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What are England’s latest Covid travel rules?

Changes coming in from 4am on 8 August will initially apply to England but rest of UK could follow suit

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Travel restrictions are changing for some travellers again – so keep up to date with our guide to the latest rules.

What’s happening?

Every three weeks, ministers review the traffic light system that grades countries across the world on their case, vaccine and variant rate, then decide on changes to the green, amber and red list.

Those decisions were announced on Wednesday and will come into force from 4am this coming Sunday. They will initially apply to England only, with the devolved administrations considering whether to follow suit.

It is mostly good news for travellers, with no countries taken off the green list that means passengers do not need to quarantine when they arrive in the UK – regardless of whether they are fully vaccinated or not.

New countries added to the green list are: Austria, Germany, Slovenia, Slovakia, Latvia, Romania and Norway.

Several places that have been on the red list for some time are also being upgraded to the amber list: India, Bahrain, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates (which includes Dubai and Abu Dhabi). This means anyone fully jabbed can avoid isolating, while those who have not had both doses of a two-dose vaccine still need to quarantine for up to 10 days at home. France was also moved from the “amber-plus” list to the regular amber one.

However, there was some bad news, with Georgia, Mexico, Réunion and Mayotte added to the red list – meaning incoming travel is banned for all except UK residents and nationals, who themselves must quarantine in a hotel for 11 nights.

Were there any other changes?

The cost of a quarantine hotel is rising substantially, in a move that will put off those allowed to still travel to the UK from red list countries from coming even more.

From 12 August, the cost for one adult will rise from £1,750 to £2,285, while the additional rate for further adults or children over the age of 11 in the same party will rise from £650 to £1,430. Kids over five will still pay the same rate of £325.

The mooted “ amber watchlist ” that ministers were considering introducing has been officially killed off. This would have been for countries at risk of going red, to warn travellers in advance of any changes. Despite some initial support from the Foreign Office and the Department for Transport, other cabinet ministers, Tory MPs and aviation industry figures said it would have complicated the traffic light system further and put more people off heading abroad.

What are the rules in some popular destinations?

France: Having been the sole country put on the amber-plus list three weeks ago due to the prevalence of the Beta variant , ministers caved and returned France to the regular amber list. That means anyone fully vaccinated in the US, UK or Europe with a vaccine approved for use by one of the respective regulators (FDA, MHRA and EMA) can avoid quarantine when they arrive. They must still test negative before they depart from France and again before day two after arrival, and must also complete a passenger locator form.

Spain: Ministers did consider putting Spain on the amber-plus list but decided against it, meaning the same rules apply as before, and the same as those that will be in force for France. Passengers returning from Spain will be asked to get a PCR test instead of a lateral flow one, so that if they do have Covid it can be more easily sequenced and checked for variants to monitor the level of Beta entering the UK.

Portugal and Greece: These also remain on the amber list, so travel is fairly uninhibited for those seeking a last-minute summer getaway.

U S: Also still on the amber list. However, only Americans are allowed into the US from Britain, and even then they are formally discouraged from travelling to the UK. Washington has kept in place tough restrictions for those travelling across the Atlantic due to the prevalence of the Delta variant in the UK, where it now makes up about 99% of new cases and is partly blamed for fuelling a severe rise in cases stateside.

What has the reaction been?

Sun-seekers and those who have waited 18 months to see family and friends have largely welcomed the opening up of travel further.

However, Tory MPs have targeted the expensive testing regime that passengers are still required to fork out for, and demanded the government do more to bring the prices of these down.

The Labour MP Yasmin Qureshi has also hit out at Pakistan not being moved to the amber list after India was. She said the reason for red list changes seemed political, with ministers, she alleged, deciding to move Qatar and the UAE because they were richer countries, and India seen as a significant trade target.

Qureshi said Pakistan was “not a country that was going to achieve our rates of vaccination” and so it was “complete discrimination” not to move the country to the amber list.

