The latest updates to the green list and amber lists for travel...
PLEASE NOTE: This information is correct as of 9pm on 16 July and applies to changes from 4am on 19 July.
The latest update on the traffic light system for travel has been announced with Bulgaria and Hong Kong now on the green list, and Croatia and Taiwan on the green watchlist. The British Virgin Islands and the Balearic islands have both moved from green to amber. Cuba, Sierra Leone, Indonesia and Myanmar are now all on the red list.
The list of green list countries are countries where travellers will not have to quarantine on their return. However, in reality, not all of them are currently open to UK travellers.
As of 19 July, anyone who is fully vaccinated will not have to quarantine when returning to the UK from a country on the amber list. The exception will be France.
For the ones you can visit, you will still need to adhere to testing requirements, so make sure you know what the traffic light system means and what you will need to do before travelling in and out of the country. And don't forget that just because a country is on the UK's green list, it doesn't mean the UK is on theirs. Make sure you keep up to date with the latest travel restrictions in place for the country you are planning to visit.
While we do our best to keep abreast of developments do always doublecheck official sources before making travel arrangements.
Gibraltar has moved from the green list to the amber list
Croatia is on the green watch list meaning it's at risk of moving to the amber list. If you are travelling from the UK to Croatia you will need one of the following: proof of a negative antigen test no older than 48 hours, proof of a negative PCR test no older than 72 hours, proof of vaccination, or a doctor's note to show you have recovered from the virus between 11 and 180 days before travelling. From the 26 July, even fully vaccinated travellers will need proof of a negative PCR test no older than 72 hours or a negative antigen test no older than 48 hours.
Travellers from the UK can enter with proof you have been fully vaccinated.Those who have not been fully vaccinated will need to have proof of a negative lateral flow test on arrival and take another one 24 hours after your arrival and again on the fifth day of your stay.
With a footprint less than 7 sq km, the British Overseas Territory of Gibraltar may be small but it packs a punch. Don’t miss these five experiences.
You can travel to Iceland for reasons other than essential travel if you are a resident or if you have been fully vaccinated against Covid-19 or can prove you have recovered from Covid-19. You will need to pre-register before arrival.
With its exciting landscape of volcanoes, glaciers, natural hot springs and waterfalls, Iceland makes for an adventurous first trip after lockdown. Here are some of our favourite things to do in Iceland.
Madeira is on the green watch list meaning it's at risk of moving to the amber list.UK travellers are permitted to enter Madeira for any reason. You will need to fill a questionnaire 12-48 hours before departure, need proof of a negative PCR test no older than 72 hours and undergo a health screening on arrival. If you have had your second dose of a Covid-19 vaccine 15 days before you travel, then you will not need a test and your NHS letter proving your vaccine will be accepted. Here are 5 reasons to visit Madeira
To enter Malta from the UK, you will need to present proof that you have received both doses of the vaccination at least two weeks before your arrival. Children between the ages of five and 11 are exempt from this rule but they will need a negative test no older than 72 hours. You also need to fill in the Passenger Locator Form and Public Health Declaration Form before travelling. Read our Travel Guide to Malta
Bulgaria is now on the green list but the UK is on Bulgaria's red list. This means that only Bulgarian nationals, long-term residents in Bulgaria and family members travelling from UK are allowed to enter the country.
Israel is on the green watch list meaning it's at risk of moving to the amber list.To enter Israel you will need an entry permit which you can get by submitting your request to the Israeli Embassy in London. You will also need proof of a negative result no older than 72 hours. You also need to fill in an inbound passenger statements at least 24 hours before travelling to Israel. If you have not been vaccinated then you will need to isolate for 14 days on arrival in Israel.
You can only enter the Faroe Islands for essential reasons.
Halfway between Iceland and Norway, to the north of UK, the Faroe Islands are a jigsaw puzzle of 18 volcanic islands, lying far off the tourist radar.
Anguilla is on the green watch list meaning it's at risk of moving to the amber list. UK travellers must apply and be approved by the government's health team. Upon arrival, fully vaccinated visitors will receive a yellow wristband and non-vaccinated people and children will get a red wristband. You must show a negative PCR test taken three to five days before you arrive. You will be tested again on arrival and will need to stay at your hotel until you get told you have tested negative. With the exception of pregnant women, everyone entering Anguilla must be fully vaccinated against Covid-19 at least 21 days before arrival.
As part of the approval process you must provide evidence of a negative PCR (polymerase chain reaction) test taken 3 to 5 days before the planned date of your arrival. You will also be tested on arrival. If you are fully vaccinated and received your last vaccination at least 21 days before you travel to Anguilla you will need to self-isolate for 7 days on arrival, otherwise for 10-14 days.
