COVID-19 travel lists for England updated from 8 August 2021

Further details of the logistical requirements and general considerations for international travel to England are covered in our earlier article here.

What are the changes?

The changes are all in effect from 4 am BST on 8 August 2021. They are mainly liberalisations, however a few countries have been moved to the red list, which mean that travellers must quarantine in a government-approved facility on return. This will create additional cost and inconvenience for some travellers.

Arrivals from France

Those arriving from France will no longer have to self-quarantine in all cases. Instead, children and individuals who have been fully vaccinated in the UK, the USA and most European countries will only have to self-isolate if their post-arrival day 2 COVID-19 is positive.

Additions to the green list

The following countries have been added to the green list:

• Austria

• Germany

• Latvia

• Norway

• Romania

• Slovakia

• Slovenia

Additions to the amber list

The following countries have been moved from the red list to the amber list:

• Bahrain

• India

• Qatar

• United Arab Emirates (UAE)

Additions to the red list

The following countries have been moved from the amber list to the red list:

• Georgia

• Mayotte

• Mexico

• Réunion

Intending travellers will need to arrive to England via an indirect route. They will also need either ensure they arrange to purchase a quarantine package before returning to the UK, or to consider deferring their travel to the UK.

Visitor visa processing for applicants from the new red list countries will be put on hold. Those with existing visitor visas will not be allowed entry if they have been in the red list country within ten days of arriving in England.