As of 4am on 4th October, the amber and green lists have merged into a ‘rest of the world’ category. The red list still remains and will be for countries considered the highest risk. Arrivals from red list countries will need to pay for a quarantine hotel.
Do you still need a covid test?
Those who are fully vaccinated and arriving from non-red list countries will no longer have to take a PCR or lateral flow test before heading back to the UK.
This includes people vaccinated in the UK, EU, US or 18 other recognised countries.
You must be able to prove that you’re fully vaccinated.
Those under the age of 18 who is resident in these countries can also travel to the UK without testing. All travellers - except children under 5 - will still need to pre-book and pay for a PCR test two days after arrival into the UK. A passenger locator form also needs to be completed.
For those who are not fully vaccinated, you will still need a pre-departure test, as well as a PCR test on days 2 and 8 on return. You must also self-isolate for 10 days.
Test to Release is still an option for unvaccinated passengers who want to shorten quarantine.
Are there any other changes?
From later in October, travellers coming into England will no longer have to take a PCR test 2 days after arrival. Instead, this will be replaced by a cheaper lateral flow test.
The government is hoping to have this change in place for half-term school break where many families will flock to get the last of the winter sun. Currently, no other UK nation has planned to follow suit.
