The UK government has today (28th July 2021) announced that passengers arriving from amber countries who have been fully vaccinated in Europe (EU Member States, European Free Trade Association countries and Andorra, Monaco and Vatican City) and the USA will not have to quarantine when entering the UK.
The latest steps towards reopening international travel make it easier for people vaccinated in Europe or the USA to travel to the UK.
- Passengers fully vaccinated, with vaccines authorised by the EMA and FDA in Europe and the USA, will be able to travel to England from amber countries without having to quarantine on arrival from 04:00 on 2nd August
- Visitors must have been fully vaccinated a minimum of 14 days before arrival, using FDA or EMA-approved vaccines
- In addition, visitors need to have a pre-arrival Covid-19 test performed not more than three days before and do a second test on or before day 2 after arriving in the UK.
From 04:00 on 2nd August 2021, passengers who are fully vaccinated in the EU with vaccines authorised by the European Medicines Agency (EMA) or in the USA with vaccines authorised by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), or in the Swiss vaccination programme, will be able to travel to England without having to quarantine or take a day 8 test on arrival.
Amber arrivals who have been fully vaccinated in the USA and European countries will still be required to complete a pre-departure test before arrival into the UK, alongside a PCR test on or before day 2 after arrival. Separate rules will continue to apply for those arriving from France.
Those vaccinated in the US will also need to provide proof of US residency. Passengers from all countries cannot travel to the UK unless they have completed a passenger locator form.
"We’ve taken great strides on our journey to reopen international travel and today is another important step forward. Whether you are a family reuniting for the first time since the start of the pandemic, or a business benefiting from increased trade – this is progress we can all enjoy."
Transport Secretary Grant Shapps
"By reopening quarantine-free travel for travellers who have been fully vaccinated in European countries and the USA, we’re taking another step on the road to normality which will reunite friends and families and give UK businesses a boost."
Health and Social Care Secretary Sajid Javid
Bottom Line
Keep in mind that the opening only applies to Amber countries. France and other red countries are excluded.