Eight countries will be removed from the hotel quarantine list on September 22, joining former green and amber destinations on the new rest of the world list. Fully vaccinated Britons can then return from these destinations without facing 10 days of hotel quarantine (at a cost of up to £2,285 per adult). Here are their entry rules for UK travellers.
Egypt, the Maldives and Oman offer up enticing options for winter sun and fully vaccinated UK tourists can visit quarantine-free. Turkey is also open to Britons and will be removed from the hotel quarantine list – those who act swiftly will catch the tail end of the summer season before temperatures fall.
Kenya and Sri Lanka could also be feasible. Kenya imposes quarantine on UK travellers, but this could be carried out in a safari camp; Sri Lanka requires double-vaxxed travellers to wait in a quarantine hotel for a negative arrival test result. Pakistan is open to UK travellers with a negative test (plus rapid test on arrival), while Bangladesh requires a 14-day quarantine.
Here is a summary of the relevant country rules:
Pakistan
Evidence of a negative test taken up to 72 hours before departure Travellers must provide contact information through the Pass Track App or a web-based form. Rapid antigen testing on arrival. Under-12s and disabled passengers are exempt from the test requirement and the Pass Track App rule, but need to complete a health declaration form.
Turkey
A PCR test result taken within 72 hours of arrival, regardless of vaccination status. There is a medical evaluation on arrival, including temperature checks and random PCR testing. Travellers must also complete a passenger locator form prior to arrival.
Maldives
All visitors must present a negative PCR test result (issued no more than 96 hours prior to departure). In addition, travellers must complete a health declaration form 24 hours prior to departure and an immigration arrival card on arrival. Quarantine requirements only apply to non-tourist passengers such as residents, work visa holders and returning students.
Egypt
A negative PCR test certificate taken no more than 72 hours before travel; however this increases to 96 hours prior to departure for those travelling from Heathrow. Children under six are exempt.
Oman, worth considering for winter sun and cultural exploration
Credit: Gopal Sutar/iStockphoto
Oman
Proof of a negative PCR test; a completed pre-registration form (travellers must upload their vaccine certification and PCR result, both containing QR codes) and proof of travel insurance covering at least 30 days of Covid-19 treatment. The letter version of the NHS Covid Pass is required. Under-18s are exempt from vaccine or test proof rules.
Bangladesh
Arrivals face 14 days of quarantine. This can be carried out “at home” if fully vaccinated or at a government nominated hotel if not. Other requirements include: a negative PCR result (for all aged 10 or over); confirmation of vaccination status; a completed health declaration form and a passenger locator form.
Kenya
A negative PCR certificate from a test taken within 96 hours of travel (for all aged five or over). Self-isolation for seven days upon arrival and a PCR test on day four. Other requirements include: submitting daily health information, including the results of the day four test, on the Jitenge platform/app for 14 days; completing a Covid-19 travellers health surveillance form before arrival.
Sri Lanka
A PCR test on arrival while staying in a quarantine hotel or centre. If the test is negative and the traveller fully vaccinated they won’t have to undergo further quarantine. Unvaccinated travellers must take the test but also undergo a mandatory quarantine of 14 days with a PCR test on day 14.