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Travel Safety and Awareness: COVID-19 Travel Advice
July 19, 2021
As the Coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic continues to affect how, when and where we can travel, it’s fair to say that many holidaymakers still have questions. The Prime Minister recently announced that the 19th of July 2021 would see an expected lifting of most COVID-19 restrictions. This means that from then, we will see no limits on how many people can meet, with social distancing and face masks no longer required by law, except in extreme circumstances.
However, what does that mean for travelling? As travel safety training providers, Advanced Tactical Resources see fit to create this guide so you can stay up-to-date on current travel information and guidance, and what steps you can take if you are concerned about domestic and international travel risks and safety precautions.
19th July 2021 and Travel Restrictions UK
From the 19th July 2021, people in England who have had both doses of their COVID-19 vaccination will not need to quarantine when returning from an amber list country (more information on the traffic light system is listed below). Additionally, people returning will not be required to take a COVID PCR test on the eighth day.
These recent changes also apply to anyone under the age of 18.
It’s no longer illegal to take a trip abroad, so there is no legal obstacle preventing anyone from going on family holidays or business travellers visiting other countries for work. However, the UK Government advises and recommends caution when travelling to certain countries due to the prevalence of the COVID-19 virus and the varying vaccination progress internationally. As it stands, there are different testing and quarantine requirements in place for people travelling to and from certain countries, so it’s wise to check the relevant Foreign Travel Advice for current rules imposed in your country of choice.
UK Government COVID-19 Traffic Light System
The countries that have opened borders for travel have been broken down into three categories: the traffic light system.
The country categories are made up of green, amber and red list countries, the rules of which we’ve outlined below.
Green List Countries:
- The list consists of a small number of countries at present.
- Most green list countries are being monitored and could move into the amber list at any moment.
- Before returning, you must take a COVID test before departure and have proof of a negative result. You must also book a test for day two after you return.
- You must complete a passenger locator form.
- No quarantine is necessary upon returning (it’s only required if the day two test is positive or you travelled with someone who tested positive).
You may be asked for an NHS COVID Pass to travel abroad or to get into some events. You can get a pass after receiving two doses of the AstraZeneca, Pfizer or Moderna vaccine or one dose of the Janssen vaccine. It’s advised you check the entry requirements of the country you’re travelling to.
Amber List Countries:
- Until the 19th of July, the Government advises people not to travel to destinations on the amber list.
- If returning, you must take a coronavirus test before departure and have proof of testing negative. You must also book a test for days two and eight after you return.
- You must complete a passenger locator form.
- Current rules state that you must quarantine for 10 days when you enter the UK, but as said, this is due to change on 19th July. If you pay for a test under the test-to-release scheme, it’s possible your quarantine may end early.
Red List Countries:
- Red list countries are deemed the highest risk for COVID-19, and people are advised not to visit (unless in particular circumstances) with some countries under a travel ban.
- If you have visited one in the last 10 days, you can only return to the UK if you’re a UK resident or a UK or Irish national.
- You have to take a COVID-19 test before departure, test negative, complete a passenger locator form and self-isolate in a Government-approved quarantine hotel (which must be booked and paid for in advance).
Travel Safety Advice for COVID Risk-Heavy Countries
The traffic light system is being reviewed regularly. As the UK Government’s efforts to roll out the vaccine in the UK continues and more people receive both doses, it’s hoped that more countries will end up on the green list as we head towards the peak summer period.
It’s a situation where people need to exercise caution before travelling and make an informed decision on whether it’s the best idea.
Whilst it won’t change the legalities, the widely documented prevalence of the COVID-19 Delta variant may mean a change in guidance. You should be fully aware of all travel safety risks and ensure you understand all possible coronavirus travel restrictions for when you return.
The Government has issued COVID travel advice to people that live in areas where this new variant is spreading fastest. This is a change to guidance rather than law, so your legal rights remain unaffected. If you have a holiday booked and still choose not to travel, your travel organiser reserves the right to charge cancellation fees. However, some companies may be more flexible considering the current situation.
If you’re feeling unsure about staying safe while abroad, the team at Advanced Tactical Resources can help you in a myriad of ways.
Travel Safety Training Courses
At Advanced Tactical Resources, we provide a wide range of travel awareness courses and safety training, covering various specifics, including situational awareness, self-awareness, personal safety and travelling in hostile environments.
We use scenario-based training as our USP, which reinforces theoretical knowledge and gives our delegates the practical experience and capabilities to handle real-life situations confidently. If you’d like to find out more, please contact our team.
[DISCLAIMER: 20th July 2021]
The information contained in this article is current of the date of this publishing and may be subject to further verification, supplement or amendment in any way without notice or liability. The information, advice and guidance presented below are based on research gathered at the time of writing and are subject to change without notice.