UK Transport Minister Grant Shapps (pictured above) has just announced major changes to the 'Traffic Light' system that are intended to make travel simpler and cheaper for Brits.

Specifically:

• As of 22 September, 8 countries (Turkey, Pakistan. Maldives, Egypt, Sri Lanka, Oman, Bangladesh and Kenya) will be removed from the Red list. Currently, persons returning from a Red list country must quarantine in a hotel under government supervision at a cost of 2285 GBP per person.
• As of 4 October, the Amber list will be merged with the Green list into a "rest of the world" list.
• Also as of 4 October, travelers who have received 2 shots of COVID-19 vaccine will no longer have to take a pre-departure test.
• After 31 October, fully-vaccinated travelers will be able to take a "lateral flow" test on day 2 after arrival, vice the more expensive PCR test.

However:

Unvaccinated persons will have to self-isolate for 10 days even if returning from a country that was on the old Green list, as well as taking tests before departure and on days 2 and 8 after arrival.

Mr. Shapps said that the new changes "strike the right balance to manage the public health risk as number one priority."

A spokesperson for the WTTC said in reaction to Mr. Shapps' announcement that UK ministers need to ease travel restrictions further, by switching to a system based on risks posed by individuals rather than by populations of whole countries.