The red list is gone and more countries and territories have been added to the list with approved vaccination programmes - we’ve been so focused on the protocol for what to do when you get to the airport and what you have to do when we arrive home, it’s time to wonder, which countries are actually letting us in?
We’re all excited that travel has opened up again and are desperate to book those long awaited flights far far away. However, there is still the possibility that, just because we are letting in people from around the world, we may actually not be let in, due to travelling from the UK. Just recently we’ve seen changes in Morocco banning all flights from the UK until ‘further notice’ due to the spike in UK infections.
So, to increase your chances of a stress free holiday, we’ve pulled together a helpful view of where you can go and what the rules are, and if they change according to your vaccination status.
Here is the list of countries that are currently not allowing Brits in, or when looking at a two week holiday the restrictions wouldn’t make it worth it, so at least in the short term, maybe remove them from your holiday list.
The COVID situation is always changing, so it’s worth keeping an eye on the specific entry requirements (click on each country to view the gov guidelines).
If you’re double jabbed you may already know that when you arrive back to the UK, you don’t have to worry about quarantining - simply take a lateral flow test on day 2.
More good news, the list of destinations below is ever growing and they are ready to welcome you in without worrying about the hassle (and in some cases cost) of quarantine.
If you are unvaccinated be sure to check local guidelines before travelling as a number of destinations will enforce a quarantine of up to 14 days. The list of countries below are allowing unvaccinated travellers in with just a negative COVID test, although you may have to quarantine on arrival for a few days at your hotel or where you are staying.
On arrival back to the UK, you must also take a test 72 hours before arriving home, quarantine for 10 days at home, and take a COVID test on day 2 and 8.
The only country unvaccinated Brits can travel back to without worrying about quarantine is Ireland.
While you may be exempt upon arrival to England because of your vaccination status, there are some destinations that will force you to self-isolate upon arrival. Self-isolation can vary from a few hours while waiting for a negative test result to a few days. Below we state how long you can expect to be in self-isolation for.
Travel is opening up, and there are far more testing providers on the market to help minimise the extra costs associated with travel. If you are planning to go further afield then it is recommended that you consider COVID insurance, to make sure you are covered against all eventualities.
It’s worth being extra cautious if you are unvaccinated, make sure you research your holiday destination’s entry requirements so that you aren’t hit by an unexpected 14 day quarantine. On arrival to the UK, regardless of the destination, all unvaccinated travellers have to quarantine for 10 days and take a COVID test on day 2 and 8.
For vaccinated travellers there are far more options and you no longer have to worry about the endless testing regime when you get home, it’s simply one lateral flow test on arrival in England. It’s still worth keeping an eye on where you are travelling to, to make sure that British travellers are still allowed entry.
