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27 Aug 2021
Every three weeks, we have a travel update from the government, with the latest on the 26th August, expanding the green list with seven more countries - great news for intrepid travellers.
The green list, which is like a traffic light system for UK travellers, helps us all to understand the countries the government feel it’s safest to travel to at the moment, the testing rules, forms, and isolation guidelines.
As a quick reminder, you don’t have to self-isolate in the UK if you return from a green list country (unless you test positive on a PCR test), and you only need to self-isolate on return from an amber list country if you’re over 18 and not double vaccinated (or test positive).
Canada and Denmark are perhaps the most awaited destinations added to the green list, but unfortunately, the rules in this country don’t always echo those overseas.
Canada, for instance, isn’t currently welcoming British citizens, but that may change soon, so it’s important to check before booking anything.
Denmark, however, has its doors open to UK travellers that are fully vaccinated or can prove they have antibodies. No doubt this news will be very welcome by those that have friends and family in this beautiful part of the world or simply want to explore.
The government’s foreign travel advice is the best central place to check for up to date information on each country - you can find Denmark’s here.
Finland, the Azores, Switzerland, Liechtenstein, and Lithuania have also been moved to the green list, which will come into force at 04:00 BST on Monday 30th August 2021.
Australia
Austria
Brunei
Bulgaria
Caribbean Islands (Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda, British Indian Ocean Territory, Barbados, Dominica, Granada, Cayman Islands, Montserrat, Turks and Caicos Islands)
Croatia
Falkland Islands
Faroe Islands
Germany
Gibraltar
Hong Kong
Iceland
Israel and Jerusalem
Latvia
Malta
Madeira
New Zealand
Norway
Romania
Singapore
Slovakia
Slovenia
South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands
St Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha
Taiwan
Yes, the majority of countries are still on the amber list, with isolation no longer required for those that are double-jabbed or can prove they have antibodies.
Unfortunately, due to their status being upgraded to high-risk, Thailand and Montenegro have been added to the government’s red list.
The Department for Transport has said that these countries have been added to the red list because of "...the increased case rates in these countries and the higher risk that travel from these countries poses to UK public health".
Although it might feel a little confusing, the world is adjusting to travelling with testing so that everyone can stay safe. Mainstream package holiday providers can reassure you and provide all the information you need about your journey, so you can focus on enjoying your trip.
As an overview, going on holiday will now mean taking approved PCR tests - these are not those provided by the NHS, but specifically for travel. You need to take these tests:
A pre-departure test before you leave the UK.
A test three days before returning to the UK.
A test after you arrive in the UK.
Travelling to green list countries means that you don’t have to isolate on return to the UK unless you test positive. In addition to the tests mentioned above, you’ll also need to complete a passenger locator form.
If you’re double-jabbed or under 18, you won’t have to self-isolate on return to the UK if you visit an amber list country (unless you test positive).
Your travel provider will be happy to help you understand all of the requirements and check the entry requirements for when you reach your destination.
Once you’ve booked your holiday, head over to check out our commission-free currency rates.