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). 

Which countries have been added to the green list?

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.

Which other countries are on the green list?

• 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

Is it okay to travel to an amber list country?

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.

What are the rules for green-list countries?

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.

What are the rules for returning from an amber-list country?

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. 

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