The Traffic Light System for Travel: Everything You Need to Know

As of October 2021, the Traffic Light System has been replaced. Only the Red List remains and has been drastically altered. Check the latest travel regulations for the UK and your destination

After lengthy restrictions to travel, except for a limited number of exemptions, many of us haven’t seen international friends & family since before the pandemic began.  From 17th May recreational travel is starting to open up again – provided travellers follow the rules of the Traffic Light System for Travel.

What is the Traffic Light System for Travel?

Countries are placed on either the Red, Amber or Green List, subject to ongoing review. Each list has its own set of requirements for Covid-19 testing and quarantine post-travel that travellers must adhere to and include in their travel plans. To check whether your intended destination is list on one of the Green, Amber or Red lists, check the latest Government guidance.

What Does Green List Mean?

The government has advised that countries on the Green List can be destinations for recreational travel. Passengers arriving from Green List countries are required to present a negative PCR test pre-departure before travelling to the UK. They are not required to quarantine on arrival, but they are required to complete Day 2 Only testing. The test is taken on Day 2 after arrival. Your test must be ordered and paid for in advance of your journey to the UK and complete a Passenger Locator Form. You must also complete a test at your departure destination before you leave for the UK.

What countries are on the UK green list?

Check the latest Green List countries on GOV.uk to find out which countries are green listed currently. The list is periodically formally reviewed and may be updated at any time based on updated data. It is expected that more European destinations will be added to the Green List countries over the summer as restrictions lift.

Can I travel to Ireland from the UK?

You do not need to take a COVID-19 test or quarantine on arrival in England if you are travelling within the UK, Ireland, the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man, (the Common Travel Area), and you have not been outside of the Common Travel Area in the previous 10 days.

To travel in to Ireland from the UK, you are required to complete a pre-travel PCR test and provide evidence of a negative result (travel certificate). You are requiered to complete a Passenger Locator Form for Ireland. You are also required to quarantine for 14 days at a location given in your Passenger Locator Form.

What Does Amber List Mean?

The government has advised that people should not travel to Amber List countries for leisure. Passengers arriving to England from Amber List countries are required to present a negative PCR test pre-departure before travelling to the UK. They are also required to quarantine for 10 days on arrival, and to complete Day 2 & Day 8 testing. The tests are taken on Day 2 and on Day 8 after arrival during your period of self-isolation. Your tests must be ordered and paid for in advance of your journey to the UK and complete a Paasenger Locator Form. You must also complete a test at your departure destination before you leave for the UK.

Can I travel to an amber list country for a holiday?

No – the Government advises against travel to Amber List countries for holidays and recreation. All but essential travel is advised against for Amber List countries.

What Does Red List Mean?

Travellers arriving from Red List Countries must provide a negative pre-departure PCR test and must complete managed quarantine at a hotel for 10 days. They are also required to complete PCR testing on Days 2 and 8 of mandatory hotel quarantine. The government has advised that people should not travel to Red List countries for leisure.

When will the Green List be reviewed?

It is expected that as restrictions ease across Europe, more European destinations will be added to the Green List. Countries may be added to the Green List on formal review of the latest data. It is important to keep checking the listing and requirements for your destination as they may be moved off the Green List. 

Are NHS COVID tests accepted for Travel?

No – NHS COVID testing services are not to be used for travel and will not provide documentation suitable for travel. Nomad will provide travel certificates that you’ll need to prove a negative result with our pre-travel COVID tests. We are a UKAS accredited private provider and, where necessary, we will communicate your Psssenger Locator Details required for entry to the UK.

Will the Traffic Light Countries Change?

The lists will be reviewed at least every 3 weeks. Countries may be moved between the lists on formal review of recently updated data on the virus. It is important to keep checking the listing and requirements for your destination as they may be moved between lists at short notice. Check testing requirements as you prepare to travel and check out Nomads range of COVID-19 Tests for travel to get the right tests for your trip.