Red List Countries: What You Need to Know
Red list countries were first identified in January 2021 as locations deemed particularly high-risk for new and emerging strains of coronavirus. However, in October 2021, the UK government simplified its travel regulations by removing the accompanying green and amber lists in favor of a more straightforward ‘rest of world’ classification.
Initially, there were no countries on the red list; nonetheless, in late November 2021, 10 countries were added back, with one more included in December. Ultimately, the UK government declared that all 11 remaining countries were removed from the red list as of 4am on Wednesday, December 15. Furthermore, from the end of March 2022, the UK ceased managing quarantine hotels.
What Were the Red List Countries?
The following countries were on the red list during November and December 2021:
- Angola
- Botswana
- Eswatini
- Lesotho
- Namibia
- Nigeria
- Malawi
- Mozambique
- South Africa
- Zambia
- Zimbabwe
Does the Red List Still Exist?
As of December 15 at 4am GMT, there are currently no countries included on the red list. Transport Secretary Grant Shapps confirmed via Twitter, “As always, we keep all our travel measures under review, and we may impose new restrictions should there be a need to do so to protect public health.” Therefore, the absence of countries on the red list suggests significant changes in travel regulations.
Future Travel Considerations to Red List Countries
When the red list was active, only UK citizens and residents were permitted entry after returning from a red list country; others were refused entry at the border. Those landing in England from red list countries were obligated to pay £2,285 for a government-approved hotel quarantine for ten days. Additionally, charges for extra adults, children aged five to twelve, and children under five were established, signifying the costs involved, which included hotel transport, security, welfare services, and PCR tests administered on designated days during the stay.
