The Travel Traffic Light System: Reopening Overseas Borders

The Government has recently unveiled its plans for reopening foreign travel this summer for those in England, which may be permitted to resume on 17 May 2021. A new travel traffic light system will be introduced, categorising countries based on their COVID-19 risk levels. This system will determine quarantine requirements and necessary coronavirus tests for travellers. Let’s take a closer look at how it will work and what it means for your future travel plans.

The Travel Traffic Light System Explained

Under the new traffic light system for travellers, countries will be classified into three categories: green, amber and red. Each category comes with its own set of rules and requirements:

Green Countries

When returning to England from a green-listed country, you’ll need to:

• Take a pre-departure test
• Complete a PCR test on or before day two of your arrival

The good news is that you won’t need to quarantine unless you receive a positive test result. No additional tests will be required.

Amber Countries

Travelling from an amber country to England under the travel traffic light system will involve:

• Taking a pre-departure test
• Completing PCR tests on day two and day eight after arriving
• Self-isolating for 10 days upon arrival (this can be done at home)

There’s a possibility to end self-isolation early on day five by taking an additional test.

Red Countries

Red-listed countries have the strictest measures:

• Pre-departure testing
• PCR tests on day two and eight
• 10 days of managed quarantine in a hotel

It’s worth noting that hotel quarantine can be quite costly. Currently, single adult travellers are charged £1,750 for their stay.

Planning Your Trip

Before you start packing your suitcases, there are a few important points to keep in mind about the travel traffic light system:

1. The Government will announce which countries fall into each category by 10 May 2021, with a tentative date of 17 May 2021 for international travel to recommence.
2. Factors determining a country’s category include vaccination rates, infection rates, prevalence of variants of concern and access to reliable scientific data.
3. A green watchlist will be introduced to identify countries at risk of moving from green to amber.
4. The travel traffic light system restrictions will be formally reviewed on 28 June, 31 July and 1 October 2021.
5. The Government may act immediately if a country’s risk rating changes.

Additional Measures and Considerations in the Travel Traffic Light System

The Government has also announced several other measures to facilitate international travel:

• A COVID-19 charter will be introduced from 17 May 2021, outlining traveller requirements and rights under the travel traffic light system.
• Permission to travel forms will be scrapped, removing the need to prove a valid reason for leaving the country.
• Passenger locator forms will be integrated into electronic border checks by Autumn 2021.
• The Government is looking into ways to reduce the cost of private coronavirus tests required by the travel traffic light system.
• The Civil Aviation Authority will receive additional powers to address airlines breaching consumer rights.

Should You Book a Holiday Now?

While the Transport Secretary has stated that people in England can start thinking about booking overseas trips, it’s crucial to approach this with caution. The Government has yet to confirm when overseas holidays will definitely be allowed, and there’s still a great deal of uncertainty.

If you’re keen to book, ensure you’re fully aware of and comfortable with the potential risks associated with travelling at this time. Opt for flexible bookings wherever possible to protect your money. Remember to check the situation closer to your travel date as the green, amber and red lists in the travel traffic light system may change.

The Bottom Line

The introduction of the travel traffic light system marks a significant step towards the resumption of international travel. However, it’s essential to stay informed about the latest updates and guidelines. Keep an eye on the official announcements, particularly around 10 May 2021 when the country classifications for the travel traffic light system are expected to be revealed.

As we navigate these changes, it’s crucial to prioritise both your wanderlust and your wallet. By staying informed and making smart, flexible travel arrangements, you can hopefully look forward to your next overseas adventure with greater confidence.

Remember, the landscape of international travel is likely to remain fluid for some time. Stay adaptable, keep abreast of the latest guidelines and – most importantly – prioritise your health and safety as you plan your future travels.