Antigua is on the green watch list meaning it's at risk of moving to the amber list. You must show proof of a negative PCR test no older than seven days. You will need to complete a Health Declaration Form and have your temperature checked on arrival. Arriving passengers who are allowed to stay in a private home or government facility will need to wear a monitoring bracelet.
Barbados is on the green watch list meaning it's at risk of moving to the amber list. You should read this website carefully before travelling. All travellers, even fully vaccinated ones, must travel with a negative PCR test taken within three days of travelling.
Dominica is on the green watch list meaning it's at risk of moving to the amber list.You must complete an online questionnaire 24 hours before you arrive and show a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours of travel on arrival. You must also have a rapid Diagnostic Test (RDT) on arrival. If it's negative, you must self-isolate in a government certified facility for five days and take another PCR test on day five. If it's positive you must pay to quarantine in a government certified facility for 14 days.
Grenada is on the green watch list meaning it's at risk of moving to the amber list. All travellers must pre-pay for accommodation, pre-pay for a PCR test and apply for a Pure Safe Travel Certificate and have a negative test no older than three days. Those who have had both doses of the vaccine at least two weeks before travelling only need to quarantine for 48 hours while waiting for the results of a Covid test.
Turks and Caicos islands is on the green watch list meaning it's at risk of moving to the amber list.Travellers must have pre-travel authorisation via Assured Portal. On the portal you must upload proof of a negative test taken with five days, proof of travel insurance that includes Covid-19 cover and a completed health screening questionnaire.
The Cayman islands is on the green watch list meaning it's at risk of moving to the amber list.Airports in the Cayman Islands are closed to all scheduled inbound and outbound international passenger flights until further notice. The Cayman Islands Government has contracted with British Airways and Cayman Airways to provide a limited service with the UK, USA, Jamaica, Cuba and Honduras.
Only people who have been pre-authorised may enter the Cayman Islands at this time and they are subject to mandatory quarantine for a period of 14 days, if they are unvaccinated against COVID-19, or 10 days if they are fully vaccinated, in a government facility or pre-approved home isolation.
Montserrat is on the green watch list meaning it's at risk of moving to the amber list.Only resident permit holders and Montserratians are allowed to enter Montserrat at present.
Please note that these countries are currently closed to non-residents
Entry to Brunei is severely restricted and anyone who wants to visit will need a permit from the Prime Minister's office.
Brunei – Home to stunning mosques such as Omar Ali Saifuddien, mysterious caves and lush jungle in Ulu Temburong National Park.
All flights between Hong Kong and the UK are currently suspended. To enter, you will need a negative test and will; need to quarantine for 21 days.
You cannot currently enter Singapore for tourism.
It may be small, but Singapore dazzles not just with its glittering architecture and Gardens by the Bay, but with its green hiking trails and parks, authentic food scene and admirable public art.
Taiwan is on the green watch list meaning it's at risk of moving to the amber list.Taiwan is not currently open for tourism. Here is some travel inspiration for when the borders open back up.
Please note that these countries are currently closed to non-residents
Australia is not open to UK tourists
The trouble with Australia is that there’s just so much of it! Whether you want to explore the incredible red-hued landscapes of the Northern Territory, have an adventure in Western Australia or combine the best bits of the whole of Australia on one epic road trip, there's certainly a lot to discover.
New Zealand is not open to UK tourists.
Remote, rugged and absolutely remarkable, New Zealand is top of many travellers’ wishlists, and with good reason!
Bermuda is on the green watch list meaning it's at risk of moving to the amber list.All visitors from a country classified by the WHO as having community transmission of COVID-19 (including the UK) will need to apply for a Bermuda COVID-19 Travel Authorisation 1 to 3 days before departure. Travellers are also required to have a negative pre-departure PCR test no more than 5 days before travel. Anyone arriving in Bermuda from the UK, or who has travelled through the UK within the 14 days prior to their arrival in Bermuda, must quarantine for 4 days upon arrival. They will need to receive a negative COVID-19 PCR test on or after the 4th day to leave quarantine.
British Antarctic Territory is on the green watch list meaning it's at risk of moving to the amber list. There are no Covid-specific entry requirements at present but you do need a travel permit through your tour operator. Do check your route too as many departures to Antarctica are via Argentina.
You cannot currently enter for tourism. In any case, it is the middle of winter there and would be closed anyway.
Crowds of King penguins, harrumphing seals and a chance to follow in the footsteps of Shackleton. What could be more of an adventurous first post-lockdown trip than an expedition to South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands?
