Travel Regulations after the Removal of the Amber List
The amber list was part of the traffic light system for travel that was applicable to residents in the UK, including England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. However, this list was scrapped in early October 2021 in favor of a simpler travel system consisting only of red list and non-red list countries.
On Monday, October 4, the amber list was combined with the green list to outline the countries that are now safe to visit. Here’s what you should know.
What Happened to the Amber List?
Initially announced in May 2021, the traffic light system included a green, amber, and red list of countries, with each color denoting different rules regarding testing and quarantining. For countries on the amber list, travelers were required to undergo one pre-departure test and quarantine at home for ten days upon returning to the UK. Additionally, PCR tests were mandatory on or before day two and on or after day eight during quarantine, but this was reduced to day five by paying for an additional test (this option was not available in Northern Ireland).
However, as of October 4, the amber list has become obsolete. Transport Secretary Grant Shapps confirmed on September 17 that both the green and amber lists would be discontinued in favor of a simplified system featuring only red list and non-red list countries. He tweeted: ‘We’ll also be introducing a new simplified system for international travel from Mon 4 Oct, replacing the current approach with a single red list and simplified measures for the rest of the world – striking the right balance to manage the public health risk as No.1 priority.’
Current Rules for Traveling to Non-Red List Countries
Travelers can visit any country that does not appear on the red list, and distinct requirements exist for individuals who are fully vaccinated. Those who have completed both vaccinations at least 14 days prior must still provide proof of a negative COVID test (either PCR or lateral flow) taken within 48 hours before departure. Additionally, a PCR test is required on or before day two of returning to the UK, and self-isolation is mandatory until a negative result is received. As of 4 a.m. on Friday, January 7, the requirement for pre-travel tests has been lifted, alongside the need for self-isolation upon return to England. The initial PCR test can be substituted with a lateral flow test; if that test is positive, a further PCR test will be necessary for identifying any new variants, followed by standard isolation protocols. It remains unclear whether these changes will be enacted in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.
For travelers who are not fully vaccinated for at least 14 days, they must undertake a pre-departure test and take PCR tests on days two and eight after arriving back in the UK from a non-red country. They will also be required to self-isolate for ten days upon return. The Test to Release scheme can be utilized starting from day five to shorten quarantine, although this is not applicable in Northern Ireland.
