Easing Travel Restrictions for Fully-Vaccinated Brits: A Glimpse at the Amber List
Starting July 19, fully vaccinated Brits will find it significantly easier to travel to amber list countries, as they will no longer need to quarantine upon returning home.
This shift aims to rejuvenate international travel and expand vacation possibilities for British holidaymakers this summer—a welcome boost for an industry that has faced unprecedented challenges.
However, while the UK government, under Boris Johnson’s leadership, rolls out these relaxed measures, travelers should remain vigilant regarding various COVID-related restrictions that may still apply abroad.
Here’s an overview of the latest travel advice from the Foreign Office for Finland, Norway, Sweden, and Denmark.
READ MORE: Latest Foreign Office travel advice for Germany, Belgium, and Switzerland
Finland
Currently listed as an amber country, Finland requires those returning from there to quarantine for ten days. Nevertheless, starting July 19, double-vaccinated travelers from the UK will be permitted to travel without the need for quarantine, provided it remains on this list.
That said, entry into Finland is subject to several restrictions for UK citizens. The Finnish government has closed its borders to non-resident foreign nationals, allowing only a few exceptions, including those with essential work or health care needs.
While border controls have eased for several countries, the UK is not yet included in this list.
Norway
Despite its amber status in the UK, Norway classifies the UK as a red list country. Entry is restricted primarily to residents and close relatives.
Travelers arriving from the UK must present a negative COVID test taken within 24 hours and fill out a self-declaration form. Since July 5, those permitted to enter are no longer required to stay in quarantine hotels but must isolate for ten days in a suitable location.
In earlier months, returning passengers faced a mandatory hotel quarantine of at least three days, a measure enforced to mitigate the spread of the Delta variant.
Sweden
Sweden, also on the amber list, will allow vaccinated UK travelers to enter quarantine-free starting July 19. However, restrictions remain for those wishing to travel there.
A temporary entry ban is in effect for travelers coming from countries outside the EU/EEA, which includes the UK. Certain categories of travelers, such as residents of Sweden, may be exempt from this ban.
For those exempted, a negative COVID-19 test is still required before entering the country.
Denmark
Denmark employs a traffic light system regulating entry, with rules contingent on the classification of your originating location. The UK generally carries an orange rating, although certain areas, including the North East and North West, are classified as red.
Unvaccinated travelers or those from red areas require essential travel reasons, along with a negative PCR test upon arrival.
Those entering from a red zone must take an additional test on arrival and self-isolate for ten days, although they may opt for a test to release after four days.
In contrast, fully vaccinated UK residents can enter Denmark for any purpose without the need for self-isolation, provided they are not arriving from a red region.