Although you can now enter St Helena, you will need proof of a negative test no older than 72 hours and you will need to self-isolate for 14 days.
The volcanic island of St Helena, in the middle of the South Atlantic, is known as the remotest speck of the British Empire. If you’re looking for a secret paradise with an intriguing culture, then this beautiful island 2,000km from the rest of the world is the answer.
Tourists are not permitted to visit the Falkland Islands.
An archipelago of more than 740 islands just 480km east of Patagonia, the Falkland Islands are a natural paradise in the South Atlantic Ocean. Perfect for social distancing!
Pitcairn is on the green watch list meaning it's at risk of moving to the amber list. Pitcairn has closed its borders. No vessels apart from the Islands supply vessel are permitted to land
Here are the amber list countries that are open and ready for visitors, meaning you can go as soon as they are added to the green list or when the rules change on travel to amber list countries. Double-vaccinated visitors can now go to an amber list destination without having to quarantine on return.
Albania: Flights between Albania and the UK have resumed and all entry requirements related to Covid-19 have now been lifted. Here’s eight things to do in Albania’s capital.
Armenia: Foreign nationals are now allowed to enter Armenia but will need a negative test no older than 72 hours. If you do not have a test and have no symptoms, you can get a test on arrival and then isolate until you get the result. You can also enter Armenia if you have proof that you have had your second dose of a Covid-19 vaccine at least 14 days before travel. Here's some ideas for things to do in Armenia's capital.
Balearic Islands: The Balearic Islands recently moved from the green list to the amber list. To enter the Balearic Islands, you will need to fill in a health check form. You will also need proof that you are fully vaccinated against coronavirus. Those who are not fully vaccinated will need proof of a negative RT-PCR, RT-LAMP or TMA test no older than 48 hours.
Bosnia and Herzegovina: British nationals can enter Bosnia and Herzegovina if they have a negative COVID-19 (PCR) test result that is not older than 48 hours or have had both doses of the vaccine at least 14 days before travelling. You will also be able to enter if you have proof that you have recovered from the virus between 14-180 days before travelling. Here are just 9 things do there.
Cyprus: UK travellers will need proof of a negative test no older than 72 hours or can show proof of having two Covid-19 vaccinations. You will then need to take a test on arrival and isolate until you get the results. You will also need to fill in a Cyprus Flight Pass before travelling. Those travelling to the north of Cyprus will not only need proof of a negative test no older than 72 hours but will also need to isolate for seven days on arrival and take a PCR test on arrival. Those who have been fully vaccinated are exempt from having to isolate but are not exempt from the PCR test on arrival. Here is why you should consider a visit to rural Cyprus.
Denmark: Fully vaccinated UK travellers can now enter Denmark for non-essential reasons. You will need to have had both doses of the the vaccine at least 14 days before travel. You will also need proof of a negative test no older than 72 hours.
France: If you have been fully vaccinated, you can travel to France for any reason and will not need to self-isolate on arrival but will still need either negative PCR test no older than 72 hours or a negative antigen test no older than 48 hours. However, it has been announced that you WILL have to quarantine on return to the UK. This is the one amber list destination this applies to.
Georgia: UK travellers who have had both doses of a Covid-19 vaccination will be allowed to enter Georgia with no restrictions. Those who have not been vaccinated can enter the country by showing proof of a negative test no older than 72 hours. There's every reason to visit Georgia's capital when you can.
Germany: Fully vaccinated visitors travelling from the UK are allowed to visit Germany for any reason.
Greece: You need to complete this form no later than 11:59pm Greek time on the day you arrive in Greece. To avoid isolation on arrival, you need proof of either a negative Covid-19 test taken within the previous 72 hours or proof of a negative rapid antigen test no older than 48 hours. You can also enter Greece without isolating if you have had both doses of a Covid-19 vaccine at least 14 days before travelling. Greece will also accept proof that you have recovered from Covid-19 as long as you had the virus between two and nine months before travel. Get some Greece travel inspiration with our full guide to Greece.
Italy: UK travellers can enter Italy but will need to isolate for five days on arrival and take a rapid antigen or molecular swab test on the last day of quarantine. You will also need a negative test no older than 48 hours before travelling to Italy. Take a look at our full guide to Italy.
Montenegro: UK travellers who want to travel to Montenegro will need either a negative PCR test no older than 72 hours, a negative rapid antigen test no older than 48 hours, a positive serology test no older than 30 days, or proof you are fully vaccinated.
Poland: UK travellers are allowed to enter Poland. Those who have been fully vaccinated against Covid-19 will not need to isolate on arrival. Those who have not been fully vaccinated will have to self-isolate on arrival. You can leave isolation after seven days if you receive a negative antigen or PCR test result, or you can leave isolation after ten days if you do not take a test. Here's 11 things to do in Poland's capital.
