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UK Covid travel review next week: What to expect as holidaymakers hope for winter sun

The UK government announced a major overhaul to travel rules, replacing its traffic light system with a simper two-tier system.

Transport Secretary Grant Shapps announced the changes in the latest travel review on September 17.

The first changes came into effect five days later when Turkey, Egypt, the Maldives, Sri Lanka, Oman, Bangladesh, Pakistan and Kenya came off the red list.

Green and amber lists will merge to form one category of low-risk countries from 4am on October 4, 2021.

It means double-jabbed holidaymakers will no longer need to take a pre-departure test before arrival into England from a non red list country nor costly PCR tests upon their return.

But when is the next review date and what can we expect to be announced?

When is the next UK travel review?

First arrivals at Heathrow airport from America to the UK since restrictions lifted. (Lucy Young)
First arrivals at Heathrow airport from America to the UK since restrictions lifted. (Lucy Young)

The government reviewed the traffic light system every three weeks since it was introduced in February.

September’s announcement looks set to be the final review of its kind for the foreseeable future, with the three-week window being scrapped.

Further announcements and amendments to the new category lists are only expected to take place if new Covid variants of concern are identified which would require restrictions to be reconsidered.

The first example of this could take place in the next fortnight, with South Africa potentially moving to the low risk travel category.

It follows a meeting between UK and South African government scientific experts on September 27 to discuss the latest Covid data.

How does the traffic light system work?

Green: Travellers must take a pre-departure test and a PCR test on or before day two of their arrival back into England. Holidaymakers who test negative will not need to quarantine on their return or take any additional tests, halving the cost of tests post holiday.

Green watchlist: Countries at risk of going amber

Amber: Double vaccinated British holidaymakers returning from an amber list country will no longer need to self isolate as of July 19. Arrivals, who are not double-jabbed, must quarantine for ten days. Unvaccinated people must take a pre-departure test and a PCR test on day two and day eight with the option for “test to release” on day five to end self-isolation early. Those who are vaccinated must take a pre-arrival test, and test on day two of arriving back into the country.

Red: Those returning from red list countries must stay in a managed quarantine hotel for ten days which they should book before their trip. Travellers must complete pre-departure testing and PCR testing on day two and day eight.

Which countries are currently on the Green travel list?

Barbados beach (Pixabay)
Barbados beach (Pixabay)

Anguilla

Antarctica/British Antarctic Territory

Antigua and Barbuda

Australia

Austria

The Azores

Barbados

Bermuda

British Indian Ocean Territory

Brunei

Bulgaria

Canada

Cayman Islands

Croatia

Denmark

Dominica

Falkland Islands

Faroe Islands

Finland

Germany

Gibraltar

Grenada

Hong Kong

Iceland

Israel and Jerusalem

Latvia

Liechtenstein

Lithuania

Madeira

Malta

Montserrat

New Zealand

Norway

Pitcairn, Henderson, Ducie and Oeno Islands

Romania

Singapore

Slovakia

Slovenia

South Georgia and South Sandwich Islands

St Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha

Switzerland

Taiwan

Turks and Caicos Islands

What is the Green watchlist and who is on it?

Scenic village in Croatia (Shutterstock)
Scenic village in Croatia (Shutterstock)

If a country is in danger of moving to amber it will be added to the green watchlist.

Currently the below countries are on the watchlist:

Anguilla, Antarctica/British Antarctic Territory, Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Bermuda, British Indian Ocean Territory, Cayman Islands, Croatia, Dominica, Grenada, Israel and Jerusalem, Madeira, Montserrat, Pitcairn, Henderson, Ducie and Oeno Islands, Taiwan, Turks and Caicos Islands.

For more information on the lists, visit GOV.UK here.

What about expats who want to come back to the UK?

Ministers eased travel rules in August for expats returning to the UK (PA)
Ministers eased travel rules in August for expats returning to the UK (PA)

British expats who have received both doses of the jab are allowed into the UK from the EU and US without having to self isolate.

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