Passengers will also have the option to opt into Test to Release at day 5.
- Green Countries: Travelers from the green countries must take a COVID-19 test, pre-book a COVID-19 test for day 2 and complete a passenger locator form. They do not need to quarantine unless the results of the Day 2 test are positive or they were traveling with someone who tests positive.
- The Green List includes the following 12 countries: Portugal (including the Azores and Madeira), Israel, Gibraltar, Iceland, Singapore, Australia, Brunei Darussalam, Falkland Islands, Faroe Islands, New Zealand, Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha, South Georgia, and the South Sandwich Islands.
The green, amber, and red lists will be updated 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.