Portugal: Portugal (mainland): Travellers coming from the UK can enter Portugal as long as they have proof of a negative test no older than 72 hours or have proof of a negative antigen test taken within 48 hours of travel. Those who are not fully vaccinated will need to quarantine on arrival for 14 days.
Serbia: All visitors to Serbia must arrive with a negative PCR test taken in the 48 hours before arrival.
Spain: All travellers from the UK to Spain need proof of a negative test no older than 48 hours or proof they have been fully vaccinated at least 14 days before travel. Please note, antigen tests are not being accepted. Be inspired by these off-the-beaten-track road trips through Spain.
Ukraine: On arrival in the Ukraine, you will need proof of health insurance that covers Covid-19. You will also need either: proof of a test no older than 72 hours, a rapid test no older than 72 hours, an official document to prove you have had both doses of the vaccine. As well as this, UK travellers will also be required to take an express test on arrival.
Aruba: European travellers are permitted to enter Aruba. All travellers need to complete this form before arrival. have proof of a negative COVID-19 test no older than 72 hours, purchase Aruba's COVID-19 insurance, agree to health checks and screening on arrival and wear a mask on the flight and at the airport.
British Virgin Islands: Recently moved from the green list to the amber list.
Guadeloupe: If you wish to travel to Guadeloupe, you will need to complete a travel certificate. You will need to take a test within 72 hours of departure. Guadeloupe has been removed from the quarantine exempt list. This means that if you return from Guadeloupe to the UK on or after 4am on 19 September, you will need to self-isolate.
Jamaica: To enter Jamaica from the UK, you need authorisation from the Visit Jamaica Website. You will need a negative test no older than 72 hours. You may be tested again on arrival in which case you would wait for the results in your room. If you test negative, you will need to stay within the 'resilient corridor' area.
Belize: Those wishing to travel to Belize from the UL will need proof of being fully vaccinated at least 14 days before arrival. If you are not fully vaccinated, you can enter with proof of a negative PCR test no older than 96 days or an antigen, Sofia, SD Blosensor, and ABBOTT test no older than 48 hours.
El Salvador: To enter El Salvador you will either need proof of a negative test no older than 72 hours or proof that you have had both doses of a Covid-19 vaccine.
Amber list countries in Asia
Kyrgyzstan: Kyrgyzstan is now open to British passport holders. There is no government quarantine measures in place but be aware that if you are showing symptoms you may be asked to isolate at home. You will need proof of a negative test no older than 72 hours or proof that you have been fully vaccinated against Covid-19. If your journey is delayed and your test therefore older than 72 hours by the time you arrive, then you will need to take a PCR test on arrival.
Jordan: Those who have been in the UK in the past 14 days, including those who have passed through the UK in transit can fly to Jordan provided they have proof of a negative PCR test no older than 72 hours. You will need to register before travelling to either book a PCR test on arrival or be granted exemption by proving you are fully vaccinated against Covid-19. For travel to Aqaba, make sure 21 days have passed since you had your second dose of the vaccine or come with proof of a negative test no older than 72 hours.
Lebanon: To enter Lebanon from the UK, you will need insurance that is valid for your whole stay and covers all cost of treatment for Covid-19. You will need proof of a negative PCR test 96 hours before arriving and you will also need to go into hotel quarantine at a government-approved hotel for five days before taking a PCR test. You are exempt from these requirements if you have received both doses of the COVID-19 vaccine more than 14 days prior to your departure to Lebanon.
Comoros: International flights have now resumed. Immigration restriction, enhanced screening and other measures have been introduced to prevent the spread of coronavirus.
Ghana: Commercial flights to and from Kotoka International Airport are now operating. You will need proof of a negative test no older than 72 hours, create an account here and fill in the information, including uploading your test result. At Kotoka International Airport, you will also need to pre-pay for a test on arrival.
Nigeria: All travellers to Nigeria need proof of a negative PCR test no older than 72 hours and carry evidence of your test. You will also need to complete the online health declaration before travelling and you will need to pre-book and pay for a repeat PCR test for seven days after you arrive in Nigeria.
Réunion: To enter the French Overseas Territories, you will need to complete a travel certificate. You will also need to take a COVID-19 test within 72 hours before you travel.Reunion has been removed from the quarantine exemption lost. This means those returning from Réunion on or after 4am on 12 September will need to self-isolate for 14 days.
São Tomé and Príncipe: UK nationals can enter São Tomé and Príncipe. You will need proof of a negative test no older than 72 hours.
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