Replacing the traffic light system while traveling in England and testing change requirements | Europe Holidays

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A reform of English Covid-19 rules governing international travel will come into effect from Monday 4 October, replacing the traffic light system.

One red list of countries would remain, and the former green and amber countries would become “rest of the world” or “non-red list”. There will also be changes to testing requirements upon return from a country not on the Red List, if it has been fully vaccinated.

From 4 a.m. on October 4, fully vaccinated travelers will no longer be required to take a test in the three days prior to their return from a non-red list country.

Also, from the end of October they will not be required to take a PCR test on the second day of their arrival in England or Scotland – instead they will need to take a lateral flow test. If the lateral flow test is positive, they will need isolation and confirmatory PCR testing at no additional cost.

For those who have not been vaccinated or not fully vaccinated, there are currently no changes to testing or quarantine requirements. This means that if they arrive in the UK from any country not on the red list, they will still need to take a pre-departure test, a PCR test on Day 2 and Day 8, and a 10-day home quarantine. If they were to make it to England, they still had the option of using the test system until release on the fifth day.

Requirements for UK arrivals from Red List countries remain the same: pre-departure testing and pre-booking for a mandatory 11-night hotel package, which will include two PCR tests, taken on Day Two and Day Eight, whatever your vaccination status.

All travelers, regardless of their vaccination status and the country they are traveling from, will also still need to complete a passenger locator form at any time within the 48 hours prior to their arrival in the UK.

The aim of the changes, according to Transportation Secretary Grant Shapps, is to simplify the rules and reduce the burden on travelers. The new system is expected to be fully effective in time for people returning from the October half-term holidays in England.

The new rules announced apply to England. Delegated departments are responsible for their own travel rules, but they usually reflect the Westminster approach.

Aside from removing the need to take tests, the change in rules means the overall cost of travel will be cheaper. Test providers typically charge £60 for PCR tests and £30 for lateral flow tests.

Removing popular destinations like Turkey from the red list will make holidays more affordable. Having to quarantine in a hotel after returning to the UK costs £2,285 per person and £1,430 for additional people over the age of 11.

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