The date we had been waiting for has arrived – on Friday 7th May 2021 we got confirmation that as of the 17th May 2021 it would no longer be illegal to travel overseas.
The UK government has introduced a new ‘traffic light system’ for travellers returning to the UK (or people visiting); so we wanted to let you know what it means for you. These UK regulations are in addition and separate to any regulations issued by the country you are visiting. The initial Green list is short but will be added to over the coming weeks.
GREEN: You’ll need to take a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test on or before day two of your arrival back into England. But there’s no need to quarantine on your return (unless you receive a positive result) or take any additional tests; halving the cost of tests on your return from holiday.
AMBER: You’ll need to take a pre-departure test before coming back into the UK, self-isolate for a period of ten days on your arrival back into England, and also take a PCR test on day two and day eight – with the option for Test to Release on day five to end self-isolation early.
RED: You’ll be subject to the restrictions currently in place for ‘red list’ countries; which include pre-departure testing before coming back into the UK, a 10-day stay in a managed quarantine hotel on your arrival back into England, and also PCR testing on day two and day eight. Holidays to red list countries will be cancelled.
The full list of countries and regulations can be found here.
This is an evolving situation, so as and when new announcements are made, we will keep you informed. At the moment it is great to see Portugal, Iceland, Israel and Gibraltar on the Green list and we are expecting a number of our Mediterranean favourites to join them soon.
We want to make your holiday booking as seamless as possible, by taking care of everything for you, including arranging your PCR tests from £45pp per test. We are here to guide you through the complexities of the government’s traffic light system, tests, quarantine – and anything else you need to know.
Travel dreams do not seem quite so far away now so why not call us to talk about your next holiday.
by TMS