EU Travel Corridors Open – But UK Left in the Lurch
EU Welcomes Select Countries
From 1 July, the European Union flung open its doors to visitors from a handpicked list of countries. If you’re from Algeria, Australia, Canada, Georgia, Japan, Montenegro, Morocco, New Zealand, Rwanda, Serbia, South Korea, Thailand, Tunisia, Uruguay, Andorra, San Marino, Monaco, or the Vatican – congratulations, you can visit the EU hassle-free.
However, travellers from Brazil, India, Russia, and the USA were snubbed over high COVID-19 infection rates.
UK Faces Tougher Travel Rules
The UK was notably absent from the EU’s blanket travel permission. Instead, each country is doing its own thing when it comes to British tourists:
- Greece: No direct UK flights until at least mid-July.
- Austria: UK arrivals must self-isolate unless they show a medical certificate or negative COVID test.
- New Zealand: Almost all foreign visitors banned without prior special permission.
- Australia & South Korea: Mandatory 14-day quarantine in managed facilities.
- Iceland: Visitors must either pay for a COVID test or self-isolate.
- Cyprus: Entry blocked if you’ve been in the UK in the last 14 days.
UK Lifts Travel Ban but With Caveats
On 4 July, the UK Foreign Office scrapped its blanket ban on non-essential overseas travel. Brits can now jet off—if the destination lets them in.
From 10 July, the UK dropped its mandatory 14-day self-isolation for travellers arriving in England—provided they come from or have only been in countries on the official “travel corridor” list.
Plus, travellers from Ireland, the Channel Islands, and the Isle of Man are exempt, thanks to the common travel area agreement. The 14 British Overseas Territories also enjoy exemption from quarantine rules.
What You Need To Know
- If returning from a travel corridor country, no self-isolation needed.
- If you’ve visited a non-exempt country within 14 days, quarantine rules still apply.
- Check the latest travel corridor lists before booking.
- Be aware individual countries may have their own entry requirements.
