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How to make sure your holiday is covered during Covid

Maxine McCreadie
Maxine McCreadie

13th August 2021

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Now that Scotland has moved beyond level zero and restrictions have been lifted across the country, summer holidays abroad are coming back into many peoples’ thinking. 

Because every country is grappling with different levels of coronavirus cases, however, travellers are facing uncertainty. Where can they go? Which countries are on the green list? What happens if the place you’re visiting is removed from the green list once you arrive?

In this article we’ll explore overseas travel in the age of coronavirus, including what the green list is, which countries are currently on the green list, and the steps you can take to make sure you’re prepared for whatever comes if your holiday is affected.

What is the green list?

Starting on the 17th of May this year, the UK Government rolled out a traffic light system to help people understand which countries are safe to travel to on holiday, and which destinations should be treated with caution.

The traffic light system works like this:

Green list:
Holidaymakers travelling back from green list countries don’t have to quarantine on returning to the UK unless you return a positive test – you will need to take a PCR test before you leave for your trip, and two days after returning to the UK. 

Amber list:
Similar to the green list, you’ll be expected to take a pre-departure PCR test if you’re visiting an amber list country, as well as two days after your return to the UK. Previously, you were expected to take a further test 8 days after your return and quarantine for 10 days, but those practices were removed back in July for fully vaccinated people. 

Red list:
While it’s not against the law to travel to a red list country, it’s strongly discouraged. As well as the pre-departure PCR test and test two days after your return, you will also have to take a test on day 8 of your return, in addition to isolating in a Government-approved quarantine hotel for 11 days. 

Which countries are currently on the green list?

While the list is subject to change, the countries currently on the green list include:

Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda, Australia, Austria, Barbados, Bermuda, British Antarctic Territory, British Indian Ocean Territory, Brunei, Bulgaria, Cayman Islands, Croatia, Dominica, Falkland Islands, Faroe Islands, Germany, Gibraltar, Grenada, Hong Kong, Iceland, Israel and Jerusalem, Latvia, Madeira, Malta, Montserrat, New Zealand, Norway, Pitcairn, Henderson, Ducie and Oeno Islands, Romania, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Georgia and South Sandwich Islands, St Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha, Taiwan and Turks and Caicos Islands.

How will I know if my holiday will be impacted?

Unfortunately, you might not. As many people have realised to their detriment, there isn’t always much warning before a country is moved from one category to another. 

The changeable nature of the covid threat means that a country can change categories from one day to the next, which creates a situation where holidaymakers can leave for an amber list country, and discover it has been moved to the red list during their trip. 

The best advice is to expect the unexpected when it comes to your trip abroad. With that in mind, below are a few ways you can make sure you’re ready for whatever comes your way.

1. Keep an eye on the green watchlist

As a way of giving travellers more assurance about their holiday, the Government has created a green watchlist. 

The watchlist consists of countries that are currently on the green list, but are in danger of being downgraded. It’s a good idea to keep an eye on the watchlist to make sure you avoid any holiday shocks. 

2. Make sure you have travel insurance

Travel insurance is essential for any trip. Accidents happen, even when you’re on holiday, and you don’t want to find yourself facing a huge hospital bill in a foreign country if something goes wrong. 

With the rise of coronavirus, travel insurance has never been more important. Some forms of insurance will not only cover you should you test positive when you’re abroad, they may even cover your expenses if you have to cancel or rearrange your trip due to Covid-19. 

3. Keep your employers informed

Chances are you’ve already informed your employer of your upcoming trip when you were requesting your annual leave, but it’s important you make them aware of any covid-related issues too. 

If you test positive when you’re away, or have to quarantine when you get back, that will have an impact on your job, especially if your line of work means you can’t work from home. So keep an open line of communication, set expectations, and keep your employers happy. 

4. Get vaccinated

With over 62% of the population of Scotland now fully vaccinated, you may already have both of your Covid jabs. But if you don’t, and you’re looking to go on holiday, then you really should. 

Being fully vaccinated is a real advantage when it comes to overseas travel. Not only does it offer you more protection from the coronavirus, but being double-jabbed means you can avoid a 10-day quarantine when returning from any destination on the amber list. 

5. Keep an open mind

We go on holiday to relax and get away from the stresses of normal life, but unfortunately we’re living in uncertain times. That uncertainty extends to your holiday. 

That’s why it’s important, above all else, that you keep an open mind when it comes to your next trip abroad. 

Yes, it’s possible covid will impact your holiday in some way, and you can’t prepare for every possible eventuality. But as long as you’re aware of the fact that the situation might change, you’ll be better placed to adapt and make your holiday the best it can be.

Maxine McCreadie
Maxine McCreadie

Maxine is an experienced writer, specialising in personal insolvency. With a wealth of experience in the finance industry, she has written extensively on the subject of Individual Voluntary Arrangements, Protected Trust Deed's, and various other debt solutions.

How we reviewed this article:

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Our debt experts continually monitor the personal finance and debt industry, and we update our articles when new information becomes available.

Current Version

August 13 2021

Written by
Maxine McCreadie

Edited by
Ben McCormack

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