This article has been reviewed by Wego’s editorial team to ensure that the content is up to date & accurate.

Following the implementation of the traffic light system, citizens of the UK can once again embark on international travels. The traffic light system categorizes countries based on their perceived risk in relation to the coronavirus pandemic. There are currently 12 countries and territories in the green list deemed safe for travellers from the UK to travel to. 

Be that as it may, not all countries on the green list are open to non-essential travels from the UK, and similarly, not all countries on the red list are closed to UK travellers as well. It’s also worth noting that it is NOT illegal for UK travellers to travel to countries on the red and amber list. We urge that you exercise caution and do extensive research before making your travel plan.

We’ve compiled a comprehensive list of countries open for travel from the UK. Keep in mind that many of the countries and territories implement on-arrival quarantine requirements and may not necessarily be open for non-essential travels.

Europe

The following countries do not require quarantine.

Albania

Albania is not applying any travel restrictions for international arrivals. However, increased screening measures and the presence of medical personnel are in place when entering Albania. There is no requirement to quarantine when arriving in Albania, however, quarantine may apply in specific cases when ordered by health authorities.

Andorra

Everyone travelling to Andorra is exempt from having to serve quarantine. However, all tourists over the age of six who are planning to spend three or more nights in Andorra must have a negative test result (PCR or TMA) issued within 72 hours before arrival.

Armenia

Armenia has opened its borders to non-Armenian arrivals. Travelers entering Armenia are required to present the results of a PCR test taken within 72 hours prior to arrival or submit to a PCR test at the airport. Arrivals exhibiting symptoms, or who have been exposed to someone with COVID-19, will be required to self-quarantine for 14 days.

Bosnia and Herzegovina

Bosnia & Herzegovina is open to all international travellers who are in possession of a medical certificate with a negative Coronavirus (COVID-19) PCR test result issued at most 48 hours before arrival. No quarantine measures are applied.

Bulgaria

UK travellers are welcome to enter Bulgaria provided they are able to provide a negative pre-departure RT-PCR test taken within the last 72 hours. Additionally, one of the following documents is required:

  • a certificate of vaccination, with the last dose of vaccine administered at least 14 days before entry. Accepted vaccines: AstraZeneca (Vaxzevria), AZD1222 (SK Bioscience Co Ltd.), Covieshield, Janssen, Moderna, Pfizer-BioNTech, Sinopharm, Sinovac and Sputnik V.
  • a document showing a positive test result (PCR or antigen test) for people who recovered from Covid-19 in the period between 15 and 180 days before entry.

Travellers unable to meet the necessary requirements will be quarantined for 10 days.

Cyprus

Cyprus is now accepting fully vaccinated travellers from more than 60 countries. Travellers from the UK will not be required to quarantine but must produce a negative PCR test result as the UK is among the ten countries present on the orange list. 

Estonia

Estonia, one of the pioneering countries of the travel bubble, is now open for all tourists who have been vaccinated. The country recognizes all vaccines produced by the nine worldwide producers and not just the ones authorized by the European Medicines Agency (Pfizer/BioNTech, AstraZeneca and Moderna).

Georgia

Inoculated travellers are welcome to visit Georgia via international flights. Citizens of all countries, traveling by air from any country may enter Georgia if they present the document confirming the full course (two doses) of any COVID-19 vaccination at the border checkpoints of Georgia. No quarantine is mandatory unless foreign travellers have been in India in the previous 14 days.

Greece

Greece allows arrivals from the UK to enjoy quarantine-free visits with or without vaccination. Vaccinated travellers are required to present a certificate stating they have been fully vaccinated or have a valid negative test. Arrivals must also fill out the Passenger Locator Form (PLF) no later than 23:59 (11.59 PM) of the day before arriving in Greece.

Gibraltar

The UK is among Gibraltar’s green list of countries. Fully vaccinated travellers may enter Gibraltar and are required to take a COVID-19 Lateral Flow Test within 24 hours of their arrival in Gibraltar.

Italy

Italy is allowing entry for travellers departing from the UK and the countries of the European Union and the Shengen Area without compulsory quarantine. Travellers are still required to produce on arrival the certificate for a negative molecular or antigen swab test, taken in the 48 hours prior to arrival in Italy.

Malta

The Mediterranean country is planning to open its beaches and medieval castles starting from June 1 to fully vaccinated travellers at least ten days prior to arrival. Eligible travellers will be able to skip quarantine and further testing requirements and will even be paid up to €200 ($240) to stay for more than two nights.

