New rules of entry to the UK (COVID-19)
The rules of international travel to England are changing from 4th October 2021.
The Department for Transport announced that the red, amber and green traffic light system will change to a simplified system separating the countries to red list and the rest of the world. The regulations for travelling from countries and territories not on the red list will depend on the vaccination status of the travellers.
The fully vaccinated passengers from the countries not on the red list will not need to quarantine, not need to take a pre-departure test and a day 8 COVID-19 test.
They will be still required to complete the locator form at least 48 hours before arrival and book and pay for the day 2 test that must be taken on or before day 2 after arrival in England.
The travellers from the rest of the world countries who are not fully vaccinated must still take a pre-departure COVID-19 test (72 hours days before travelling to England),
book and pay for day 2 and day 8 COVID-19 tests (to be taken on day 2 and on or after day 8) and quarantine at home or in the place where they stay for 10 days.
The additional countries that are now on the vaccination list recognized by the government are 17 countries including Australia, Israel or Japan. The full list and accepted vaccines are detailed on https://www.gov.uk/guidance/list-rules-for-entering-england#fully-vaccinated
It is advisable to check the government website as the lists and rules can be changed if the risk posed by individual countries and territories changes.
It will be easier for passengers to enter England under the new rules, attracting more international students, tourists and travellers.
Jodie Gray, Chief Executive, English UK said that reducing the number of red list countries, extending quarantine-free travel list is a boost for the pandemic challenged ELT industry.
Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland will implement the two list system but might have different rules on tests before and after arrival.
It is advisable to check the government website as the lists and rules can be changed if the risk posed by individual countries and territories changes and to check different rules for travellers to Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.
