The UK Government has decided to remove 47 countries from its red list from 11 October, opening travel between the UK and several long-haul destinations.
Travellers returning to the UK from these countries will not be required to undergo hotel quarantine.
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Eligible completely vaccinated passengers and under 18-year-olds returning from countries and territories not included in the red list will need to be tested on day two.
Other travellers, who are not vaccinated fully with an authorised vaccine and returning from non-red destinations, will have to undergo a pre-departure test, a day two and day eight tests, as well as complete ten days of self-isolation, with the option of test to release on day five.
In addition, the government has announced that eligible passengers vaccinated in over 37 new countries and territories will also be treated in a similar manner as returning fully vaccinated UK residents.
Some of these countries include India, Brazil, Ghana, Hong Kong, Pakistan, South Africa and Turkey.
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By GlobalDataThis will be applicable if the travellers have not visited a red list nation or territory in ten days prior to their arrival to England.
Earlier this week, the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office lifted advice against all but essential travel for more than 30 countries and territories.
UK Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said: “With half-term and winter sun around the corner, we’re making it easier for families and loved ones to reunite by significantly cutting the number of destinations on the red list, thanks in part to the increased vaccination efforts around the globe.
“Restoring people’s confidence in travel is key to rebuilding our economy and levelling up this country. With fewer restrictions and more people travelling, we can all continue to move safely forward together along our pathway to recovery.”
However, the government will keep reviewing the data for all countries and territories and proceed with a relevant action plan in case a country’s epidemiological picture changes.
Last week, the UK Government implemented a new simplified travel system in a bid to facilitate international travelling.
The new system replaced the previous traffic-light system and categorises countries and territories as either ‘red’ or the ‘rest of the world’.
