What makes London one of the most popular tourist destinations? Being one of the most alluring cities in the world, it has everything that you expect to have in a lively capital and city!

London is the much-loved city and the most heartening capital of England. It the magical and one of the most visited cities of the world. It attracts attention because of the diversity of nationalities, languages, and cultures. If you want to explore new or historical places, visit theatreland, enjoy beautiful lakes and rivers, appear at sports or other major events, festivals, view the glorious skyline, and go shopping, then visiting London will be the best option for you!

Tourism in London:

Wasteland Travel is here to assist you to learn about the activities tourists can do during a pandemic in London. We realize you all need a vacation right now, and with Covid-19 restrictions lifted, we should be able to travel abroad. But everyone should follow the SOPs like:

• Maintain social distancing
• Wash the hands properly
• Wear masks
• Cover mouth while coughing, etc.

With the ease of lockdown, so many prominent tourist spots are re-opening. Let us have a glance at the 10 things that tourists can do in London during the pandemic!

1. Visit London Parks and Gardens:

Nature has overpowering impacts on human physical and mental health. Similarly, going to some garden or park will help a lot in reducing stress or anxiety. London is very famous because of its beautiful gardens and parks. London has so many worth-watching parks and gardens. The gardens in London are made sure to have a different variety of species of plants and birds. Plus, beautiful lakes, decorations, ornaments, and beautiful benches enhance the beauty.

Most of the gardens and parks are under the crown rule. But they allow the public to visit, walk, run, or picnic there. They are open with free entrance. One of the most famous gardens in London is Kew Garden. This is a botanical garden that soothes the mind and eyes. The best spot to visit!

2. Visit Historical places or English heritage sites:

We do not think there exists a single person who would not like to visit some historical place!

The adored city London is a homeland of historical places and monuments. These historical places are full of stories. You will find different cultures, fine food, and a lot more! English heritage has preserved about 400 historic buildings, monuments, and sites. The homeland of famous landmarks-London is the best option to visit as a tourist!

These immaculately kept buildings and grounds are some of the most significant representations of British architecture and history. One can enjoy and feel everything alone or with family and friends.

3. Enjoy theatre and watch movies:

There were no chances of get-together during the lockdown. Right? But we can have some get-together with ease in terms of rules and lockdown. People rush to the city for the bright lights, sparkle, and gloss of a night at the theatre, enjoy movies or stage with popcorn or other edibles. Theatres were always full of the audience at night.

With the decrease in COVID-19 cases slowly and surely theatres are getting their glam back. Most of the theatre stages are going to get hit once again. Indoor theatres are back now but while maintaining the social distancing!

4. Enjoy delicious supper and famous foods:

If you are a foodie, then London is the right spot for you! This would be good news for you that London comes out on top of a list of 21 cities and has been declared as the “best food city in the world” by the prestigious National Geographic magazine. One who visits London must visit its restaurants and enjoy a meal there! London’s restaurants are some of the world’s best restaurants. The factors that make them unique and stand out from the crowd are!

• Quality
• Quantity
• Variety

If you ever visit restaurants in London, from trendy high-street restaurants to posh eateries, you will get a rich option of food. When the lockdown ended, dining in with proper SOPs was allowed during the pandemic. Moreover, dining out during the pandemic is suitable for singles, couples, and small groups.

Looking to get back to your home country? Or planning a vacation to or from the United Kingdom but can’t find a country in UK’s Green List? No worries; We have got you covered!

The rules for international travel are constantly changing, and staying up-to-date before planning a foreign trip is extremely important. Due to the prevailing COVID-19 conditions, UK has a traffic light system for foreign travel.

It has added several countries to the amber, red and green list. They have classified the countries depending on the COVID-19 health metrics, infection rate, vaccinated people, and emerging variants.

All three of these lists are reviewed and updated every three weeks, and more countries are added or removed from the respective lists. This article is Wasteland Travel’s detailed guide about all the information you need to know before planning a holiday during the COVID pandemic.

GREEN LIST

People traveling from the UK’s green list countries do not require quarantine and can get to their destination without restrictions. If they test negative for COVID-19, they will not be required to self-isolate in any hotel.

RED LIST

People traveling from the UK’s red-listed countries have to pay a hefty amount ranging from £1,759 – £2,285 for self-isolation in any hotel on their return to the country.

