Which countries are currently on the UK’s ‘red list’?

India is the latest country to be placed on the ‘red list’ of countries from which travel to the UK is banned. Here’s the full list.

The content of this article was relevant at the time of publishing. Circumstances change continuously and caution should therefore be exercised when relying upon any content contained within this article.

Dots over the earth connecting the world

Image source: Getty Images

When investing, your capital is at risk. The value of your investments can go down as well as up and you may get back less than you put in.

Read More

The content of this article is provided for information purposes only and is not intended to be, nor does it constitute, any form of personal advice. Investments in a currency other than sterling are exposed to currency exchange risk. Currency exchange rates are constantly changing, which may affect the value of the investment in sterling terms. You could lose money in sterling even if the stock price rises in the currency of origin. Stocks listed on overseas exchanges may be subject to additional dealing and exchange rate charges, and may have other tax implications, and may not provide the same, or any, regulatory protection as in the UK.

You’re reading a free article with opinions that may differ from The Motley Fool’s Premium Investing Services. Become a Motley Fool member today to get instant access to our top analyst recommendations, in-depth research, investing resources, and more. Learn More.

The number of countries on the UK’s ‘red list’ continues to grow. The red list is the government’s list of countries from which travel to England comes with strict restrictions. The rules are intended to protect the UK from new variants of coronavirus.

The latest country to be added to the list is India. But which other countries are on the red list? We take a look.

[top_pitch]

What are the current travel rules in the UK?

At present, international travel for holidays is banned. You can only travel abroad if you have a ‘reasonable excuse’, such as work, education or medical treatment.

However, self-contained holiday accommodation such as campsites and holiday lets are now open in England. However, for now, you are only permitted to travel alone or with members of your household.

The same venues have been open in Wales since 27 March. In Scotland, domestic tourism will be permitted from 26 April. No specific dates have been set for the resumption of domestic travel in Northern Ireland.

Which countries are on the UK’s red list?

The full list of countries on the UK’s red list is:

  • Angola
  • Argentina
  • Bangladesh
  • Bolivia
  • Botswana
  • Brazil
  • Burundi
  • Cape Verde
  • Chile
  • Colombia
  • Democratic Republic of Congo
  • Ecuador
  • Eswatini
  • Ethiopia
  • French Guiana
  • Guyana
  • India (from 23 April)
  • Kenya
  • Lesotho
  • Malawi
  • Mozambique
  • Namibia
  • Oman
  • Pakistan
  • Panama
  • Paraguay
  • Peru
  • Philippines
  • Qatar
  • Rwanda
  • Seychelles
  • Somalia
  • South Africa
  • Suriname
  • Tanzania
  • United Arab Emirates
  • Uruguay
  • Venezuela
  • Zambia
  • Zimbabwe

What are the rules for the countries on the UK’s red list?

Anyone who has visited or travelled through any of the countries in the red list in the previous 10 days will be denied entry into the UK. There will, however, be an exception for British and Irish citizens or residents.

These people will be allowed to enter the country, but they must quarantine in a government-approved hotel for 10 days after arrival.

According to the BBC, the cost of quarantine in England begins at £1,750 per passenger travelling alone. This will cover transport, tests, food and accommodation.

Every additional adult or child over 12 will have to pay £650, while the cost for children between the ages of five and 12 will be about £325.

Further, these people must show proof of a negative Covid-19 test to gain entry into the UK.

Those found breaking the rules face stiff penalties, including prison sentences of up to 10 years.

[middle_pitch]

What is the traffic light system and how does it differ from the red list?

The government has said that it will introduce a traffic light system for reopening foreign travel when the current ban ends.

Countries will be classified into three categories under the system: red, amber, and green. People travelling from countries in the red category will face the most stringent quarantine and testing restrictions.

Red countries are likely to be those with high infection rates and low vaccination rates, a high prevalence of concerning variants, and a low capacity for testing and sequencing of variants.

Countries on the green list are likely to be those with successful and widespread vaccination programs. Quarantine-free travel could potentially be opened up for these countries.  

Can I book an international holiday?

You can, but it’s wise to be cautious.

It might be best to wait until the government releases more details about the traffic light system, including the list of countries in each category.

But keep in mind that the status of each country will be subject to review and could change.  

To protect yourself, consider taking out travel insurance. Depending on the type of cover, it could help you recover your losses if coronavirus restrictions scupper your holiday plans.

You can also protect yourself by booking a package holiday instead of flights and hotels separately. Most package holidays are ATOL-protected (check to confirm). This will cover you in the event that your travel company goes bust before or during your holiday.

Finally, you can also protect yourself by paying for your holiday with a credit card.

Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act makes card issuers equally responsible for the delivery of products or services. This means that if an operator cancels your holiday, you could claim a refund from your card issuer.

Should you invest, the value of your investment may rise or fall and your capital is at risk. Before investing, your individual circumstances should be assessed. Consider taking independent financial advice.

More on Personal Finance

Note paper with question mark on orange background
Personal Finance

Should you invest your ISA in a model portfolio?

Which model ISA portfolios offer both high performance and low fees? Hargreaves Lansdown, Interactive Investor and AJ Bell go under…

Read more »

Economic Uncertainty Ahead Sign With Stormy Background
Personal Finance

Is it time to exit emerging markets investments?

Investors may well be sitting on losses from emerging markets funds. Is it worth keeping the faith for a sustained…

Read more »

Personal Finance

Share trading? Three shares with turnaround potential

Share trading has been difficult in 2022, but which companies have turnaround potential? Jo Groves takes a closer look at…

Read more »

Man using credit card and smartphone for purchasing goods online.
Personal Finance

Revealed! Why Gen Z may be the savviest generation when it comes to credit cards

New research reveals that Gen Z may be the most astute when it comes to credit cards. But why? And…

Read more »

Environmental technology concept.
Personal Finance

The 10 best-performing sectors for ISA investors

The best-performing sectors over the past year invested in real assets such as infrastructure, but is this trend set to…

Read more »

Road sign warning of a risk ahead
Personal Finance

Recession risk ‘on the rise’: is it time for investors to worry?

A major global bank has suggested the risk of a recession in the UK is 'on the rise'. So, should…

Read more »

pensive bearded business man sitting on chair looking out of the window
Personal Finance

1 in 4 cutting back on investments amid cost of living crisis

New research shows one in four investors have cut back on their investing contributions to cope with the rising cost…

Read more »

Image of person checking their shares portfolio on mobile phone and computer
Personal Finance

The 10 most popular stocks among UK investors so far this year

As the new tax year kicks off, here's a look at some of the most popular stocks among UK investors…

Read more »