Moldova

UK travellers are allowed entry but must present a negative COVID-19 test taken within the previous 72 hours. Exceptions include children under the age of five, and holders of COVID vaccine certificates. Passengers without a negative COVID-19 test or vaccination certificate are subject to self-isolation for 14 days.

Montenegro

UK passengers must have a negative COVID-19 PCR test result issued at most 72 hours before departure from the first embarkation point. Individuals who have had contact with someone diagnosed with coronavirus, or suspected to be infected with coronavirus will be subject to quarantine.

Poland

International arrivals to Poland will be exempted from quarantine requirements should they are able to prove that they have been vaccinated for COVID.

Portugal

UK travellers may visit Portugal (including Azores and Madeira) with a negative PCR test issued within 72 hours. Portugal is one of the 12 countries listed on the UK’s green list.

Romania

Those who have taken the vaccine are allowed entry into the country. Should the vaccine requires two doses, travellers must make sure that the two doses have been administered at least 10 days before departing for Romania.

Serbia

UK travelers can visit Serbia with a negative COVID-19 RT-PCR test result issued at most 48 hours before arrival. No quarantine is necessary.

Slovenia

Slovenia is now exempting fully inoculated UK travellers and those with a negative PCR test result issued within 48 hours from quarantine requirements. Proof of vaccination must demonstrate that at least 7 days have elapsed since the second dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine, at least 14 days since the second dose of the Moderna vaccine, or 21 days since the first dose of the AstraZeneca vaccine.

Turkey

All UK arrivals into Turkey must complete an online form within 72 hours of travel. A PCR test will not be requested from passengers arriving in Turkey from several countries including the UK. Turkey is currently on UK’s red list.

Ukraine

All international travellers are required to provide a negative PCR test issued within 72 hours and a valid health insurance covering COVID-19. 

 

The following countries require quarantine.

France

Entry to France is possible for UK travellers provided they have not been outside the country in the past 14 days. A negative COVID-19 test and a 7-day quarantine period are required with some exceptions.

Ireland (Republic of)

International arrivals are required to complete a passenger locater form and provide proof of a negative RT-PCR test issued within 72 hours. A 14-day quarantine is mandatory.

Iceland

Vaccinated travellers may visit the country providing that said travellers are able to produce a valid vaccination certificate. A 5-day quarantine is mandatory.

Lithuania

UK travellers are allowed entry but must serve a 10-day self-isolation period. A negative PCR test no older than 72 hours prior to arrival is also necessary.

 

The Americas

The following countries do not require quarantine

Belize

A PCR test is required. If travellers aren’t carrying one, they will be tested at the airport and stay in isolation until results arrive. Only if they test positive will a subsequent 14-day quarantine follows.

Ecuador

Quarantine for 10 days required for all travellers without COVID-19 test results. Ecuador is currently on UK’s red list.

Guyana

Passengers must have a medical certificate with a negative Coronavirus (COVID-19) PCR test result. The test must have been taken at most 7 days before arrival. Anyone arriving to Guyana that is suspected to be infected might be required to quarantine in a government facility. Guyana is currently on UK’s red list.

Mexico

All arriving passengers are not required to obtain a negative COVID test to enter Mexico. 

 

The following countries require quarantine

Cuba

Passengers must have a printed negative COVID-19 RT-PCR test result issued at most 72 hours before arrival. Non-residents will be given a PCR test on arrival and will have to stay at a designated isolation center until they have a second negative PCR test (the test may be on the fifth day). 

Grenada

From May 1, vaccinated travelers will still need to test negative before and after arriving in Grenada and its dependent territories of Carriacou and Petite Martinique. Quarantine periods will be reduced from a week to no more than 48 hours if they are vaccinated.

Peru

Passengers must have a negative COVID-19 antigen or RT-PCR test result issued at most 72 hours before departure from the first embarkation point. A 14-day quarantine is required for all countries. Peru is currently on UK’s red list.

 

The Caribbean

The following countries do not require quarantine

Barbados

Vaccinated travellers have been given the go-ahead to once again travel to Barbados starting from 8 May. Requirements include proof of vaccination and proof of a negative coronavirus test taken within three days prior to departure. Upon arrival in Barbados, travellers are required to submit to a second test and must remain isolated until the results have become known. 

