It's official, travel is back!
The government has announced the first list of destinations that have made it to the Green List for travel to resume 17th May.
This is great news for those looking to get back to travelling. After months of there being a ban on international travel, restrictions are set to ease thanks to the progressing vaccination campaigns and lower infection rates.
What is a Green List?
The Green List means that holidaymakers can visit destinations on this list and not have to quarantine for 10 days on their return to the UK.
You will still be required to take a pre-departure test before returning to the UK, as well as a PCR test on day 2 of your return.
Countries will have requirements to enter such as vaccinations or negative COVID tests, the government is currently working on a way for travellers to be able to show proof of this.
It’s always recommended to check the Gov FCO website for the latest requirements. You can visit it here.
You can read more on England’s Vaccine Passport below.
What countries are on the list?
The following countries are on the Green List:
- Anguilla Antigua and Barbuda – currently on the green watchlist
- Australia Austria – from 8 August
- Barbados – currently on the green watchlist
- Bermuda – currently on the green watchlist
- British Antarctic Territory – currently on the green watchlist
- British Indian Ocean Territory
- Brunei
- Bulgaria
- Cayman Islands – currently on the green watchlist
- Croatia – – currently on the green watchlist
- Dominica – currently on the green watchlist
- Falkland Islands
- Faroe Islands
- Germany – from 8 August
- Gibraltar – currently on the green watchlist
- Grenada
- Hong Kong
- Iceland
- Israel and Jerusalem – currently on the green watchlist
- Latvia – from 8 August
- Madeira – currently on the green watchlist
- Malta
- Montserrat
- New Zealand
- Norway – from 8 August
- Pitcairn Islands – currently on the green watchlist
- Romania – from 8 August
- Saint Helena, Tristan de Cuna and Ascension Island
- Singapore
- Slovakia – from 8 August
- Slovenia – from 8 August
- South Georgia and Sandwich Islands
- Taiwan – currently on the green watchlist
- Turks and Caicos Islands
When can I book my holiday?
Holidays are available to book and there are some amazing deals around to snap up. If you’re looking to be one of the first jetting out of the UK, you’ll need to be quick as demand is expected to be huge after months of no holidays.
It’s good news if you’re looking to get away soon is that we can now arrange your COVID tests for travel. From as little as £45pp per test, your holiday now includes everything you need to get away.
When will more countries be added?
The government is expected to review this list every 3 weeks. Any countries on the Green List will be put on a 'watch list' if there is cause for concern regarding cases.
What if a destination is on the Amber or Red list?
If you are returning from an amber destination, you will be required to self-isolate at home for 10 days. You will also need to take 2 PCR tests during your quarantine; day 2 and day 8. This will be at your own expense. If you want to be released early, you can also pay for a PCR test on day 5 but you will still have to take a test on day 8 even if fully vaccinated.
For countries on the red list, you will be required to quarantine for 10 days in a government-approved hotel at a cost of £1,750 per person, with tests on day 2 and 8.
PCR tests are also required before returning to the UK across all lists.