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United Kingdom, including England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland Traveler View

Travel health notices, vaccines and medicines, non-vaccine-preventable diseases, stay healthy and safe.

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After Your Trip

There are no notices currently in effect for United Kingdom, including England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.

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Check the vaccines and medicines list and visit your doctor at least a month before your trip to get vaccines or medicines you may need. If you or your doctor need help finding a location that provides certain vaccines or medicines, visit the Find a Clinic page.

Routine vaccines

Recommendations.

Make sure you are up-to-date on all routine vaccines before every trip. Some of these vaccines include

• Chickenpox (Varicella)
• Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis
• Flu (influenza)
• Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR)

Immunization schedules

All eligible travelers should be up to date with their COVID-19 vaccines. Please see  Your COVID-19 Vaccination  for more information. 

COVID-19 vaccine

Hepatitis A

Consider hepatitis A vaccination for most travelers. It is recommended for travelers who will be doing higher risk activities, such as visiting smaller cities, villages, or rural areas where a traveler might get infected through food or water. It is recommended for travelers who plan on eating street food.

Hepatitis A - CDC Yellow Book

Dosing info - Hep A

Hepatitis B

Recommended for unvaccinated travelers younger than 60 years old traveling to the United Kingdom. Unvaccinated travelers 60 years and older may get vaccinated before traveling to the United Kingdom.

Hepatitis B - CDC Yellow Book

Dosing info - Hep B

Cases of measles are on the rise worldwide. Travelers are at risk of measles if they have not been fully vaccinated at least two weeks prior to departure, or have not had measles in the past, and travel internationally to areas where measles is spreading.

All international travelers should be fully vaccinated against measles with the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, including an early dose for infants 6–11 months, according to  CDC’s measles vaccination recommendations for international travel .

Measles (Rubeola) - CDC Yellow Book

the United Kingdom is free of dog rabies. However, rabies may still be present in wildlife species, particularly bats. CDC recommends rabies vaccination before travel only for people working directly with wildlife. These people may include veterinarians, animal handlers, field biologists, or laboratory workers working with specimens from mammalian species.

Rabies - CDC Yellow Book

Tick-borne Encephalitis

Avoid bug bites

Learn more about tick-borne encephalitis at your destination .

Tick-borne Encephalitis - CDC Yellow Book

Avoid contaminated water

Leptospirosis

How most people get sick (most common modes of transmission)

• Touching urine or other body fluids from an animal infected with leptospirosis
• Swimming or wading in urine-contaminated fresh water, or contact with urine-contaminated mud
• Drinking water or eating food contaminated with animal urine
• Avoid contaminated water and soil

Clinical Guidance

Airborne & droplet.

• Breathing in air or accidentally eating food contaminated with the urine, droppings, or saliva of infected rodents
• Bite from an infected rodent
• Less commonly, being around someone sick with hantavirus (only occurs with Andes virus)
• Avoid rodents and areas where they live
• Avoid sick people

Tuberculosis (TB)

• Breathe in TB bacteria that is in the air from an infected and contagious person coughing, speaking, or singing.

Learn actions you can take to stay healthy and safe on your trip. Vaccines cannot protect you from many diseases in the United Kingdom, so your behaviors are important.

Eat and drink safely

Food and water standards around the world vary based on the destination. Standards may also differ within a country and risk may change depending on activity type (e.g., hiking versus business trip). You can learn more about safe food and drink choices when traveling by accessing the resources below.

• Choose Safe Food and Drinks When Traveling
• Water Treatment Options When Hiking, Camping or Traveling
• Global Water, Sanitation and Hygiene | Healthy Water
• Avoid Contaminated Water During Travel

You can also visit the  Department of State Country Information Pages  for additional information about food and water safety.

Prevent bug bites

Although the United Kingdom is an industrialized country, bug bites here can still spread diseases. Just as you would in the United States, try to avoid bug bites while spending time outside or in wooded areas.

What can I do to prevent bug bites?

