Updates 9th August
The following changes to the UK travel list came into effect at 04:00 on Sunday 8 August.
There is some positive news that travel to the UK will be easier from some countries in Europe and the Middle East. And rules for travellers from France are back in line with the rest of the EU.
Countries moving to the green list
The following countries are moving to the green list, meaning all arriving passengers avoid quarantine on arrival. They still need to take a pre-departure test and a test on day two after arrival.
- Austria
- Germany
- Slovenia
- Slovakia
- Latvia
- Romania
- Norway
Countries moving to the amber list
The following countries are moving from the red to the amber list. They no longer need to pay for hotel quarantine and can self-isolate in their chosen accommodation:
- India
- UAE
- Qatar
- Bahrain
Countries moving to the red list
The following countries/territories are moving from the amber to the red list: Only travellers who are British Nationals or who have residence rights in the UK may enter the UK and they must quarantine in a managed hotel.
- La Reunion and Mayotte
- Mexico
- Georgia
France back on amber list: arrivals exempt from quarantine if they are under 18 or fully vaccinated adults
The requirements for arrivals from France will be in line with other EU member states from 4am on Sunday 8 August.
Adults will no longer need to quarantine on arrival provided they are fully vaccinated using a vaccine approved by the European Medicines Agency.
Under 18s arriving from France, accompanied, or travelling alone, will not need to quarantine on arrival to the UK. And according to current French rules, if under 18s are accompanied by a vaccinated adult, they do not require an authorised ‘compelling reason’ to travel. The ‘compelling reason’ rule currently prevents travel to the UK for French under 18s travelling alone and unvaccinated adults. You can refer to the Consulate General of France in London website for full details.
Everyone under 18 travelling from the EU, EFTA countries or the US is exempt from quarantine in the UK
Children under 18 at the time of their arrival who are ordinarily resident in one of the following countries are exempt from quarantine requirements:
- All EU member states
- The four European Free Trade Association (EFTA) countries – Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland – and the European microstates of Andorra, Monaco, and Vatican City
- USA
There has been some confusion caused by some of the wording on the GOV.UK website. The guidance says that under 18s from these countries must follow the same rules as children and young people from the UK. This means they do not need to quarantine, but they must take a day two Covid test after arrival, and a pre-departure test if aged 11 – 17 years.