Can I Holiday In An Amber List Country?

The easing of restrictions to allow international Holidays on the 17th of May was long-awaited by many seeking a getaway. The easing saw the return of the traffic light system with countries designated green, amber, or red depending on the COVID infection rate among other things. With this system, only 12 countries made the initial green list & 43 made the red list, which means the vast majority of countries are on the amber list. Whilst it’s clear that you shouldn’t holiday abroad to a red list country, can you holiday in amber list country?

What are the rules regarding travel to Amber list countries?

If you arrive from an amber country you will need to quarantine for 10 days at home or other secure location. You will need a negative test pre-departure back to the UK which can be a PCR test or LFT. In addition to this prior to your travel you are required to book a testing package to take two additional COVID-19 tests during your quarantine — one on day two and one on day eight.

From an amber country you also have the ability to take part in the Test to release scheme which allows you to leave quarantine early. If you take part, on day 5 you can take a private test, if it’s negative you are then released from quarantine. You are however still required to take the test on day eight. Test to release is an additional cost to the testing package mentioned above.

You can view Government approved providers for the above services here – https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/list-of-private-providers-of-coronavirus-testing/list-of-private-providers-of-coronavirus-testing

Read more about the testing rules for travel here – https://pointsuncovered.com/miscellaneous/do-i-need-covid-test-to-travel-how-much-will-it-cost/

So can I go on Holiday to an Amber List Country?

If you’ve been listening to various Government officials over the past week or so you’ve probably heard mixed messages in response to this question. Initially, the Environment Secretary said “There will be reasons why people feel they need to travel either to visit family or indeed to visit friends but they then have to observe quarantine when they return.” Later on in the week, Prime Minister Boris Johnson said it’s “Very important people grasp what the amber list is – not somewhere to go on holiday,” saying travel to these countries should only be for “pressing family or business reasons.”

Confused?

You’re not alone! The mixed messaging has certainly led to confusion regarding the rules. Rather than listening to mixed messaging from various figures in Government we think the thing is to check the FCDO travel advice. This advice is considered the gold standard, travel insurance providers etc. go on this advice to decide whether you are covered for travel. The current FCDO advice is “…you should not travel to amber or red list countries,” compare this to the previous advice of “You must not travel, including abroad, unless you have a legally permitted reason to do so. It is illegal to travel abroad for holidays and other leisure purposes.”

Notice the difference? Previously the advice stated “you must not travel” the latest advice states “you should not,” a subtle change from a command to a recommendation. Secondly, previously the advice stated, “It is illegal to travel abroad for holidays and other leisure purposes.” This bit is omitted from the latest advice.

What does it mean? Well, it means the Government is advising against travel to amber or red list countries BUT unlike previously it’s NOT illegal.

Should you do it? Well, that’s a personal choice you have to make, do consider the below sections on whether travel insurance will cover you too.

You can view the most up to date travel advice here – https://www.gov.uk/guidance/travel-advice-novel-coronavirus

Will my travel insurance cover me If I go to an Amber List Country?

Most travel insurance policies will not cover you if you travel to a country against FCDO advice. The current FCDO advice is “…you should not travel to amber or red list countries,” which means it’s likely your travel insurance provider won’t cover you if you decide to travel. You can view the most up to date travel advice here – https://www.gov.uk/guidance/travel-advice-novel-coronavirus

Are there travel insurance policies that will cover me on a trip to an amber list country?

There are some companies that offer specialist cover for those who still want to travel to countries against FCDO advice. These are likely to be more expensive than the travel insurance options you are used to and have different exclusions so make sure you read the small print! Three options to consider are CoverForYou, Cedar Tree and Outbacker.

Conclusion

As you can see whilst travel to an amber list country isn’t illegal the government are currently recommending that you do not do so. With that in mind it’s a personal decision to make, just make sure you know all the risks, entry requirements & have adequate cover if you decide to do so!