• Cover exposed skin by wearing long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and hats.
• Use an appropriate insect repellent (see below).
• Consider using permethrin-treated clothing and gear if spending a lot of time outside. Do not use permethrin directly on skin.

What type of insect repellent should I use?

• FOR PROTECTION AGAINST TICKS AND MOSQUITOES: Use a repellent that contains 20% or more DEET for protection that lasts up to several hours.
• Picaridin (also known as KBR 3023, Bayrepel, and icaridin)
• Oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE) or para-menthane-diol (PMD)
• 2-undecanone
• Always use insect repellent as directed.

What should I do if I am bitten by bugs?

• Avoid scratching bug bites, and apply hydrocortisone cream or calamine lotion to reduce the itching.
• Check your entire body for ticks after outdoor activity. Be sure to remove ticks properly.

What can I do to avoid bed bugs?

Although bed bugs do not carry disease, they are an annoyance. See our information page about avoiding bug bites for some easy tips to avoid them. For more information on bed bugs, see Bed Bugs .

For more detailed information on avoiding bug bites, see Avoid Bug Bites .

Stay safe outdoors

If your travel plans in the United Kingdom include outdoor activities, take these steps to stay safe and healthy during your trip:

• Stay alert to changing weather conditions and adjust your plans if conditions become unsafe.
• Prepare for activities by wearing the right clothes and packing protective items, such as bug spray, sunscreen, and a basic first aid kit.
• Consider learning basic first aid and CPR before travel. Bring a travel health kit with items appropriate for your activities.
• If you are outside for many hours in the heat, eat salty snacks and drink water to stay hydrated and replace salt lost through sweating.
• Protect yourself from UV radiation : use sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15, wear protective clothing, and seek shade during the hottest time of day (10 a.m.–4 p.m.).
• Be especially careful during summer months and at high elevation. Because sunlight reflects off snow, sand, and water, sun exposure may be increased during activities like skiing, swimming, and sailing.
• Very cold temperatures can be dangerous. Dress in layers and cover heads, hands, and feet properly if you are visiting a cold location.

Stay safe around water

• Swim only in designated swimming areas. Obey lifeguards and warning flags on beaches.
• Do not dive into shallow water.
• Avoid swallowing water when swimming. Untreated water can carry germs that make you sick.
• Practice safe boating—follow all boating safety laws, do not drink alcohol if you are driving a boat, and always wear a life jacket.

Keep away from animals

Most animals avoid people, but they may attack if they feel threatened, are protecting their young or territory, or if they are injured or ill. Animal bites and scratches can lead to serious diseases such as rabies.

Follow these tips to protect yourself:

• Do not touch or feed any animals you do not know.
• Do not allow animals to lick open wounds, and do not get animal saliva in your eyes or mouth.
• Avoid rodents and their urine and feces.
• Traveling pets should be supervised closely and not allowed to come in contact with local animals.
• If you wake in a room with a bat, seek medical care immediately.  Bat bites may be hard to see.

All animals can pose a threat, but be extra careful around dogs, bats, monkeys, sea animals such as jellyfish, and snakes. If you are bitten or scratched by an animal, immediately:

• Wash the wound with soap and clean water.
• Go to a doctor right away.
• Tell your doctor about your injury when you get back to the United States.

Reduce your exposure to germs

Follow these tips to avoid getting sick or spreading illness to others while traveling:

• Wash your hands often, especially before eating.
• If soap and water aren’t available, clean hands with hand sanitizer (containing at least 60% alcohol).
• Don’t touch your eyes, nose, or mouth. If you need to touch your face, make sure your hands are clean.
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when coughing or sneezing.
• Try to avoid contact with people who are sick.
• If you are sick, stay home or in your hotel room, unless you need medical care.

Avoid sharing body fluids

Diseases can be spread through body fluids, such as saliva, blood, vomit, and semen.

