UK removes Bangladesh from travel red list

After repeated requests, the UK has removed Bangladesh from its travel red list.

Bangladesh is moving to the amber list from 4am Wednesday (September 22).

Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen welcomed the decision and thanked the British government for considering Bangladesh's request.

Apart from Bangladesh, seven more countries have been removed from the harshest restrictions (red list) on travel.

They are Turkey, Pakistan, The Maldives, Egypt, Sri Lanka Oman and Kenya.

Travellers from Bangladesh will no longer require 10-day hotel quarantine from September 22.

"It is good news. During my recent visit to the UK, I requested the country's government to remove Bangladesh from the red list," Dr Momen said in a video message.

He told the UK government that its decision to keep Bangladesh on the red list was not justified when the two countries are celebrating 50 years of diplomatic relations.

"We thank the British government. We are grateful," said the foreign minister, who is travelling abroad with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.

Welcoming the decision, Bangladesh High Commissioner to the UK Saida Muna Tasneem said the constant and effective diplomatic efforts of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Dhaka along with Bangladesh High Commission in London led to this positive outcome.

The High Commissioner hoped that future reviews of the Britain's travel system on October 4 would include Bangladesh on the green list.

Beginning on September 22, travellers from Bangladesh who have been fully vaccinated with a UK-approved vaccine will no longer require a 10-day hotel quarantine.

However, they have to take a COVID-19 pre-departure test and a COVID-19 test on or before Day 2 after arrival in England.

The travellers who have not been fully vaccinated with a UK authorized vaccine must quarantine for 10-day, either at home or where they are staying, and must undergo a "Day 2 and Day 8" Covid test.