TRAVEL
NAVIGATING THE TRAFFIC LIGHT RAINBOW
W
ell 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! 38
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.