Protect yourself:

• Use latex condoms correctly.
• Do not inject drugs.
• Limit alcohol consumption. People take more risks when intoxicated.
• Do not share needles or any devices that can break the skin. That includes needles for tattoos, piercings, and acupuncture.
• If you receive medical or dental care, make sure the equipment is disinfected or sanitized.

Know how to get medical care while traveling

Plan for how you will get health care during your trip, should the need arise:

• Carry a list of local doctors and hospitals at your destination.
• Review your health insurance plan to determine what medical services it would cover during your trip. Consider purchasing travel health and medical evacuation insurance for things your regular insurance will not cover.
• Carry a card that identifies, in the local language, your blood type, chronic conditions or serious allergies, and the generic names of any medicines you take.
• Bring copies of your prescriptions for medicine and for eye glasses and contact lenses.
• Some prescription drugs may be illegal in other countries. Call the United Kingdom’s embassy to verify that all of your prescription(s) are legal to bring with you.
• Bring all the medicines (including over-the-counter medicines) you think you might need during your trip, including extra in case of travel delays. Ask your doctor to help you get prescriptions filled early if you need to.

Many foreign hospitals and clinics are accredited by the Joint Commission International. A list of accredited facilities is available at their website ( www.jointcommissioninternational.org ).

Select safe transportation

Motor vehicle crashes are the #1 killer of healthy US citizens in foreign countries.

Be smart when you are traveling on foot.

• Use sidewalks and marked crosswalks.
• Pay attention to the traffic around you, especially in crowded areas.
• Remember, people on foot do not always have the right of way in other countries.

Riding/Driving

Choose a safe vehicle.

• Choose official taxis or public transportation, such as trains and buses.
• Make sure there are seatbelts.
• Avoid overcrowded, overloaded, top-heavy buses and minivans.
• Avoid riding on motorcycles or motorbikes, especially motorbike taxis. (Many crashes are caused by inexperienced motorbike drivers.)
• Choose newer vehicles—they may have more safety features, such as airbags, and be more reliable.
• Choose larger vehicles, which may provide more protection in crashes.

Think about the driver.

• Do not drive after drinking alcohol or ride with someone who has been drinking.
• Consider hiring a licensed, trained driver familiar with the area.
• Arrange payment before departing.

Follow basic safety tips.

• Wear a seatbelt at all times.
• Sit in the back seat of cars and taxis.
• When on motorbikes or bicycles, always wear a helmet. (Bring a helmet from home, if needed.)
• Do not use a cell phone or text while driving (illegal in many countries).
• Travel during daylight hours only, especially in rural areas.
• If you choose to drive a vehicle in the United Kingdom, learn the local traffic laws and have the proper paperwork.
• Get any driving permits and insurance you may need. Get an International Driving Permit (IDP). Carry the IDP and a US-issued driver's license at all times.
• Check with your auto insurance policy's international coverage, and get more coverage if needed. Make sure you have liability insurance.
• Avoid using local, unscheduled aircraft.
• If possible, fly on larger planes (more than 30 seats); larger airplanes are more likely to have regular safety inspections.
• Try to schedule flights during daylight hours and in good weather.

Helpful Resources

Road Safety Overseas (Information from the US Department of State): Includes tips on driving in other countries, International Driving Permits, auto insurance, and other resources.

The Association for International Road Travel has country-specific Road Travel Reports available for most countries for a minimal fee.

Traffic flows on the left side of the road in the United Kingdom.

• Always pay close attention to the flow of traffic, especially when crossing the street.
• LOOK RIGHT for approaching traffic.

Maintain personal security

Use the same common sense traveling overseas that you would at home, and always stay alert and aware of your surroundings.

Before you leave

• Research your destination(s), including local laws, customs, and culture.
• Monitor travel advisories and alerts and read travel tips from the US Department of State.
• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) .
• Leave a copy of your itinerary, contact information, credit cards, and passport with someone at home.
• Pack as light as possible, and leave at home any item you could not replace.

