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NAVIGATING THE TRAFFIC LIGHT RAINBOW
Well another month passes and another incredulous number of changes to travel at government
level.
We started off with the news that anyone who had been “double jabbed” would be able to travel back from an amber-listed country without having to quarantine…. This was short-lived unfortunately and a few days later they added another “colour: in the traffic light spectrum, “amber plus”.
This meant that if you were double jabbed, you DID have to isolate on return. But isn’t that the same as red? Oh wait, it means that they think it could turn red… or is that just green watch?
Confused? Don’t feel bad. We have a team deciphering this code that even the Mayans would have been proud of, and we can still sometimes draw a confused look. I say sometimes…
So, here it is. My guide to navigating the ubiquitous travel traffic lights. Just please bear in mind that these are the rules for RETURNING into the UK, and each country will have its own entry requirements too – just because a country is green, doesn’t mean you can travel there. It just means that if you do/can, restrictions are slightly less onerous!
Green
An antigen test within 3 days of arrival back in the UK. Also known as a lateral flow test, however you cannot use NHS tests – you will need to get one while in resort.
A passenger locator form should also be completed within 48 hours of your arrival time within the UK.
A PCR test should also be completed within 2 days of arrival back into the UK.
It is expected (but not guaranteed) that any changes to green countries would be given fair warning.
Green watch
Pretty much identical to the green list, however the status may change at short notice, meaning if you haven’t been double jabbed, you may need to isolate upon return, and/or follow the guidance for Amber countries.
Follow green advice. Certification will be required before travel so make sure you get this in plenty of time. Also, you will have had to have the second dose of your vaccine 14 days before you return back into the UK.
Amber for those who are not
As green, plus you will need to isolate in your own home for 10 days upon return. You will also need to take a second PCR test on day 8 of your return. Can be changed to Amber plus with little or no notice.
Amber Plus
As amber, however there is no concession for those who have been fully vaccinated. It also may change to red at short notice.
Red
You must quarantine for 10 days in a sanctioned hotel. These currently cost around £1700. You will need to provide negative PCR tests on day 2 and 8, and can only leave once your result show negative. At the time of writing, an additional challenge to Scotland is that any PCR tests have to be from a specific supplier, and can’t just be ones you have found online or in a local pharmacy. The name you currently need to look out for is CTM.
Your travel company should be able to give you more details, so if you are unsure, simply contact the company you booked through for their latest advice. For information on entry requirements into each country, follow FCDO advice which can be found at https://www.gov.uk/foreigntravel-advice.
www.invernesstravel.co.uk or head to @invernesstravel on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.
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