Double-jabbed drivers can visit amber list countries without quarantine

Fully-vaccinated UK drivers with hopes of road-tripping abroad will no longer have to quarantine when they return to England from amber list countries.

The new rule change will come into force on 19 July, the Department for Transport (DfT) has announced.

It applies only to those who’ve been jabbed within the UK vaccine system and can show their vaccination letter or the main NHS app as proof. Britons living abroad will not be able to prove their vaccine status.

People will still need to pay for Covid tests prior to and after their return, Transport Secretary Grant Shapps has outlined.

Fully-vaccinated drivers hitting the road to amber list countries will still be required to take a pre-departure test three days before returning, and a PCR test on or before day two. However, they will be exempt from a day eight test.

Mr Shapps told MPs: “In essence this means that for fully vaccinated travellers the requirements for green and amber list countries are the same.”

Motorists that fit the criteria are now likely to be able to visit popular European road-trip destinations, which could include France, Spain, Germany, The Netherlands, Belgium or Switzerland. However, this doesn’t stop overseas countries putting their own quarantine measures in place.

Mr Shapps added the current guidance deterring people from visiting amber list countries will be removed from 19 July, but pointed out that “an amber list country could still turn red”. Hotel quarantine is essential for red list countries.

All of England’s rule changes expected to take place on 19 July are due to be confirmed on 12 July after a review of the latest data.

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There are currently almost 30 countries on the green list, including the Balearic Islands (Formentera, Ibiza, Mallorca, Menorca), Madeira and Malta. There are more than 50 countries on the red list.

The next review of green, red and amber list countries is due to take place on 15 July.

Drivers should always check Foreign Office travel advice for the latest country entry requirements and Covid-19 rules before hitting the road.

If you're ready to start tentatively planning your European road trip, why not check out our travel guides and need to know driving advice for Europe.