After spending over a year in and out of lockdowns and facing travel restrictions, the countries on the UK’s red list have been removed and Brits are finally able to take that long-overdue trip abroad. The rules on quarantining after travel have also lifted, and even unvaccinated people can travel in and out of the country provided they abide by the new self-isolation rule.
With these long-anticipated changes being made, now’s the perfect time to plan that trip to Peru you’ve been wanting to make or even swap the dreary British weather for tropical sun and sand in the Dominican Republic.
Now, before you pack that suitcase there are still some points to be mindful of. Here, we explore the new UK travel restrictions and allowances and what they mean for you.
The end of the red list
It’s official, the last countries on the UK’s red list have been approved for travel. Before this restriction lifting, anyone travelling from countries listed as red was only allowed to enter the country if they were a UK or Irish national or a UK resident. Those who were allowed to enter the UK were expected to quarantine for 10 days in a hotel approved by the government, with no financial support to cover accommodation costs.
The countries that until this month were on the red list wereColombia, the Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Haiti, Panama, Peru and Venezuela. Officials have stated the red list systemwill remain in place and countries may be added back onto it if circumstances change.
Fully vaccinated travellers
The rules have also changed regarding fully vaccinated travellers. Those travelling to the UK will no longer require a Covid test before departure. However, they will have to take a lateral flow test two days after arriving in the UK. This allowance applies to people vaccinated in the UK, the US and the EU, as well as several other countries.
Travellers are expected to prove their vaccination status before their departure. This new guidance has also been applied to residents of any of the recognised countries who are under 18, regardless of their vaccination status.
Unvaccinated travellers
People who are not vaccinated against Covid are still able to enter the UK, however they must self-isolate at home for 10 days after arriving. Before travelling they must take a PCR or lateral flow test in the three days before their journey and take a further two tests (on day two and day eight) following their return.
Keep in mind that PCR and lateral flow tests are not available for free, so it’s important to factor this into your budget when making plans for your travel.
