As of 4am this morning (Monday 11th October 2021), 47 countries were removed from the travel “red list” and added to the “Rest of World” (ROW) list – giving British travellers a lot more choice when it comes to booking a holiday abroad.
Fully vaccinated Brits arriving from destinations on the “ROW” list are only required to take a ‘Day 2’ PCR test within two days after their return to the UK. While those who are not fully jabbed must take a pre-departure test before their arrival, as well as a ‘Day 2’ and ‘Day 8’ PCR test upon their return, plus quarantine at home for 10 days.
Travellers arriving from the seven destinations detailed on the “red list” (Peru, Ecuador, Colombia, Panama, Dominican Republic, Haiti, and Venezuela), must follow the above testing measures, regardless of whether they are fully vaccinated. They must also quarantine for 10 days and 11 nights in a government-regulated hotel at their own expense.
All tests and quarantine arrangements (if necessary) must be booked before travellers return to the UK to allow them to complete the mandatory Passenger Locator Form, which is to be filled out 48 hours before their arrival.
Destinations on the “red list” should not be visited except in the most extreme situations. If travellers must visit one of these countries, they should contact their chosen travel insurer to agree cover for their trip before they depart. Those who travel against Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office (FCDO) advice, in most cases, will not be covered for any claims submitted to their insurer unless agreed in writing beforehand.
The UK government has said they will continue to review the “red list” every three weeks. While this could mean that holidaymakers end up with more choices for a winter getaway, Brits must also be aware that destinations could be added back to the “red list” if Covid-19 infection rates increase.
We would strongly recommend that anyone booking a holiday keeps a close eye on the destination they intend to visits’ Covid-19 cases, and, where possible, book with a tour operator and with a credit card for extra financial protection should the trip not be able to go ahead.
For information on the different types of Covid-19 cover available within a travel insurance policy, click here.
