A Green Light For Travel?
National Geographic Traveller (UK)|July - August 2021
The UK government has formalised its traffic light system, which categorises travel destinations based on their covid-19 risk. How does it work, where can you go and will it bring a return to international travel this summer?
Sarah Barrell
A Green Light For Travel?

International leisure travel has finally resumed, led by the government’s traffic light system, which ranks countries based on their Covid-19 risk, with ‘green’ countries deemed low risk, ‘amber’ medium risk and ‘red’ high risk. The government has said people shouldn’t travel to ‘amber’ and ‘red’ countries for leisure, although it remains unclear if or how this would be checked, and travellers falling into either category will still require Covid-19 tests and quarantine on return to the UK. At the time of going to print, just 12 countries and territories are on the ‘green list’, which has been devised, the government says, using Covid-19 health metrics, including vaccination numbers, infection rates and prevalence of variants.

How does it work?

GREEN LIST DESTINATIONS: No quarantine on return to the UK unless you test positive for Covid-19. A pre-departure PCR test, up to 72 hours before return travel, plus a single PCR test on or before day two of arrival into England.

This story is from the July - August 2021 edition of National Geographic Traveller (UK).

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the July - August 2021 edition of National Geographic Traveller (UK).

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC TRAVELLER (UK)View All
The craftspeople of Sarawak
National Geographic Traveller (UK)

The craftspeople of Sarawak

From ancient pottery to embroidery fit for Miss World, meet the producers championing traditional artisanal creations in Malaysia's island region.

time-read
5 mins  |
January/February 2024
ALTERNATIVE WINTER EXPERIENCES
National Geographic Traveller (UK)

ALTERNATIVE WINTER EXPERIENCES

From ice skating and cross-country skiing to snowy train rides and cosy cabins stays, there are many memorable ways to make the most of the European winter

time-read
6 mins  |
January/February 2024
GOLDEN YEARS
National Geographic Traveller (UK)

GOLDEN YEARS

Join the celebrations century of statehood as the island marks half a with fireworks and parades

time-read
1 min  |
January/February 2024
A TASTE OF The Philippines
National Geographic Traveller (UK)

A TASTE OF The Philippines

A TRIO OF BIG, BOLD FLAVOURS DOMINATES THIS ARCHIPELAGO NATION'S UNIQUE CUISINE

time-read
2 mins  |
January/February 2024
WHERE TO STAY Helsinki
National Geographic Traveller (UK)

WHERE TO STAY Helsinki

FINLAND'S CAPITAL HAS AN OFFBEAT SIDE THAT SHINES THROUGH IN ITS CREATIVE HOTEL SCENE

time-read
2 mins  |
January/February 2024
A YEAR OF ADVENTURE
National Geographic Traveller (UK)

A YEAR OF ADVENTURE

Make 2024 one to remember with these epic trips, putting fairytale castles, cultural exchange and slow travel front and centre

time-read
2 mins  |
January/February 2024
Bear Grylls
National Geographic Traveller (UK)

Bear Grylls

THE TV PRESENTER AND FORMER SAS OFFICER ON RESPONSIBLE TRAVEL, COMFORT ZONES AND EXPLORING THE WORLD ON HIS DOORSTEP

time-read
3 mins  |
January/February 2024
BOSTON
National Geographic Traveller (UK)

BOSTON

In the 19th century, Boston was nicknamed 'The Hub of the Solar System' such was its importance at the heart of the young American nation.

time-read
5 mins  |
January/February 2024
BALI
National Geographic Traveller (UK)

BALI

Known for its beaches, jungles and colourful temples, the Indonesian island of Bali is also home to a vibrant and hugely varied offering of local dishes, from grilled octopus with starfruit to rich Padang-style curry

time-read
5 mins  |
January/February 2024
MANCHESTER
National Geographic Traveller (UK)

MANCHESTER

A spirit of rebellious creativity infuses the northern city, with old factories turned into artists' studios and a unique sense of style on display throughout

time-read
7 mins  |
January/February 2024