Country Specific Risk of Coronavirus (COVID-19) (Update 39)

International travel continues to be impacted due to COVID-19, and the number of variant strains which have emerged globally. To prevent new COVID variants entering the UK, the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) currently advise against travelling to red list countries.

On 4 October 2021, the traffic light system for travel to the UK was simplified, with the green and amber lists merging, and a red list remaining for countries with high case numbers and COVID-19 variants of concern. The rules travellers need to follow will depend on whether they:

• have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19 using a UK government approved vaccine
• are arriving from, or in the previous 10 days have travelled through a red list country or territory, or from the rest of the world (non-red list countries)

It should be noted that these rules do not indicate which destinations allow UK travellers to enter their country. 

• FCDO guidance on individual country entry requirements, restrictions, screening and quarantine requirements
• The risk of exposure to coronavirus (COVID-19) at their destination: listed under the Emerging Health Risks tab of each country page
• Their risk of severe COVID-19
• Travel Insurance
• Availability of medical facilities at their destination (services may be overwhelmed due to COVID-19)
• Arranging COVID-19 testing at their destination prior to return to the UK if required
• UK Border Force rules for entering the UK during return travel

Detailed advice on the above points including advice on reducing the risk of exposure to coronavirus (COVID-19) during travel is available on the fitfortravel website page COVID-19: Health Considerations for Travel.

Country Specific COVID-19 Risk

All TRAVAX country pages include a COVID-19 country specific risk-rating which identifies each country as having a high, moderate or low risk of exposure to COVID-19 for UK travellers.

This risk rating can be found in the 'Emerging Health Risks' drop down on every country page and each rating is accompanied by appropriate travel advice.

In September 2021 the COVID-19 risk for UK travellers decreased in 1 country:

• Kuwait

In September 2021, the COVID-19 risk for UK travellers was increased in 6 countries.

• See the individual country outbreak alerts for further details.

Travellers should be aware that the COVID-19 risk rating in each country is being kept under constant review and may change at short notice.

Prevention in Travellers

Currently COVID-19 vaccines are not available solely for the purposes of travel, however travellers should be encouraged to participate in the UK COVID-19 vaccination programme if they are eligible.

Travellers should be advised to always seek medical advice if they develop a fever and have recently travelled abroad, and tell the health care professional about their recent travel history.