Transit through an amber or red-list country while returning to the UK from a green-list destination will leave a traveller subject to amber or red-list restrictions.
The industry had been hoping for transit through major hubs such as Amsterdam or the Gulf airports to be allowed if passengers remain airside and do not enter the transit country.
But the government made clear in its announcement: “When you arrive in England you need to follow the rules for the highest-risk country or territory you have been in or passed through in the previous 10 days. That includes transit stops.”
Documents accompanying Shapps’ announcement at the end of last week explain this is because “new passengers get on and are able to mix with you” at transit stops and “you or other passengers get off the transport and mix with other people, then get on again”.
The Netherlands is on the amber list and Gulf states on the red. Singapore is on the green list.
The requirement applies not just to flights but to private vehicles and coaches travelling through amber or red-list countries. The government notes: “If you drive through an amber list country, you must follow the amber list rules when you arrive in England. This applies whether you stop in the country or not.”
Transit through airports in England is permitted without additional restrictions.