Dominican Republic

No restrictions like PCR test certificates or mandatory quarantine. On arrival, randomly chosen passengers from the pool will be subjected to a COVID test and if found positive, the quarantine will follow.

 

The following countries require quarantine

Antigua and Barbuda

A health declaration form will have to be filled by all passengers on incoming flights. A Negative COVID-19 report is mandatory to carry for entry, the test being no older than 7 days before the flight.

Aruba

A completed Health Assessment form must be submitted on www.edcardaruba.aw at most 72 hours before departure. UK travellers must produce a negative COVID-19 PCR test result issued within 72 hours before departure. Passengers are subject to a PCR test on arrival at their own expense and quarantine for 1 day.

Jamaica

To visit Jamaica, travellers must first obtain the necessary travel authorization. UK travellers may do so here. All travelers ages 12 and up are required to show proof of a negative COVID-19 molecular (PCR, NAA, RNA) or Antigen test performed by an accredited lab for which the sample was collected within 3 days of the travel date.

Haiti

Passengers must have a medical certificate with a negative Coronavirus (COVID-19) antigen or RT-PCR test result issued at most 72 hours before departure from the first embarkation point. Self-quarantine for 14 days required for all countries. 

St. Lucia

Passengers must have a printed negative COVID-19 PCR test taken at most 5 days before arrival. They must also complete the Travel Registration Form at least 7 days before arrival. Note that all international arrivals will be confined to a COVID-certified property for the duration of their stay. 

Turks and Caicos

All tourists must register on TCI Assured Travel Authorization Portal, possess a negative COVID-19 test taken no earlier than 5 days of departure and have travel or health insurance that covers the cost of COVID-19 treatment.

 

Asia and the South Pacific

The following countries do not require quarantine

Bahrain

Bahrain has announced new COVID-19 regulations to be implemented from Eid al-Fitr. Vaccinated travellers will not be required to take PCR tests upon arriving in Bahrain. The same applies to anyone who has recovered from the virus. Arrivals must download the BeAware app and upload their vaccination certificate accordingly.

French Polynesia (Tahiti, Bora Bora, Moorea and other “Islands of Tahiti”)

According to new guidelines Vaccinated travellers can avoid French Polynesia’s 10-day quarantine from May 1. Children aged 6 years old and over who are not vaccinated, not immune or tested positive to COVID-1 9 are subject to quarantine with an adult.

Kyrgyzstan

Passengers must have a printed medical certificate with a negative COVID-19 PCR test result. The test must have been taken at most 72 hours before departure of the first embarkation point. Passengers could be subject to a on-arrival test with those testing positive required to quarantine.

Lebanon

Inoculated travellers are welcome to visit Lebanon and be exempted from quarantine requirements. Travelers who are vaccinated against COVID-19 no longer need a negative PCR test to enter Lebanon, the health minister announced. 

The Maldives

The Maldives is planning on launching its “vaxication” program in a bid to boost tourism. The 3V program will allow tourists to ‘Visit, Vaccinate and Vacation.’ Until then, all passengers must have a negative COVID-19 PCR test result taken at most 96 hours before departure from the first embarkation point. Maldives is currently on UK’s red list.

The UAE

It is possible for UK travelers to Dubai although no direct flights are currently available. Those to Dubai or Abu Dhabi are required to provide proof of a negative test issued within 72 hours. Abu Dhabi requires travellers to take a test upon arrival while Dubai goes a step further by requiring travellers to isolate until the results have been known. The UAE is currently on the UK’s red list.

 

The following countries require quarantine

Bangladesh

Passengers must have a negative COVID-19 PCR test taken at most 72 hours before departure from the first embarkation point. A completed Health Declaration Form must be presented upon arrival. Bangladesh is currently on UK’s red list.

Pakistan

UK travellers must have a negative COVID-19 test taken at most 72 hours before departure from the first embarkation point. Tests accepted are COVID-19 PCR, COVID-19 Real Time RT-PCR, COVID-19 RT-PCR, SARS-CoV2 GeneXpert, SARS-CoV2 PCR, SARS-CoV2 Real Time RT-PCR, SARS-CoV2 RT-PCR and SARS-CoV2 Xpert Xpress. Self-isolation for 14 days required for all countries. Pakistan is currently on UK’s red list.

