COVID-19: UK traffic light system abolished for international travel | UK news

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The UK’s traffic light system for travel has been abolished and replaced with only two categories – red-listed countries and everywhere else.

The number of countries on the red list – currently 54 – is expected to be reduced to nine, with places such as South Africa and Mexico expected to become available for travel without quarantine.

People who arrive in the UK fully vaccinated against COVID-19 – and everyone under 18 – will also see changes.

People from countries not on the Red List can enter the UK without a pre-departure test.

They do not have to take a PCR test eight days after they arrive or be isolated at home.

Only one test is required on the second day after arrival in the UK.

It is not clear when this will change to a cheaper lateral flow test rather than a PCR version of immunized arrivals.

The Ministry of Transport said the government “aims to put it in place when people return from half-term breaks”.

However, travelers may still need to arrange the tests according to the requirements of the airlines and the country they are going to.

There will be no change for those arriving from red list countries and will still need to pay £2,285 for 11 nights in a government approved quarantine hotel.

Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said: “We are accelerating toward a future where travel continues safely and remains open forever, and changes to the rules today are good news for families, businesses and the travel industry.

“Our priority remains protecting public health, but with more than eight in 10 people fully vaccinated now, we can take these steps to lower the cost of testing and help the sector continue to recover.”

It comes after months of frustration for the travel sector, which is among the hardest hit by the COVID-19 pandemic.

British Airways chief executive Tim Alderslade said: “Things are going in the right direction and removing these restrictions will make it easier and cheaper for people to travel.

“We have seen a good response to the announcement in terms of bookings, and given the current trends we hope to see more countries coming off the red list and more mutual recognition of the status of the vaccine.

“There is still a lot to do though. This task has not been accomplished, and ministers must bear in mind that we are still outside the scope of access testing for vaccinated passengers.

“In the short term, removing the PCR test by half the week of October is critical, and we look forward to clarifying when this test will start as soon as possible.”

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