Exciting travel update for travellers: People who were fully vaccinated in the United States or the European Union will not need to self-isolate when coming to England, Scotland, and Wales, from an amber list country.
This is great news for fully vaccinated travellers coming from the US and European countries that are currently on the amber list. Until this change takes effect, people travelling from the United States and most EU countries are required to self-isolate for 10 days, regardless of their vaccination status. These changes are set to take place on Monday, the 2nd of August and will have a big effect on tourism across the UK.
If you are planning on travelling, here is what you need to know from this travel update…
When can I travel to the UK from the United States or the European Union?
The newest travel update is as follows: Travellers who have been fully vaccinated in the US or EU can come over to explore the UK from Monday, the 2nd of August, if they are travelling from an amber list country and have had their final vaccine dose at least 14 days prior to arrival. All travellers must be vaccinated with a vaccination that has been approved by the EU or the US (see “What vaccinations are approved?” below for details).
Where in the UK can I travel?
The UK is made up of England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, however, the new travel updates so far will only apply to England, Scotland, and Wales.
What countries are on the amber list?
The United States and most European Union countries are on the amber list. Click here to see a full list of amber list countries.
If you’re travelling to the UK from any amber list country other than France, and were fully vaccinated in the US or EU, you can come to England, Scotland, or Wales, quarantine-free.
Do I still need to get COVID tested?
Yes. American and EU travellers coming to England, Scotland or Wales, will still need to take a pre-departure COVID test, and a PCR test within two days of arrival.

What vaccinations are approved?
You will need to have taken a vaccine approved by the European Medicines Agency, or the US Food and Drug Administration. The approved vaccinations are Pfizer, Moderna, CureVac, AstraZeneca, Johnson & Johnson (Janssen) and Sanofi-GSK.
So, what are the best places to visit in England once the quarantine restrictions are lifted?
Whether you want to check out the most iconic monuments, chill out on the beach, go for hikes in breath-taking spots, or visit quaint English towns, there are plenty of amazing activities for everyone to enjoy!
Party Seekers
England has an epic party scene, from live music gigs and pub crawls to world-class clubs and raves. If you’re looking to party like a true Brit, we recommend going to London, Newcastle, Bristol, Manchester, or Liverpool.
Explore London’s craft beer scene by the walking the Bermondsey Beer Mile. Checkout cool bars along Southbank, Shoreditch, Clapham, and Brixton. Want to see London’s nightclub scene? Black Cabs, Ubers and London’s extensive underground network give you and your friends the freedom to dance the night away!
Liverpool and Manchester are home to some the UK’s most iconic bands, The Beatles, Oasis, The Stone Roses…
‘Come Together’ to enjoy amazing nightlife and historic streets of Liverpool.
‘She’s Electric’! Under an hour’s train ride from Liverpool, Manchester has hundreds of pubs and bars with live music at your fingertips. In the Northwest of England ‘Love Spreads’, so go check out Liverpool and Manchester with assurance that you ‘Won’t Look Back in Anger.’
Newcastle is home of the Jordie’s and historic architecture, but most importantly it has been consistently ranked in the top two for best party places in the whole of the UK!
If day parties are your thing, it doesn’t get much more Bristol than a club on a boat!

Beach Goers
In need of some beach vibes this summer? Head down to Brighton, Bristol, or Cornwall, and you won’t be disappointed! With crystal clear waters, soft golden sand, picturesque harbour villages, and surfing, it doesn’t get much more chill than that!

Adventure Junkies
Are you into hiking, mountain biking or climbing? Then The Lake District is the perfect place for you! A very popular vacation destination, known for its lakes, rugged mountains, castles, and dramatic landscapes. You can hire a boat, brave exploring the caves, have a go at climbing, and endless other active outdoor activities.

History and Sightseeing Enthusiasts
Interested in visiting the world’s most prestigious universities? Visit Cambridge and Oxford to immerse yourself in their rich histories and quaint pubs.
All Harry Potter fans should pay a visit to Oxford and York, to check out some iconic filming locations. London’s Platform 9 3/4 at King’s Cross Station is an unmissable Instagram moment! It also has a Harry Potter-themed souvenir shop right next to it.

Now what are you waiting for? It’s time to book your British adventure! Click here to check out our Hostel Card to get up to 20% off the best hostels in the UK and beyond!