While at your destination(s)

• Carry contact information for the nearest US embassy or consulate .
• Carry a photocopy of your passport and entry stamp; leave the actual passport securely in your hotel.
• Follow all local laws and social customs.
• Do not wear expensive clothing or jewelry.
• Always keep hotel doors locked, and store valuables in secure areas.
• If possible, choose hotel rooms between the 2nd and 6th floors.

Healthy Travel Packing List

Use the Healthy Travel Packing List for United Kingdom for a list of health-related items to consider packing for your trip. Talk to your doctor about which items are most important for you.

Why does CDC recommend packing these health-related items?

It’s best to be prepared to prevent and treat common illnesses and injuries. Some supplies and medicines may be difficult to find at your destination, may have different names, or may have different ingredients than what you normally use.

If you are not feeling well after your trip, you may need to see a doctor. If you need help finding a travel medicine specialist, see Find a Clinic . Be sure to tell your doctor about your travel, including where you went and what you did on your trip. Also tell your doctor if you were bitten or scratched by an animal while traveling.

For more information on what to do if you are sick after your trip, see Getting Sick after Travel .

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What are the current UK travel rules?

By Becky Lucas , Abigail Malbon and Rick Jordan

What are the current UK travel rules, as England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland are constantly changing restrictions? Here's everything we know.

Can I travel on holiday right now?

Yes. Monday 17 May 2021 was the first big date in the holiday calendar following many Covid lockdowns – the date from which travel abroad became possible again. Destinations were graded according to the government's traffic light system – green , amber and red – with each colour indicating different rules around testing and quarantining upon return to the UK. 

However, on Monday 4 October 2021, the travel rules changed once more. Green and amber list countries are now ‘non-red’ countries, with the red list of countries that should not be visited left in place. While there are currently no countries on it, quarantine hotels were phased out from the end of March 2022, making it likely that the red list itself has also been quietly dropped. 

On Friday 18 March, all Covid travel rules within the UK were removed – which means that travellers do not need to test, quarantine or even fill in a passenger locator form , regardless of their vaccination status, upon return to the country. 

As for holidays within England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland – they are permitted. On Monday 19 July 2021, all group-size limits were removed in England, and residents are now free to travel domestically with as many people as they wish. Scotland, Wales and Ireland followed shortly after. 

Can I go on a cruise from the UK?

On Monday 2 August 2021, international cruises started again from England. However, you should ask your cruise operator and your travel insurance provider about medical facilities on board the ship and what happens if there's an outbreak on board. To confirm whether international cruises are permitted from ports in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, it is wise to check the relevant government website. 

Can I travel on holiday from Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland?

Overseas travel from all three nations is allowed. Travel in and out of Scotland is possible, and all holiday accommodation, including hotels, is open. Travel within Wales and self-catered stays have been allowed since Saturday 27 March 2021 and travel in and out of its borders has been allowed since Monday 12 April; on Monday 17 May, all hotels and holiday accommodation were permitted to open. Northern Ireland relaxed more measures on Monday 24 May, when hotels and other holiday accommodation were allowed to reopen.

Can I travel from England to Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland?

Travel between England, Wales and Scotland is allowed, with overnight stays in self-catering and self-contained accommodation permitted, and hotels and B&Bs. 

For the full list of countries and proof of vaccine accepted, see the government's website . 

Should I book a holiday in the UK?

Staycations are surging right now. British holidays have been selling like hot teacakes: we advise that anyone booking a UK holiday is clear about its refund conditions. See our insider recommendations on the UK holidays to book , other UK destinations to visit , our favourite UK hotels and UK Airbnbs , and the best places for camping in the UK .

What were the key dates for lockdown easing in England?

Note: dates varied in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. These are the correct dates for changes in England

Stage 1: March

All schools reopened on Monday 8 March, and outdoor socialising allowed one-on-one between members of two household bubbles. Since Monday 29 March, outdoor gatherings have been permitted for up to six people or two households (even if more than six – with a support bubble counting as one household). Outdoor sports have restarted. 'Stay Local' replaced 'Stay at Home' messaging. What did 'Stay Local' mean in England? The government website suggests it means remaining within your local area – village, town or city neighbourhood – as much as possible. However, day trips were no longer illegal from Monday 29 March , though still not advised.

