Amber list update: Double-jabbed holidaymakers allowed to skip quarantine on return

This morning (8 July) UK’s Transport Secretary, Grant Shapps will be announcing the latest travel rules to MPs in the House of Commons and it looks like European holidays are back on the table for anyone who has been fully vaccinated against COVID.

European holidays are back on

Currently, all those who are coming into the country from an amber-listed destination have to self-isolatefor a total of 10 days. Shapps is planning to scrap that rule, meaning that vaccinated holidaymakers will be free to travel to any of the 140 countries without having to quarantine upon return. Most European countries, like France, Italy, Germany, and Spain are on the amber list, so all those planning their European summer holidays can finally breathe a sigh of relief. Other countries on the list include Thailand, the United States, Mexico, Mauritius, Hong Kong, and Japan.

Travellers who have not gotten their two doses will have to quarantine on return. If they fail to do so they will have to pay a fine of up to £10,000.

PCR tests

The new changes are expected to come into effect on19 July aka 'Freedom day,' but some measures will still be in place, including mandatory PCR testing. Holidaymakers returning from an amber-listed country will have to take a PCR test on day two of their arrival to prevent spreading any dangerousvariants into the general population. Shapps has told travel industry chiefs:

Day two testing will remain for arrivals from amber countries, regardless of vaccinated status, as this provides genomic sequencing capability to identify the risk of importing variants.

There’s more good news for families that are organising a getaway. Unvaccinated children will also be exempted from the 10-day quarantine. Instead, they will have to get a PCR test on arrival as well. But a quarantine-free return will also add heaps to the vacation bill as PCR tests may cost a family of four an additional £400. Those journeying to green list countries will also have to adhere to the same testing rules.

All the latest travel updates will be revealed at 11:30 am in the House of Commons.