Travel restrictions for international holidays will be lifted on May 17 as part of the Government’s next steps to easing lockdown. Countries have been split into three categories: green, amber and red. These colours are assigned based on each destination’ rate of Covid infections, rate of vaccination and the prevalence of any virus variants and strains of concern. The lowest risk countries have been designated ‘green’ and will have the most relaxed restrictions – making these countries ideal holiday hotspots for those who can’t wait to get away.
Transport Secretary Grant Shapps has hosted a press conference this afternoon in regards to which countries will be on the green list.
Mr Shapps, addressing the nation from Downing Street, said the Government wants a summer in which people can be reunited with family members through vaccines and a good testing programme.
The Secretary of State confirmed the Government will be going ahead with the traffic light system.
He said countries on the red list shouldn’t be visited except in the most exceptional circumstances.
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People who don’t have the app can use a letter from the NHS instead from the same date onwards.
The Government advises people against travelling to ‘amber’ countries as well as ‘red’ for leisure purposes.
Quarantine hotels will be at the cost of the traveller, while self isolating at home will be required for those coming back from ‘amber’ listed countries.
The lists will be reviewed every three weeks, so it’s not final and countries may well be added if their Covid infection rates and vaccine uptake increases.
Mr Shapps said travel was “crucial” to rebuilding the UK’s economy.
Speaking in Downing Street he said: “We want a summer in which, with the help of vaccines and testing, we can reunite family and friends and travel to places we love.
“We want to start looking outward again. Whilst Covid has isolated us, travel unites us.”
Mr Shapps added: “Travellers are, of course, absolutely crucial to rebuilding our economy, bringing long-awaited relief to hard-hit airlines, airports, the tourism sector, which taxpayers have spent £7billion supporting.”