 

Africa

The following countries do not require quarantine

Cape Verde

Passengers must have a medical certificate with a negative Coronavirus (COVID-19) antigen or RT-PCR test result. The test must have been taken at most 72 hours before departure from the first embarkation point. This does not apply to passengers younger than 7 years.

Comoros

Passengers must have a printed medical certificate with a negative Coronavirus (COVID-19) PCR test result. The test must have been taken at most 72 hours before departure from the first embarkation point. A Health Form must be completed prior to departure.

Djibouti

Passengers must have a printed negative COVID-19 PCR test result issued at most 72 hours before departure from the first embarkation point and at most 120 hours before arrival. The test result must be in English or French. This does not apply to passengers younger than 12 years.

Egypt

All travellers will be required to present a negative PCR test certificate issued within 72 hours. Passengers arriving from London Heathrow only are permitted to have their PCR test conducted no more than 96 hours prior to flight departure. Children under the age of 6 are exempt from providing negative PCR test certificates. 

Those unable to present acceptable evidence of a negative PCR test will need to undergo testing on arrival for a fee of USD30. Should the test result is positive, the Egyptian authorities are likely to ask travellers to self-isolate for up to 14 days.

Ghana

Passengers must have a negative COVID-19 PCR test result taken no more than 72 hours before departure, and will be subject to a second test on arrival. If confirmed negative, quarantine is not needed.

Guinea-Bissau

Arrivals must have a medical certificate with a negative COVID-19 PCR test result issued at most 72 hours before departure.

Liberia

Passengers without a medical certificate with a negative Coronavirus (COVID-19) PCR test issued at most 7 days before departure from the first embarkation point, are subject to a Coronavirus (COVID-19) test upon arrival at their own expense. This does not apply to passengers younger than 5 years. Anyone entering Liberia will be screened for coronavirus.

Mali

To enter Mali, you must carry a medical certificate with a negative Coronavirus (COVID-19) PCR test result issued not more than 7 days before arrival. A completed health declaration form must be presented upon arrival.

Mauritania

You must take a PCR test less than 5 days before arrival and show evidence of the negative test result. Quarantine is required only if you exhibit symptoms of COVID-19.

Mozambique

Visitors are required to present a negative COVID-19 test result taken no more than 72 hours before departure. Mozambique is currently on UK’s red list.

Namibia

Passengers must have a negative COVID-19 antigen or PCR test taken at most 7 days before departure from the first embarkation point. Passengers must present a completed epidemiological questionnaire upon arrival. Namibia is currently on UK’s red list.

Senegal

Travelers will have to provide a negative COVID-19 test from the country of departure, taken not more than 5 days before departure. All travelers to Senegal must fill out a passenger locator form before entry.

Seychelles

Travellers whose vaccines have been fully administered are allowed to enter the country and avoid the 10-day quarantine requirement provided they’re able to provide a negative COVID test result not older than 72 hours. Seychelles is currently on UK’s red list.

Tanzania

There are no testing requirements in place, however, all international arrivals are screened thoroughly. Quarantine is required only if travellers exhibit symptoms of COVID-19. Tanzania is currently on UK’s red list.

Zambia

Visitors to Zambia must have proof that they have tested negative for COVID-19 in the 7 days before their arrival. Quarantine and a second test on arrival are required only if travellers exhibit symptoms of COVID-19. Zambia is currently on UK’s red list.

 

The following countries require quarantine

Botswana

Passengers must have a medical certificate with a negative Coronavirus (COVID-19) antigen or RT-PCR test result issued at most 72 hours before departure from the first embarkation point. Self-quarantine for 14 days required for all countries. Botswana is currently on UK’s red list

Côte d’Ivoire

Passengers must have a printed medical certificate with a negative Coronavirus (COVID-19) PCR test result. The test must have been taken at most 5 days before departure from the first embarkation point. This does not apply to passengers younger than 11 years.  A completed Health Declaration Form must be submitted before departure. The form must be printed and presented upon arrival.

Nigeria

Passengers must have a negative COVID-19 PCR test taken at most 72 hours before departure from the first embarkation point. The test result must be in English. UK travellers must also have proof of payment for the PCR test obtained here.

Rwanda

All arrivals must present a negative COVID-19 PCR test result taken within 72 hours of departure. It is mandatory to quarantine at a designated hotel for 24 hours whilst awaiting the results of a second COVID-19 test conducted on arrival. Rwanda is currently on UK’s red list.