COVID-19: UK shifts India to 'amber' list, easing entry restrictions

London: The United Kingdom has moved India from the "red" list to "amber", making individuals flying from India no longer need the mandatory 10-day quarantine post landing, reports NDTV. Indian nationals can now quarantine at a location of their choice for ten days or retain the option to "Test a Release" after five days of quarantine.

The change will come into effect from Sunday, 8th August, 4 am, the country's transport department announced. The new shift from red to amber status will directly help thousands of Indian families, students etc., looking to travel to the UK.

However, travellers from India need to take a Covid test within three days prior to their flight and should book two Covid tests in advance, to be taken on arrival in England. Also, they need to complete a passenger locator form on arrival. During the quarantine, they have to test in or before day two or on or after day eight. But they could pay for a private Covid-19 test through the "Test to Release" scheme in which they could take the test on day five. If the test is negative and the test result from day two is also negative (or inconclusive), quarantine could end. But the option is available for those who completed five full days in the country post landing.

Individuals under 18, fully vaccinated in the UK, EU, or the US, are exempted from home quarantine.

The UK Transport Secretary Grant Shapps tweeted that while continuing the cautious approach, the country is opening more destinations for people wanting to connect with families, friends and businesses across the globe. The UK has revoked the restrictions on fully vaccinated travellers from France while moving Austria, Germany, and Norway to the "green list". Along with India, UK moved UAE, Qatar and Bahrain to the "amber" list. Shapps thanked their domestic vaccination programme for the new relaxations.