New Rules for International Travel

The government has confirmed that it wants to see a return to international travel from England as soon as possible (17 May at the earliest) and to keep travellers safe, it will be introducing a three-tier traffic light system.

Under the new system countries will be classified as green, amber, or red according to their covid-19 risk.  An initial country list is due to be published by early May alongside confirmation of the restart date.

Although it is too soon to know how individual countries will be classified, here is a guide to how the classifications will work and what rules will apply:

Green:   Passengers will not need to quarantine on return, but must take a pre-departure test, as well as a PCR test on return to the UK.

Amber:  Travellers will need to quarantine for 10 days at home, as well as taking a pre-departure test and two PCR tests once back in the UK.

Red: Non-essential travel will be banned. Passengers will have to pay for a 10-day stay in a managed quarantine hotel, as well as a pre-departure test and two PCR tests.

To avoid a repeat of last summer’s last-minute changes, a ‘Green Watchlist’ will be introduced to highlight countries at risk of moving from the low-risk green category to amber.

The government has also expressed its intention to push down the cost of PCR tests for travel to ensure that it is affordable for families wishing to enjoy a holiday abroad this summer.

Travel Insurance with Covid-19 Cover

If you have booked a holiday, or are planning to book a holiday, protect it now with comprehensive travel insurance.

All of our policies include cover for emergency medical expenses and repatriation (getting you home) if you contract COVID-19 whilst you are abroad as well as cancellation cover if you contract COVID-19 before you travel.

Digg    Reddit    Facebook    Tweet This