Where Brits can holiday without quarantine including Portugal under new changes
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Brits can finally get booking some much-needed sun, sea, and sand after the government revealed its much anticipated holiday green list.
Holidays to destinations Portugal, Gibraltar and Israel, among 12 others, are now on following the announcement.
The countries on the green list include Portugal including the Azores and Madeira; Australia; New Zealand; Singapore; Brunei; Iceland; Faroe Islands; Gibraltar; Falkland Islands; and Israel.
Meanwhile Turkey, the Maldives and Nepal have been added to the red list.
However, many ‘Green List’ countries will continue to place restrictions on UK travellers, including quarantine measures, so passengers are encouraged to check all requirements and FCDO travel advice before they book any foreign travel
People returning from those countries after 4am on Wednesday will be required to stay in a quarantine hotel for 11 nights at a cost of £1,750 for solo travellers.
The DfT also announced that from May 17, people who have had both doses of a coronavirus vaccine will be able to use the NHS app to demonstrate their status.
People who do not have the app will be able to request an NHS letter from that date.
Transport Minister Grant Shapps confirmed the news at a Downing Street press conference on Friday, May 7, where he said: "We want to start looking outward again."
Mr Shapps added: "The disease is still prevalent in other parts of the world, most notably in India."
The Transport Secretary also said the removal of international travel restrictions on May 17 was "necessarily cautious", adding: "We must make sure the countries we reconnect with are safe."
Covid outbreaks abroad and lower vaccination rates in some popular holiday destinations have been a worry to ministers as they mulled over the huge decision.
But the success of the UK's jabs rollout has meant travel can begin to reopen with some strict rules in place.
The new system is currently due to take effect on Monday, May 17 in England, however, some differences may apply across the devolved administrations.
Countries will be ranked using a traffic light-style system, based on the risks from each destination.
People visiting a green list country will not have to quarantine when they return home – making these places a much simpler and safer choice for a holiday.
You will still have to take a test before travelling, as well as a gold-standard PCR test on or before day two of your arrival back at home.
These lab-based tests are more accurate – but more expensive – than the free lateral flow tests that are now widely available.
For amber countries, returning travellers will have to quarantine at home for up to 10 days.
You can halve your isolation time by paying for a PCR test on day five. You still have to take a test before travelling home and tests on days two and eight if you are doing the full 10-day quarantine.
People coming back from red list countries must book a 10-night stay in a Government approved quarantine hotel. The cost starts at £1,750 for solo travellers.
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You must still get tested on days two and eight but you cannot leave quarantine early even if you test negative.
The Government advises everyone to book their tests before travel from one of its approved private providers, with a list available on gov.uk.
Reviews of the green, amber, and red lists are being pencilled in roughly every three weeks.
That means more countries look set to be added near the beginning – and then again near the end – of June.
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