Scottish Government announce changes to Covid travel rules

Major changes to the Covid travel restrictions have been announced in Scotland, with the traffic light system simplified for Scots planning a trip abroad.

The Scottish Government confirmed the changes, which are similar to the new rules announced in England. They said the “substantial” changes were intended to make the system simpler for travellers.

Green and amber classifications will merge, but the red list will be retained for those countries deemed to have high coronavirus case rates or variants of concern.

Among other countries, Turkey, Egypt and the Maldives will all be removed from the red list from 4am on Wednesday September 22.

The current amber-level restrictions will become the default for travellers from non-red countries, with eligible fully vaccinated travellers able to benefit from quarantine-free travel.

The number of countries recognised in the eligible vaccinated traveller policy is also to be expanded to recognise countries where vaccine certification meets appropriate standards.

From October 4, the date the current rules end, this expanded list will include people vaccinated in Canada, Australia, Israel and New Zealand.

The Scottish Government said it had not adopted a UK Government decision to remove the requirement for a pre-departure test in England and to use lateral flow tests on day two. This is due to “significant concerns at the impact on public health”, they said.

The government explained the testing of international travellers before and after travel was an important part of their border surveillance to minimise the risk of importing new variants.

The government said it would need to carefully consider the risks associated with aligning with the UK Government.

Cabinet Secretary for Net Zero, Energy and Transport Michael Matheson said the simplification of the system recognises the success of global vaccination programmes.

Michael Matheson.