The Transport Secretary has just announced that international travel will begin to safely reopen from 17 May, when the Stay in Britain order comes to an end.
However, different levels of restrictions will apply to individuals returning from countries based on a traffic light system designed by the Global Travel Taskforce. These will be reviewed every 3 weeks, and a ‘green watchlist’ will be introduced to help identify countries most at risk of moving from green to amber.
Those arriving from green list countries will need to take a pre-departure test up to 72 hours before their return travel and a single PCR test on or before day 2 of arrival into England.
Given that the virus is still spreading in many parts of the world, people shouldn't travel to amber and red countries for leisure. 10-day managed hotel quarantine requirements will remain in place for those permitted to return from red list countries, and quarantine-at-home alongside stringent testing will be required for those returning from amber list destinations.
In total, 12 countries and territories have been added to the green list so far: Portugal, including the Azores and Madeira; Australia; New Zealand; Singapore; Brunei; Iceland; Faroe Islands; Gibraltar; Falkland Islands; and Israel and Jerusalem.
And to continue protecting the country against new variants, from 4am on 12 May, the Maldives, Nepal and Turkey will be added to the red list. You can find a full list of amber and red list countries here.
Other countries will decide whether they require proof of Covid vaccination for entry, and it will be the traveller’s responsibility to check a country's individual requirements, which you can do here.
If needed, people in England who have had both vaccine doses will be able to demonstrate their vaccination status via the NHS app from 17 May. Those without access to the app can request a letter from the NHS proving their vaccination status by calling 119.
I will continue to monitor this situation closely and work with the teams at Gatwick Airport and the Gatwick Response Hub to help in any way I can. As ever, if you have any questions or need my help, please do email me at [email protected] or leave me a message on 020 7219 5972.
