The new, simplified UK COVID-19 travel rules 

From today, the UK has introduced new, simplified travel rules. The previous traffic light system, which placed countries into red, amber, and green lists, has been replaced by a single red list. 

Anyone traveling from a country not on the red list will not be required to quarantine or take a test before arriving in the UK, providing they are fully vaccinated.  

The green and amber lists have been scrapped altogether. However, anyone arriving from a red list county will still be required to quarantine and pay to stay in a designated hotel for 10 days. 

Anyone arriving from a non-red list country can enter the UK without being tested for COVID-19, as long as they have been vaccinated in a recognized country, which includes the UK, the EU, the US, or 18 other countries. 

In addition to this, anyone under 18 who is from one of these recognized countries can travel to the UK without a test or proof of vaccination status. 

Anyone arriving from a red list country, which currently includes Mexico, Brazil, South Africa, and the Philippines, must quarantine for 10 days at a cost of £2,285 for each adult.

Although vaccinated people and under 18s were already able to avoid self-isolating when arriving back in the UK, the latest changes, which came into force at 04:00 BST, will make traveling abroad a lot easier and cheaper for most people. 

After arriving in the UK, all adults and children over five years old will still have to pay for a PCR test two days after arrival. 

Plus, anyone who isn’t fully vaccinated will need a test before departing, as well as PCR tests on days two and eight after returning. They will also need to self-isolate for 10 days. 

Going forward, the government plans to update the red list on a regular basis. It may also add more countries whose vaccination certificates are recognized.