What do I need to know before I travel?
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Country Specific Risk of Coronavirus (COVID-19) (Update 35)

31 May 2021

Since 17 May, there has been a cautious approach to resuming international travel.  Many countries still have travel restrictions in place and the UK Government’s Global Travel Taskforce has implemented a traffic light system for travellers arriving into the UK.

Before booking any international travel

You should review the COVID-19: Health Considerations for Travel page for information on how to reduce your risk of exposure to coronavirus before, during and after any planned travel.

You should also review the Foreign Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) foreign travel advice regularly for guidance on travelling abroad, including if:

  • the FCDO advise against travel to your destination
  • the country you are travelling to is currently accepting UK travellers
  • there are entry rules in response to coronavirus (COVID-19)
  • you must provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination status for entry

See the UK government’s guidance for British people travelling abroad during the coronavirus pandemic for further information.

The traffic light system:

  • does not indicate which countries are currently allowing UK travellers to enter their country
  • categorises countries into a  red, amber or green list based on risk of coronavirus (COVID-19)
  • indicates what a traveller must do regarding quarantine and testing upon their return to the UK

Country Specific COVID-19 Risk

Each fitfortravel country page includes a COVID-19 country specific risk-rating which identifies the country as having a high, moderate or low risk of exposure to COVID-19 for UK travellers.

  • This risk rating can be found under the ‘Alerts’ section on each country page and is accompanied by appropriate travel advice.

In May 2021, the COVID-19 risk for UK travellers was decreased in 7 countries:

  • Canary Islands (Spain)
  • Portugal
  • Madeira (Portugal)
  • Faroe Islands
  • Gibraltar
  • Hong Kong
  • China
  • Macao

In May 2021, the COVID-19 risk for UK travellers was increased in 4 countries.

  • See the news alerts on individual countries for further details.

Be aware that the COVID-19 risk rating in each country is being kept under constant review and that travel advice may change at short notice.

Prior to arriving in, or returning to the UK

You must:

  • complete a passenger locator form
  • take a coronavirus (COVID-19) test and get a negative result during the 3 days before you travel to the UK
  • book and pay for hotel quarantine (if you are returning from a ‘red’ country)
  • make arrangements to quarantine at home or in the place you will be staying (if returning from an ‘amber’ country)
  • book and pay for COVID-19 testing following your return to the UK, as indicated by the traffic light system rules in the country they live in
  • follow the national COVID restrictions for the UK 4 nations country you arrive in

Quarantine rules are different in each of the UK 4 nation countries, therefore prior to travel, you must ensure that you are able to comply with the rules appropriate to the UK nation you will be arriving in and reside in (if different). Further information can be found in the links below: