Where Can I Go on Holiday - UK Traffic Lights explained
Claire Farley
May 07, 2021
WHERE CAN I GO ON HOLIDAY? - UK ‘Traffic Lights’ explained
The government has introduced a system of green, amber & red traffic lights, ranking countries according to their success with vaccination programmes, infection levels and COVID variants of concern.
GREEN = PCR test within 2 days of your return (£45 each). No quarantine. Leisure travel allowed.
AMBER = PCR tests on days 2 and 8. Home quarantine for 10 days, with earlier 5 day ‘test to release’ option (i.e. an extra test). Leisure travel is discouraged, but not illegal.
RED = PCR tests on days 2 and 8. Mandatory 10 day hotel quarantine (£2,400 for a couple - £1,750 solo - £325 for children aged 5 to 12). Leisure travel is not recommended.
Portugal (including Madeira and the Azores Islands), Gibraltar, Iceland, Singapore, Israel and the Falklands are currently on the green list. The Channel Islands are also green, as they are part of the UK Common Travel Area. Australia & New Zealand are also green, but they will probably remain closed for most of this year.
Most popular European countries such as Greece, Cyprus, Italy, Spain and France are amber, as are the USA, Canada, Mexico, Cost Rica, Caribbean, Sri Lanka, Mauritius, Morocco and most of Asia. It is possible to travel to these countries, as long as you are prepared to self isolate at home for 5 days afterwards and pay for an extra two PCR tests.
India, UAE (Dubai & Abu Dhabi), Turkey, Maldives, South America and most countries in Africa are currently on the red list.
This list will be updated every 3 weeks. Here is the latest list: Green, Amber & Red
WHAT DOES MY DESTINATION REQUIRE?
To board your flight, you will need proof of a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours.
Each country has its own requirements regarding admission and testing, which are likely to be standardised over time. In the meanwhile we will let you know if there are any special requirements for your holiday, although we are finding that fully vaccinated travellers often have fewer restrictions.
At the end of your holiday, within 48 hours prior to arriving back in the UK you must complete a Passenger Locator Form. This needs to be handed in at the airport on arrival, for use by NHS Test and Trace.
WHERE DO I GET A PCR TEST?
You can apply online for a test through the mail, or go to a test centre and have it done in person. We offer discounted PCR tests, so please ask us for a special code.
(a) Green Country (one test) = from £45 pp
(b) Amber & Red (two tests kit) = £120 pp. These results will include genome sequencing.
Free lateral flow tests can be obtained from many pharmacies & test centres, or online. They are useful to take on holiday with you, in case you need to test yourself.
HOW DO I CONTACT YOU?
We are independent tailor-made holiday experts, with over 20 years experience. Simply call us on 01582 766122 or email us for more information.
2by2 Holidays team - Africa, Latin America & India
Auriel Holidays team - UK, Europe & Worldwide
2 Place Farm, Wheathampstead, Hertfordshire, AL4 8S
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