International Travel Updates

International travel from England, Wales, and Scotland was made legal once again from Monday 17 May following months of lockdown. A traffic light system featuring green list countries was first introduced but has since been removed to facilitate easier travel going forward.

What Happened to the Green List?

The green list and amber list were removed from Monday 4 October in favor of a straightforward red list and non-red list system. Transport Secretary Grant Shapps announced this change on Twitter in September, stating, “We’ll also be introducing a new simplified system for international travel from Monday 4 October, replacing the current approach with a single red list and simplified measures for the rest of the world – emphasizing the need to manage public health risks as our top priority.”

Moreover, on Friday 18 March, all travel rules within the UK were abolished, meaning travelers do not need to test, quarantine, or fill in a passenger locator form, regardless of their vaccination status. Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland are adhering to similar travel regulations.

Do I Still Need a Test Before Returning to the UK?

No, all travel restrictions were lifted in the UK on Friday 18 March 2022. This means that no one, including those who are unvaccinated, needs to take a Covid test before or after their return to the UK.

Where Can I Actually Travel To?

It’s vital to remember that just because UK travelers are free to travel without restrictions, they must nonetheless comply with the regulations of other countries. For instance, many destinations will require proof of vaccination and a passenger locator form at a minimum. Some regions may still request a negative PCR test for entry.