Canada, Denmark, Finland, Lithuania, Switzerland, Liechtenstein and the Azores were moved from the amber to the green list, meaning they no longer need to quarantine when arriving in England.
“The latest changes are welcome for Scots with loved ones in Canada but once again show that international travel remains challenging,” said Scottish Transport Secretary Michael Matheson following the announcement on August 26.
But the secretary considers citizens still need to remain alert. “It is vitally important we protect that progress through continued vigilance on importation, and we continue to urge caution given the risks caused by variants of concern,” he added.
Not all countries were lucky on this review. This time Thailand and Montenegro were downgraded to the red list.
Also Spain (including the Canary Islands and Formentera, Ibiza, Mallorca and Menorca), France, Portugal and Greece will stay on the amber list for a longer while.
Although British residents and nationals traveling from these countries will still be allowed entry, they will need to observe mandatory hotel quarantine out of their own pocket.
The current cost for 11 nights of hotel quarantine cost amounts to no less than £2,285.
This is due to “the increased case rates in these countries and the higher risk that travel from these countries poses to UK public health,” said a government official.
Turkey was another country unable to make it out of the red list. Thus, the same restrictions apply.
For travelers who are still uncertain about the benefits and restrictions that each list entitles, here is a brief, comprehensive explanation of what they can or cannot do in case of attempting to travel outside of England or being already in one of the affected countries.
Green: travelers only need to bring a negative pre-departure PCR test taken 72 hours prior to returning to the UK. Quarantine is not needed.
Green watchlist: this one is the most problematic. Traveling to England from a country in the Green watchlist means that travelers could eventually need to change their travel itinerary last minute if the country is downgraded to the amber list.
Amber: returning nationals are required to take a test three days before returning as well as a PCR test before day two of their return. Unvaccinated arrivals will also need to quarantine for 10 days and take an additional PCR test on the day 8 of their return.
Red: travelers who got caught in the red list when visiting the country of their dreams must undergo a 10-day hotel quarantine at a cost of £2,285 per person and agree to multiple testing on their return.