England to Welcome Fully Vaccinated American Travelers Without Quarantine as of Aug. 2

If you're fully vaccinated and want to visit England, you may soon be able to without quarantining.

International travel during the pandemic is complicated. Entry rules change quickly, and deciphering travel requirements can get confusing. But for Americans, visiting England may soon be a bit simpler. Starting Aug. 2, the U.K. plans to welcome fully vaccinated American travelers without the need to quarantine.

The U.K. announced updated entry requirements on July 28. The nation's color-coded system outlines the steps travelers need to take before arriving in England. And it organizes countries and territories on red, amber, and green lists depending on each location's COVID-19 conditions. The United States is currently on the amber list. Right now, travelers arriving from amber list destinations are required to present a test taken before arrival, complete a 10-day quarantine, and submit to COVID-19 testing on or before the second and eighth days of their arrival.

But that will soon change for some travelers. Here's how.

Updated entry rules for England begin Aug. 2

Starting on Aug. 2, eligible passengers who are fully vaccinated can travel to England without having to quarantine. They also won't have to take a test by the eighth day of their arrival.

The new rules apply to these travelers:

• Fully vaccinated in the U.S. with vaccines authorized by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
• Fully vaccinated in the E.U. with a vaccine authorized by the European Medicines Agency
• Fully vaccinated in the Swiss vaccination program

Eligible travelers from locations on the amber list will need to do the following:

• Fill out a passenger locator form.
• Complete a pre-departure COVID-19 test before arriving in England.
• Submit a PCR test within two days of arriving in England.

American travelers can show their CDC vaccination card to prove full vaccination status. Additionally, American travelers will need to provide proof of U.S. residency. It's worth noting that separate rules will apply to travelers arriving from France.

Now, countries and territories may move between red, amber, and green lists if COVID-19 conditions change. If you're traveling internationally and planning to visit England, keep an eye on these lists to check if a country you've visited recently moves to the red list. Travelers arriving in England from red list countries must quarantine.

Be flexible and prepare for additional travel expenses

Travel rules continue to change at a moment's notice. If you're considering traveling during the pandemic, stay flexible in case requirements change and you need to adjust your travel plans.

You'll also want to prepare for additional travel costs. Here are some examples of extra expenses to include in your vacation budget:

• COVID-19 testing fees
• Quarantine expenses (these are usually the traveler's responsibility)
• Increased lodging and transit costs due to a surge in travel
• Travel insurance costs

Before leaving on your trip, ensure you have plenty of money saved to cover your costs -- and allow extra room in your budget for unexpected expenses that may arise during your travels. And if you're planning a trip right now, consider paying with a travel rewards credit card. These cards can help you earn rewards and save on a range of travel expenses. To find the right card for you before your next trip, take a look at our list of recommended travel credit cards.