Stage 2: Monday 12 April

Self-catering holiday lets, including Airbnb, reopened for individuals or families, along with campsites with no shared facilities. Staycation holidays are possible, and the 'Stay Local' guideline ended, so trips longer than just day trips are no longer advised against. Non-essential shops reopened, along with hairdressers, gyms and outdoor hospitality, including pub and outdoor restaurant gardens and terraces . Zoos and amusement parks have also reopened.

Stage 3: Monday 17 May

Hotels and B&Bs can now reopen and overseas holidays allowed to a few destinations, according to the traffic-light system. Most outdoor restrictions have been lifted ( so the first, smaller festivals can take place ), and limited mixing indoors will be allowed – so two households or six people from different households can meet for dinner and drinks inside, while 30 can meet outside. Pubs and restaurants, cinemas , theatres, museums , exhibitions and sports stadiums all to reopen, and some large events (up to 4,000 people) allowed. Children are no longer be required to wear masks at school – and we're finally able to hug other people again.

Stage 4: Monday 19 July

All large events and live performances back on the calendar with no cap on size, nightclubs allowed to reopen, and all remaining social contact restrictions lifted – including the limit on six people or two households at gatherings and in restaurants and hotels. Although this was originally forecast to change from Monday 21 June, the government announced that the date was to be pushed back by four weeks to Monday 19 July, as the highly transmissible Delta variant was pushing up infection numbers. From 21 June, however, there was no longer a cap on the number of guests allowed at weddings. The UK then officially moved to Stage 4 from Monday 19 July. On the same day, Prime Minister Boris Johnson stated at a press conference that vaccine passports, available through the NHS app, would be necessary as a condition of entry to clubs and other venues with large crowds from September, in order to indicate whether a person has received both Covid-19 vaccine doses, tested negative for the virus or has natural immunity from it after having previously contracted. However, this policy has now been scrapped in England. 

What about the rest of the UK?

Wales, Scotland   and Northern Ireland are following the same rules as England – although Scotland continued the legal requirement for face masks in some settings for longer, until 18 April. England and Wales were first to end the free testing system for asymptomatic Covid sufferers, from 1 April 2022, while Scotland did so from 18 April and Northern Ireland is to follow on 22 April. Only Scotland will continue to provide free PCR tests for anyone with symptoms until the end of April, while England, Wales and Northern Ireland (the latter after 22 April) now provide them only for people with symptoms from certain, more vulnerable groups (which Scotland shall also do, from May). \

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Update April 12, 2024

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United Kingdom Travel Advisory

Travel advisory july 26, 2023, united kingdom - level 2: exercise increased caution.

Reissued with obsolete COVID-19 page links removed.

Exercise increased caution in the United Kingdom due to terrorism.

Country Summary:  Terrorist groups continue plotting possible attacks in the United Kingdom. Terrorists may attack with little or no warning, targeting tourist locations, transportation hubs, markets/shopping malls, local government facilities, hotels, clubs, restaurants, places of worship, parks, major sporting and cultural events, educational institutions, airports, and other public areas.

There is also a risk of isolated violence by dissident groups in Northern Ireland, focused primarily on police and military targets.

Read the  country information page  for additional information on travel to the United Kingdom.

If you decide to travel to the United Kingdom:

• Be aware of your surroundings when traveling to tourist locations and crowded public venues.
• Follow the instructions of local authorities.
• Monitor local media for breaking events and adjust your plans based on new information.
• Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program  ( STEP ) to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Follow the Department of State on  Facebook  and Twitter.com/Travelgov
• Review the  Country Security Report  for the United Kingdom.
• Visit the CDC page for the latest  Travel Health Information  related to your travel and return to the United States.
• Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the  Traveler’s Checklist .

