Luxury holidays to amber list countries

With the game-changing news that, from 19th July, fully vaccinated travellers will be able to enjoy quarantine-free holidays to selected destinations on the government's amber list, there's now even more choice for that perfect summer escape.

Here, we explain the ins and outs of the amber list, from a UK perspective, and what you need to check prior to booking and departure.

The amber list explained

Following a return to international travel in May, the UK government set out a new traffic light system based on Covid-19 risk levels, with each destination given a status of green, amber or red. You can find out how it all works with our simplified guide, which outlines what each level means and what you'll need to think about when planning your holiday. For destinations on the amber list, these are the things you'll need to consider:

• From 19th July 2021, if you're arriving in the UK from an amber list country, and you've been fully vaccinated, there will be no need to quarantine. Adults and children aged between 11 and 18 will have to take a pre-departure test (before leaving destination country to return to the UK) AND a PCR test on or before the second day after returning home
• Children aged 5–10 years will be required to PCR test on or before the second day after returning home only
• Children aged under five are exempt from all testing and isolation requirements
  
• If you're not fully vaccinated, you will have to quarantine for 10 days at home. You will have to take a pre-departure test (before leaving destination country to return to the UK) AND a PCR test on days two and eight after arriving back in the UK
• If you are not fully vaccinated, you can end quarantine/self-isolation early by taking a test to release test on day five, by purchasing an extra PCR test (this is in addition to the days 2 and 8 tests above). If you test negative, you can end quarantine when this day five test is returned negative
• Test packages must be booked and paid for before travelling from a list of government-approved testing providers
• There must be no FCDO (Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office) restrictions for travel to your chosen destination
• You must always check the entry requirements for your chosen destination both at the time of booking and prior to departure - our specialists will help you with this

Can I travel to an amber list country?

Provided you meet the criteria for your chosen destination and you're prepared to isolate at home on return to the UK, then you can enjoy a holiday to a much wider selection of destinations than the current green list permits. To help you plan, we've picked out a selection of our top holidays to amber-list destinations below, all of which are currently without FCDO advise against travel. Have a browse, then contact our team specialists who'll guide you through the process.

Our flexibility promise

To give you that extra slice of certainty, which you may be looking for before you commit to a holiday, our Flexibility Promise is here to help. But, rather than blind-side you with a whole load of caveats and terms and conditions, we simply promise to pass over the most flexible terms from our trusted suppliers. And, if you need to cancel your holiday due to Covid-19, we'll refund your holiday in full within 14 days, as long as you're within seven days of departure. Otherwise, speak to our specialists and we'll help you arrange a whole new holiday.

Explore the amber list

For the latest luxury holiday ideas and offers, browse our top amber-list destinations below.