The red list was slashed in the UK Government’s latest travel announcement on October 7, with only seven countries remaining high risk.
The move sees all countries in Africa and Asia removed. Winter sun destination, such as Brazil, Mexico and Thailand have been opened up, while the Dominican Republic, Columbia and Peru are among those remaining red.
The new categorisation came into effect at 4am today, Monday, October 11. The decision follows the removal of 32 countries and territories from the Foreign Office advisory against all but essential travel due to Covid-19.
The previous travel announcement, on Wednesday, September 22, saw eight countries removed from the travel red list, including holiday favourite Turkey. Other countries to come off the list were the Maldives, Sri Lanka, Kenya, Egypt, Oman, Pakistan and Bangladesh.
Despite the Government scrapping the green and amber lists and introducing new, relaxed travel rules, adults returning from the red list countries must still pay up to £2,285 to spend that time in a quarantine hotel; the rate for one additional adults, or child aged 12 or over, is £1,430, while children aged between 5–11 are £325 each.
However, reports suggest those in financial hardship may be able to avoid the large fee. A Government statement confirmed: “Alternative payment arrangements remain available to those who genuinely cannot afford to pay.”
Since February 15, arrivals who try to cover up their arrival from a red list country also face jail sentences of up to 10 years, whilst anyone who tries to avoid mandatory hotel quarantine will face fines of up to £10,000.
A fine also enforces the testing system. Travellers arriving from any country could be fined £500 if they do not have a valid test result.
Brazil is no longer on the red list
Credit: Getty
The seven hotel quarantine red list countries
- Colombia
- Peru
- Ecuador
- Panama
- Haiti
- Venezuela
- Dominican Republic