The UK government’s Global Travel Taskforce has published a framework for the safe return of international travel which has been set out today (9th April 2021).
The recommendations include a three-tier ‘traffic light’ system for grading countries, with an initial list to be published by ‘early May’.
The government have said it is too early to predict which countries will be on which list over summer at this point and continue to consider a range of factors to inform the restrictions placed on them.
The framework includes the introduction of a traffic light system as follows:
- Green: arrivals will need to take a pre-departure test as well as a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test on or before day 2 of their arrival back into the UK – but will not need to quarantine on return (unless they receive a positive result) or take any additional tests, halving the cost of tests on their return from holiday
- Amber: arrivals will need to quarantine for a period of 10 days and take a pre-departure test, and a PCR test on day 2 and day 8 with the option for Test to Release on day 5 to end self-isolation early
- Red: arrivals will be subject to restrictions currently in place for ‘red list’ countries which include a 10-day stay in a managed quarantine hotel, pre-departure testing and PCR testing on day 2 and 8
Transport Secretary Grant Shapps has said:
“International travel is vital – it boosts businesses and underpins the UK economy – but more than that, it brings people together, connects families who have been kept apart, and allows us to explore new horizons.
The framework announced today will help allow us to reopen travel safely and sustainably, ensure we protect our hard-won achievements on the vaccine roll out, and offer peace of mind to both passengers and industry as we begin to take trips abroad once again.”
