Coronavirus: where can I go on holiday? 

Travel traffic lights, testing and quarantine

From 17 May 2021, international travel restrictions are being lifted in England. The other nations of the UK – Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland – are tracking differently but expected to ease their lockdown restrictions soon. 

Travel corridors established in 2020 have been replaced with a ‘traffic light’ system that places overseas destinations onto different coloured lists – red, amber and green – based on their individual Covid-19 risks, travel requirements and restrictions. 

The list a destination is placed onto is determined by factors such as its vaccination programme and progress, local infection rates, and how much of a concern known coronavirus variants are there. The higher the risk, the tighter the restrictions.

Green: the safest to travel to, with no need to quarantine on your return.

Amber: official government advice states you should not travel to countries on this list for leisure purposes.

Red: you should only travel to these countries in exceptional circumstances.

If you do travel to these countries, what you need to do on your return to the UK varies by list colour. This may include providing proof of negative Covid-19 tests or spending periods in quarantine. We’ve given an overview in the table a little further down this page.

There are also ‘watch lists’ of countries currently on one list that may move to another (for example, from green to amber or amber to red) as their risk increases. While the countries and territories in each colour group could change regularly, it’s hoped notice of at least a week will be given of any changes. 

Check the rules for your country

Countries on the lists may differ between the devolved nations of the UK. You can check which countries are on which list for where you live here:

England

Scotland

Wales 

Northern Ireland

Always check the latest before you book in case you’re planning to visit a destination at risk of moving to the red or amber list. You may need to postpone or cancel your trip. 

Remember, your travel insurance policy will typically only cover you if you travel to a destination the official advice indicates is safe. It won’t be valid if you travel against this advice.

Red, amber and green lists: what you need to do 

Here’s what you must do if you’ll be arriving in the UK from countries on the green, amber or red lists from 17 May 2021 onwards. 

These rules apply even if you’ve been vaccinated against Covid-19.

Source: Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO)

Remember, if you’ve visited a red or amber list country in the 10 days prior to your arrival in the UK you’ll need to follow the steps on that list even if you’re arriving from a green list country. 

Local entry requirements 

You also need to check and follow any local laws, entry requirements, restrictions and guidelines that apply when you get to your destination – including any regional differences.

It’s your responsibility to know and follow these requirements, so check the latest for your destination early. The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development (FCDO) provides up-to-date, country-specific guidance for all international destinations on its travel advice page. 

If you’re planning activities or to visit attractions while you’re away, remember that social distancing measures and local restrictions may mean it’s no longer possible. Other attractions and activities, as well as restaurants and bars, may be open and operating at reduced capacity, and you might need to book a time slot in advance. 

Do I need a Covid test for travel? 

You’ll need to provide evidence of a negative Covid-19 test to travel both to overseas destinations and back home to the UK at the end of your trip. 

Many destination countries require a certificate from an officially recognised testing centre that confirms you have tested negative for coronavirus. 

The types and number of tests you’ll need can vary depending by destination too. Check the FCDO travel advice page for the latest on this. The FCDO maintains pages for all countries and territories around the world, including information on their entry requirements. 

The time limits that apply around testing may also vary by country, from 48 hours to up to seven days before departure. The type of test also affects the time needed to receive results. 

On returning to the UK, you’re required to take a test before departure and again when you get home – on or by day 2 after arrival, regardless of where you’re travelling from, and again on day 8 if it’s from somewhere on the red or amber lists. These must be PCR tests, typically conducted within 72 hours of your scheduled arrival. 

Make sure you research and plan for the test or tests you’ll need well in advance of travel. You don’t want getting tested or waiting for results to delay or prevent your plans.

Check the latest FCDO advice and with your airline, tour operator and accommodation to be sure which type of tests you’ll need before you go. And check if your airline has any stricter requirements of its own that you need to be aware of. Breaking any rules can incur serious fines and penalties.

Testing must be conducted at the traveller’s expense and the prices can vary. PCR tests – the type most widely accepted (though acceptance isn’t guaranteed everywhere) – can be expensive, so shop around for prices from reputable UK test providers.

Will travel insurance cover Covid-19? 

The current situation means it’s more important than ever to get travel insurance that will sufficiently cover your trip when the FCDO says it’s safe to visit your destination. Not all insurers provide Covid-19 cover as part of their policies, so make sure the cover you choose offers all the protection you need.
 
You may need cover against cancellation, delayed or missed departure due to the virus before you travel, or cutting short (curtailment) of your holiday because of it when you’re there. It’s also important to ensure emergency medical treatment, repatriation (getting you home) and other expenses will be covered if you fall ill while you’re away.
 
So check what coronavirus cover is included in travel insurance, compare providers and read the policy documents and terms and conditions before you buy. And always follow the official travel advice of the national and local government both here in the UK and in your destination. Travelling against this advice will usually invalidate your travel insurance policy.
 
To check the latest on whether your destination is safe to visit and any restrictions, exemptions or entry requirements that apply if you do, visit the FCDO travel advice page. 
 
If you do plan to travel to your destination despite FCDO advice against doing so, check your travel insurance policy closely. Your trip’s unlikely to be covered but it may be possible to buy add-on cover for an additional premium to cover travel against FCDO advice that does not relate to the Covid-19 pandemic. So triple check your policy to be sure and don’t travel if you’re in any doubt.