What is the Green List and how will it affect my holiday?

What is the Green List?

Let’s start with the important question first. As part of the risk-based approach the Government is moving forward with, on the 17th May a simple traffic light system will be initiated. In basic terms, countries that are labelled red are categorized as high risk, those that are amber carry a moderate risk and those that are green have a low risk for travellers. In other words, all countries that appear on this ‘Green List’ will be the destinations that the Government is happy for UK citizens to travel to, and you will not be expected to self-isolate upon return to the UK. 

How will the traffic light system work?

Other than notifying you of the risk level involved in where you are travelling to, the traffic system will impact which action travellers need to take when they return to the UK to prevent the spread of the virus: 

• GREEN: Unless a positive test result is received at pre-departure from the destination, holidaymakers travelling back from countries on the Green List will not need to quarantine. To double check they are not carrying the virus, they will simply take a PCR test two days after landing in the UK.
• AMBER: Those returning from an Amber List country will be required to quarantine at home for 10 days upon return to the UK. On top of the pre-departure PCR test, a further test will also be required on day 2 and day 8 on return. Self-isolation can end early under the Government’s Test To Release scheme with a negative PCR test taken on or after day 5 of quarantine. From the 19^th July onwards fully vaccinated travellers will no longer be required to quarantine when returning from Amber List countries or complete the further day 8 PCR test.  
• RED: Anyone arriving from a Red List country will follow the current procedures for these restricted countries. This includes an 11-night stay in a Government approved quarantine hotel and further PCR tests on day 2 and 8 of self-isolation, on top of the standard pre-departure test. The Test To Release Scheme and Business Traveller Exemption does not apply to Red Listed countries. 

Will I still need a PCR test to be able to travel?

The traffic light system is mostly guidance on how travellers can behave when they return to the UK. All Green List countries can continue to place restrictions on UK travellers flying out, including testing and quarantine measures.
 

What is the ‘Green Watchlist’? 

In order to provide greater reassurance to those looking to travel this year, the Government will also regularly publish a ‘watchlist’ of green countries that are identified as being at risk of moving to amber. This will enable travellers to make the appropriate decision on their travel arrangements based further in advance so make sure you book your travel with a trusted travel company who has flexible terms and conditions… like us! 

How often will the lists be reviewed? 

These lists will be fully reviewed approximately every three weeks from the 17^th May. However, changes can also happen in between these review dates so it is important to stay up to date with all the latest information ahead of travel.