Asian countries taken off UK red list as more entry requirements eased

October 8th 2021

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Thailand, the Philippines, Myanmar and Nepal are among 47 countries that will be removed from the UK government’s red list from October 11 after authorities confirmed today the list will shrink to seven nations. Read More » The revision was accompanied by a government decision to extend its inbound vaccination system to 37 countries, including India, Hong Kong, Indonesia, the Philippines, Thailand, Vietnam and Pakistan. The vaccination change makes it easier for UK citizens and residents to travel abroad and means fully vaccinated travellers returning or entering the UK from the 37 destinations do not have to hotel quarantine when they return. Instead, eligible vaccinated passengers must take a test on their second day in the UK. The government confirmed passengers can send a picture of their lateral flow (rapid) tests as a minimum requirement to verify results and keep prices down. Passengers not fully vaccinated with an authorised vaccine will have to take a pre-departure test, day two and day eight tests and complete 10 days of self-isolation. They can choose to pay for a private COVID test on day five to end quarantine early provided they receive a negative result. The update builds on the announcement earlier this week that the UK had removed advice against all but essential travel from about 30 countries and territories. “We are making it easier and cheaper for people to travel by allowing fully vaccinated travellers from non-red list countries to use lateral flow tests on day 2 of arrival as long as they provide proof of use,’’ UK Health secretary, Sajid Javid, said. The countries staying on the red list after October 11 are Columbia, the Dominican Republic, Haiti, Panama, Peru, Ecuador and Venezuela.