The latest updates to the travel system... including the countries remaining on the UK government's red list
Please note: The information in this article applies to UK travellers, and is up to date as of 7:00pm on 7 October.
The government has announced from Monday 11 October, 47 countries will be removed from the UK's red list. This includes Brazil, Mexico, Costa Rica and South Africa. For the full list of quarantine-free countries and their rules, see our latest Coronavirus update.
From Monday 4 October, a single red list replaced the previous traffic-light system for the UK, simplifying the rules for the rest of the world. Fully vaccinated travellers will not need a pre-departure test before arrival into England from a non-red list country. Later on in October, the day two tests will be scrapped and replaced with cheaper lateral flow tests.
While we do our best to keep abreast of developments do always double-check official sources before making travel arrangements.
Peru remains on the UK travel ban list (Shutterstock)
Anyone entering the UK from a red list country, regardless of their vaccination status, will need to take a pre-departure test three days before coming to England, book a quarantine hotel package which include two covid tests, quarantine for 10 days, and complete a passenger locator form.
Prices for a government-approved quarantine hotel package cost £2,285 and must be booked via the government portal. Failure to arrange this before returning home can result in a fine up to £4,000.
There are also large penalty fines for non-compliance to the red list quarantine rules.
Only UK residents are allowed to return to the UK from a red list country. Anyone else will be refused entry at the border.
See more about the red list on the government website.
We have listed the countries remaining on the UK's red list below with their individual travel rules.
To enter Colombia you will need to fill in this form at least 24 hours before travelling. Those who have symptoms of Covid-19, have tested positive or has been in close contact with someone who has tested positive in the last 14 days will not be allowed to enter.
To travel to Peru you will need proof of a negative test no older than 72 hours. Visitors travelling from the UK do not need to isolate, regardless of their vaccination status.
If you are fully vaccinated, you can enter Ecuador provided you complete a health declaration form. Unvaccinated visitors can also enter but will need proof of a negative test no older than 72 hours. You will need to take an antigen test at the airport and if that is positive, you will have to self-isolate for 10 days.
To enter Panama from the UK you need to fill in this form. To avoid quarantine on arrival, you will need proof that you are fully vaccinated. Unvaccinated travellers coming from the UK will need to have proof of a negative test no older than 72 hours and quarantine for 72 hours at home or in an approved hotel, taking another test at the end of your isolation.
You may have your temperature checked upon arrival. You will need to provide a negative covid test before boarding the flight, which must have been taken less than 72 hours prior and complete a health declaration on the flight. You may be required to self-isolate for 14 days.
You will need proof of a negative test no older than 48 hours. You will need to take and pay for an additional test on arrival.
Before travel to the Dominican Republic you will need to fill out a Health Affidavit. You will need proof of a negative test taken with 72 hours and a temperature check and random rapid diagnostic breath tests on arrival.
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