Travel Advisory Levels

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Introduction

Britain and Northern Ireland currently have no official COVID-19 restrictions in place, however there is still guidance on what to do should you catch coronavirus while here on holiday. For more information, please check the official government websites using the links below.

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• International

Travel Advice changes made for over 30 countries and territories

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office has lifted its advice against all but essential travel for over 30 countries and territories.

Advisories against all but essential travel lifted making travel to destinations across the globe more straightforward.

• advice against all but essential travel removed for 32 countries and territories
• travellers able to get insurance for more destinations
• changes are a boost for businesses and families

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office ( FCDO ) has lifted its advice against all but essential travel for over 30 countries and territories. The change means people will be able to travel to a larger number of destinations with greater ease.

The update comes as part of a simplified system for international travel which has seen the replacement of the traffic light system with a single red list, and reduced testing requirements for eligible fully vaccinated travellers.

The FCDO will no longer advise against travel to non-red list countries on COVID-19 grounds, except in exceptional circumstances such as if the local healthcare system is overwhelmed.

Many travel insurance companies use FCDO travel advice as a reference point in their policies – typically excluding cover for places where government advises against essential travel, however people will now be able to purchase travel insurance for a wider range of destinations across the globe.

Advice has been lifted in light of the improved public health in many countries and territories, better understanding of the virus and the decreased risk to British nationals as a result of the vaccine roll out.

The FCDO will continue to advise against all but essential travel for all red list countries and territories where the risk to British travellers is ‘unacceptably high’. People should not travel to red list countries. The FCDO will remove advisories for more countries and territories in the coming days.

Foreign Secretary Liz Truss said:

These rule tweaks will make travelling more straightforward, supporting businesses and families right across Britain - and allow more of us to see friends and loved ones with greater peace of mind. We’re striking the right balance between keeping people safe which remains our priority and giving them the freedom to exercise personal responsibility, while supporting the travel sector as it continues to recover.

The FCDO advises against travel when it assesses the risk to travelling British nationals to be ‘unacceptably high’, across a range of risks including safety and security. Before the pandemic, this was reserved for fragile states or areas.

A global advisory against all but essential travel to every country and territory was introduced at the start of the pandemic in March 2020. This was lifted in November 2020 and the FCDO has been assessing COVID-19 risks country by country and before today’s changes, advised against travel on COVID-19 grounds to 117 countries and territories.

FCDO travel advice provides objective information to British nationals so they can make decisions about travelling abroad and plan for a trouble-free trip. It is constantly reviewed to ensure it includes up-to-date advice and covers topics such as entry requirements, safety and security issues, health risks and details about local laws and customs.

Travel is different. The FCDO recommends that anyone planning a trip abroad should take the following steps:

check FCDO travel advice for the entry requirements for your destination, including any proof of vaccination you may need, as well as testing and quarantine rules

check what you need to do on return to the UK

know and follow the local COVID-19 rules and restrictions for your destination – there may be limits on group numbers and curfews

plan and prepare in-case you test positive overseas – take more cash, medication and essentials. You must follow local advice regarding self-isolation, and you may need to stay longer than planned

sign up for travel advice email alerts so you automatically receive the latest travel advice updates for the destinations you want to know about

get travel insurance or check your existing policy, particularly for coronavirus related cover

If you are travelling to Europe, check your E/GHIC and ensure your travel insurance covers you for healthcare

Coming back to the UK

The traffic light system has been replaced by a single red list of countries and territories and simplified travel measures for arrivals from the rest of the world .

FCDO will lift its advisory against all but essential travel to:

• America Samoa
• Tokelau & Niue
• Equatorial Guinea
• French Polynesia
• Marshall Islands
• São Tomé and Príncipe
• Solomon Islands

Media enquiries

Email [email protected]

Telephone 020 7008 3100

Contact the FCDO Communication Team via email (monitored 24 hours a day) in the first instance, and we will respond as soon as possible.

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