AMBER LIST

People returning from amber list countries need to quarantine for ten days in their homes if they are not fully vaccinated. A pre-departure test is also mandatory if you travel to any amber list country, followed by a PCR test taken two days before returning to the United Kingdom.

GREEN LIST AND AMBER LIST – The Difference

If a person is fully vaccinated, there will be no difference in traveling to or from a green-listed or amber-listed country. Though all countries have different rules and procedures regarding vaccination status and COVID-19 safety measures, for British arrivals, double-vaccinated travelers must also take a test at least two days before returning to the country.

If you are planning a trip to or from the United Kingdom, you need to take a proper check before finalizing the tickets. United Kingdom has now added many more countries to the green list, as the risk of COVID-19 is declining in those countries with high vaccination rates.

And besides, many countries are being removed from the green list and added directly to the red list or marked temporarily under the green watchlist.

GREEN WATCHLIST

A green watchlist is a list in which countries from the green list are kept for a temporary observation and inspection. The British Government might move these countries to the amber list if the COVID-19 conditions do not seem to comply with the set of rules.

CAN I TRAVEL TO GREEN LIST COUNTRIES?

If you’re wondering whether you can travel to green list countries or not, then the short and sweet answer to this question is YES! You can easily travel to green-listed countries without the need for quarantine on your return. But even the trip to green list countries now comes with additional costs.

You need to take two tests; one before departure and the other before arrival to your home country. And these tests can cost over 100 British Pounds. Not only this, if on your return you test positive for the PCR test (explained below in detail), you will then be obligated to do Quarantine for 10-14 days.

Despite all these costs, green-listed countries are considered safe for travel, as the additional costs are not certain.

TESTS NEEDED TO VISIT A GREEN LISTED COUNTRY

The people going to or coming from the countries on the green list have to go through two tests. A pre-departure test is taken almost 72 hours before the traveler takes the flight. This test can be a lateral flow or a PCR test.

The other PCR test is taken 48 hours after the traveler arrives in the country. People testing negative for the tests are not required to do quarantine as per guidelines of the UK Government.

You need to make sure that you book the PCR tests through an approved Government provider because you do not want to face any hassle regarding these tests later on. Right?

GREEN LISTED COUNTRIES (COUNTRIES WITH QUARANTINE-FREE TRAVEL)

Every three weeks these lists are updated and a change of countries occurs. As of now following is a list of countries that are currently on the UK’s Green List.

• Australia
• Austria
• Azores, Portugal
• Brunei
• Bulgaria
• Canada
• Denmark
• Finland
• Germany
• Hong Kong
• Iceland
• Latvia
• Liechtenstein
• Lithuania
• Malta
• New Zealand
• Norway
• Romania
• Singapore
• Slovenia
• Slovakia
• Switzerland

OVERSEAS TERRITORIES IN UK’S GREEN LIST

The overseas territories that are a part of the green list are:

• Ascension Island, St Helena and Tristan da Cunha
• Falkland Islands
• Faroe Islands
• Gibraltar
• South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands

Besides the above countries, there are few more counties on the Green list, but now they have been added to Green Watchlist, which means that these countries might be shifted to the amber list anytime shortly.

COUNTIES ON UK’s GREEN WATCHLIST

• Anguilla
• Antigua and Barbuda
• Barbados
• Croatia
• Dominica
• Grenada
• Israel
• Madeira, Portugal
• Taiwan

OVERSEAS TERRITORIES IN UK’S GREEN WATCHLIST

• Bermuda
• British Antarctic Territory
• British Indian Ocean Territory
• Cayman Islands
• Montserrat
• Pitcairn Islands
• Turks and Caicos Islands

Apart from the UK’s requirements regarding foreign travel, there are requirements by other countries for travelers and visitors. Before considering a visit to a country on the Green list, you should review that all green list countries do not accept travelers. Countries like Australia, Bulgaria, and New Zealand are currently closed for all British arrivals.

 

WRAP UP!

Before considering a foreign trip, the first thing you need to ensure is that you are double-vaccinated. Traveling from the UK, you can use the NHS app to verify your vaccination. However, it must be kept in mind that not all countries accept the NHS app verification.

Some countries require COVID test results in other evidence. And you should keep in view the demands and restrictions of the country you are traveling to. It is better to get your vaccination certificate (issued by the local health board) in hand before making foreign travel.

For more information be sure to check out government updates here! Or should you wish to have a mini vacay in London check out our latest post: Wasteland Travel: 10 Most Incredible Travel Destinations in the UK.