UK travelers head to ‘green list’ countries as international trips resume

Thousands of travelers from the UK have embarked on trips to destinations on the "green list" for leisure travel, which has come into effect after a months-long ban on international trips.

International travel has resumed for England, Scotland and Wales under a traffic light system, which sees countries and territories divided into three categories based on their COVID-19 risk; green, amber or red. Northern Ireland has not yet permitted the resumption of international travel.

Gibraltar has been included on the UK's green list © Jayson Oertel/500px

The categories dictate whether holidaymakers will need to quarantine when they return home, or if the destinations should not be visited except in urgent circumstances. There are 12 countries and territories on the initial "green list," and according to the UK transport secretary, Grant Shapps, they represent destinations where infection rates are low and vaccination rates are high. Upon its announcement, Shapps had described the list as "cautious"—a fact that drew criticism from airlines and travel companies eager to see more travel resume. 

The "green list" destinations include Portugal (with the Azores and Madeira); Israel; Australia; New Zealand; Singapore; Gibraltar; Brunei; Faroe Islands; Falkland Islands; South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands; and St Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha. The list will be reviewed every three weeks, and if there are concerns about the safety of any of the places on the list, the government can withdraw the destination's green status. Some popular destinations for British travelers—like Greece and Spain—did not make the cut, despite their own efforts to increase tourism.

Portugal is on the "green list" for UK travelers © Sean Pavone/Shutterstock

Some of the "green list" countries also have their own restrictions in place that will prevent British travelers from visiting, including Australia and New Zealand. While travelers don't need to quarantine upon arrival when they return to England, Scotland and Wales from green list countries, they need to take COVID-19 tests before they leave, as well as a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test on or before day two of their arrival back.

While many may be excited at the opportunity for travel, Shapps noted that as the list can change quickly, travelers should not book any holidays unless there is a refund option, and those who travel should anticipate longer delays at airports.

Arrivals from “red list” destinations, including India, South Africa and Brazil, continue to be subject to 11 nights of hotel quarantine at the traveler’s expense. Most other countries are on the “amber list,” which means that arrivals must self-isolate at home for 10 days. This can be reduced if a test after five days proves negative.