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Quarantine-Free Destinations Announced for English Travellers Only

By Valery Collins | July 3, 2020

 Optimistic announcements yesterday regarding the lifting of UK  quarantine for around seventy-five countries have given way to a more limited approach.  Easing of restrictions will only apply to England.  The changes are now expected to become effective from 10 July.

Quarantine-Free Destinations

Ruins of Roses on the Costa Brava in Spain Credit: Valery Collins

Citizens from England can now look forward to some foreign travel as the government has announced they are free to travel to some countries without the need to self-isolate when returning to England.  The exemptions from self-isolation apply to all modes of international transport, including sea and international rail routes as well as flights.  This policy is different from an air bridge or travel corridor agreement.  These are reciprocal arrangements whereby quarantine is not required on entry to a country that has agreed to an air bridge.

Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland Opt Out of Plans to Ease UK Quarantine

The River Seine in Paris, France Credit: Valery Collins

The government had hoped for a UK-wide approach to quarantine-free destinations.  However, they have been unable to reach agreement with the devolved nations, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.  The Department for Transport stated that the devolved countries will set out their own policies regarding exemptions.  Passengers returning to Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland should follow the measures put in place in each of these countries.  But, what are the rules if a passenger arrives in England and then travels to a place in Scotland or Wales?  This is not clear yet.

Quarantine-Free Destinations for All Forms of Travel

English holidaymakers will be able to visit Spain, Italy, France and Germany and around fifty other destinations without having to quarantine for 14 days on their return.  Currently, Italy, Spain and Germany do not impose self-isolation on arrivals from England. Greece has announced a ban on all flights from the UK until 15 July because of concerns over the UK’s level of coronavirus cases.  The full list is published at the end of this article.

The government is advising that anyone planning holidays or overseas travel should always check the latest foreign office travel advice and whether there are any self-isolation measures in place for their outbound or return journey.

Check Foreign and Commonwealth Office Advice Before Booking

Castello Aragonese on Ischia in Italy Credit: Valery Collins

The Foreign Office currently advises against non-essential travel worldwide.  It will update this advice for quarantine free destinations by 10 July. This will allow people to travel without quarantine restrictions from that date. The government advises anyone planning holidays or overseas travel to check the latest foreign office travel advice This details any self-isolation measures in place for their outbound or return journey.

The List of Quarantine-Free Countries at 03 July 2020

Andorra

Antigua and Barbuda

Aruba

Australia

Austria

Bahamas

Barbados

Belgium

Bonaire Sint Eustatius and Saba

Croatia

Curaçao

Cyprus

Czech Republic

Denmark

Dominica

Faroe Islands

Fiji

Finland

France

French Polynesia

Germany

Greece

Greenland

Grenada

Guadeloupe

Hong Kong

Hungary

Iceland

Italy

Jamaica

Japan

Liechtenstein

Lithuania

Luxembourg

Macau

Malta

Mauritius

Monaco

Netherlands

New Caledonia

New Zealand

Norway

Poland

Réunion

San Marino

Serbia

Seychelles

South Korea

Spain

St Barthélemy

St Kitts and Nevis

St Lucia

St Pierre and Miquelon

Switzerland

Taiwan

Trinidad and Tobago

Turkey

Vatican City

Vietnam

The 14 British Overseas Territories will also be exempt.

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