What do I need to know before I travel?
Public Health Scotland logo

Fit for Travel Logo

Information on how to stay safe and healthy abroad. About us.

Country Specific Risk of Coronavirus (COVID-19) (Update 38)

10 Sep 2021

International travel continues to be significantly impacted due to COVID-19, and a number of variant strains have emerged globally. To prevent new COVID variants entering the UK, the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) currently advise against travelling to red list countries.

To prevent new COVID variants entering the UK, the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) currently advise against travelling to red list countries.

Before booking any travel abroad, you should consider all of the following:

  • carefully review the FCDO guidance on entry requirements, restrictions, screening and quarantine requirements for the country you are visiting
  • check the risk of exposure to coronavirus (COVID-19) at your destination: this is detailed in the ‘Alerts section’ of each country page
  • consider your risk of developing severe COVID-19
  • make sure you have valid travel insurance
  • check the availability of medical facilities at your destination should you become unwell
  • check if you need to arrange COVID-19 testing at your destination prior to your return to the UK
  • review the UK Border Force rules for entering the UK during return travel

Detailed advice on the above points including advice on reducing your risk of exposure to coronavirus (COVID-19) during travel is available on the COVID-19: Health Considerations for Travel page.

Country Specific COVID-19 Risk

All fitfortravel country pages include a COVID-19 country specific risk-rating which identifies each country as having a high, moderate or low risk of exposure to COVID-19 for UK travellers.

This risk rating can be found in the 'Alerts' section on each country page and is accompanied by some travel advice.

In August 2021, there were no countries where the COVID-19 risk for UK travellers was decreased.

In August 2021, the COVID-19 risk for UK travellers was increased in 3 countries.

The COVID-19 risk rating in each country is being kept under constant review and may change at short notice.

Prevention in Travellers

Currently, COVID-19 vaccines are not available solely for the purposes of travel, however you are encouraged to participate in the UK COVID-19 vaccination programme if you are eligible.

After you return home, always seek medical advice if you develop a high temperature and you have recently travelled abroad, telling them about your recent travel history.