WHAT YOU NEED TO DO ON YOUR WAY HOME

COUNTRIES set their own entry requirements – which may be a PCR test before travel, or one might be offered on arrival. The rules for Britons returning to the UK are more complex.

Travel destinations are split into three categories: green, amber and red. Anyone wishing to travel abroad must check the Government website to find the up-to-date lists. Each category g y has its own set of rules that travellers must adhere to. Children under four fou are not required to be tested.

GREEN GR

ONE test – either a rapid lateral flow or PCR test – must be taken three days before befo returning to the UK. Travellers may be required requ to produce the results at the border. There Ther is no need to quarantine when back home, however a PCR test tes must be taken either on or before day two of arriving back in the UK. Those testing positive for Covid will be required to self-isolate, as per the usual rules.

AMBER

ONE test – either a rapid lateral flow test or PCR test – must be taken three days before returning to the UK. Arrivals are then required to quarantine for ten days and take further PCR tests on day two and day eight. The day-two test has to be a specific kind of PCR test: one that can be genetically sequenced so that should Covid be detected the labs can check which variant it is. The day-eight PCR test can be the standard type.

There is also an option to ‘test and release’ from quarantine, by taking a test on day five, but the day-eight test still must be done regardless.

RRED

ARRIVALS in the UK need to have proof pro of a negative Covid test in Rp the three days before bef travel, and are required to stay for ten days day in a managed quarantine hotel. While there, mandatory ma PCR testing is carried out by an official Government provider on days two and eight.