Going on holiday abroad now depends on which list your destination falls under – with categories forming a “traffic light” system of green, amber and red.
Some holidays overseas are now allowed, after restrictions were eased last month – but only to a select group of “green-listed” countries.
In an announcement on Thursday 24 June, the Government has announced that 15 destinations will be added to the “green list”, however 14 of these sit on a “watchlist”, which means they are “most at risk” of being downgraded to “amber” at short notice, leaving holidays in limbo. The changes will come into effect at 4am on June 30.
Malta is the only destination to avoid the watchlist, and while Madeira and the Balearic Islands are now green, their position remains in jeopardy.
Other destinations now on the “green watch list” include: Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda, the Balearic Islands, Barbados, Bermuda, British Antarctic territory, British Indian Ocean territory, the British Virgin Islands, the Cayman Islands, Dominica, Grenada, Madeira, Montserrat, the Pitcairn Islands and the Turks and Caicos Islands.
Israel, while still green, has been downgraded to the watch list too. Holidays are permitted to these destinations but there is a risk they could be moved to the “amber list” at short notice, meaning returning travellers would face quarantine.
Other countries are categorised as “amber” or “red” depending on vaccination rates, infection rates, the prevalence of variants of concern and the capacity to sequence genomes.
Reviews of the lists are set to take place every three weeks, with the next changes to the system likely to be on July 15 – ahead of the lifting of domestic restrictions on July 19 and peak holiday season.
People coming from green list countries have to provide a negative Covid test within 72 hours of departure and then pay for a PCR test on or before their second day back in the UK. You can see our full day-by-day checklist of holiday requirements here.
Those returning from an amber country have to quarantine at home for 10 days. They have to take a pre-departure test and two PCR tests when back, on days two and eight.
The Prime Minister has also signalled the go-ahead for a proposal that will mean any fully vaccinated adult will be able to travel to amber list countries without having to self-isolate on their return to the UK. It has been hinted such a scheme could be in place “later in the summer.”
Britons returning from red countries must quarantine for 10 days in government-approved hotels at their own expense, as well as the pre-departure test and the two tests once back.
Angela Merkel on June 23 threatened to scupper hopes of foreign holidays in Europe this summer entirely, by demanding that EU countries introduce mandatory quarantine for travelling Britons.
Telegraph Travel has crunched the numbers in the countries that are classified as green to reveal how they shape up for a summer holiday destination.
Israel
Population vaccinated (two doses): 78.91%
Cases per 1,000,000 over seven days: 5.83
Israel has joined Greece in setting a precedent for a “vaccination bubble”, which Cyprus is also hoping to get in on. All arrivals between the countries can dodge quarantine on arrival with proof of immunity. Israel will only accept vaccinated holidaymakers and requires a test for biological proof that visitors have been jabbed.
Gibraltar
Population vaccinated: 100%
Cases per 1,000,000 over seven days: N/A
Gibraltar has the most comprehensive vaccination campaign of anywhere in the world – 100 per cent of the population has received both jabs (about three per cent turned down the jabs).
Health Secretary Matt Hancock praised Gibraltar’s rollout in the Commons after the Rock’s Chief Minister, Fabian Picardo, said the UK had “played a blinder” with its vaccination drive.
Bars and restaurants are open again in Gibraltar and face masks are only required on public transport. What’s more, British Airways has launched flights from London City to Gibraltar, starting from June 25 – preempting The Rock’s place on the green list. It was also the last “quarantine-free” option in 2020.
Spain’s vaccination programme, however, is lagging way behind, along with the rest of Europe. The adult population in Spain is unlikely to be fully vaccinated until September.
Iceland
Population vaccinated (two doses): 52.95%
Cases per 1,000,000 over seven days: 0
As of March 18, all Britons who have been fully vaccinated against Covid-19 have been allowed to travel to Iceland without being subject to PCR testing and quarantine. The exemption also applies to UK travellers who can provide valid proof of prior infection; others must enter quarantine.
“We are excited to safely reopen our borders to fully vaccinated British citizens, as well as those who are no longer susceptible to the virus,” says Sigríður Dögg Guðmundsdóttir, Head of Visit Iceland.
“Tourism is a very valuable industry for Iceland, as it contributes to our economy and culture. With the support of approved vaccines, the targeted measures taken by Icelandic officials, experts, scientists, and the general population to continuously keep the infection rate down, as well as a focused reopening plan designed to keep the Icelandic people and tourists healthy, we are now able to safely extend an exemption to UK travellers.”
Previously, only citizens of the EU/EEA were allowed to enter the country with the following requirements: a negative PCR test prior to their departure to Iceland, a negative PCR test at the border followed by a five-day quarantine, and a third negative test after quarantine. Iceland has also maintained a policy of exempting those who have presented proof of vaccination or prior infections issued in the EU/EEA.
Iceland is welcoming vaccinated arrivals, including from the UK
Credit: Getty
New Zealand
Population vaccinated (two doses): 8.21%
Cases per 1,000,000 over seven days: 0.21
New Zealand has been shut for foreign visitors for much of the past year and is unlikely to reopen to British travellers for some time. Progress had presented itself recently when a “travel bubble” with neighbouring Australia was opened. However, New Zealand has temporarily stopped quarantine-free travel to Australia’s state of New South Wales following the discovery of positive cases announced in Sydney.
Health department secretary Brendan Murphy said in January: “Even if we have a lot of the population vaccinated, we don’t know whether that will prevent transmission of the virus. And it’s likely that quarantine will continue for some time.”
Australia
Population vaccinated (two doses): 4.22%
Cases per 1,000,000 over seven days: 0.4
Despite being deemed as “safe” for travel and granted a place on the green list by the UK Government, Australia will remain closed to the majority of international arrivals until at least the start of 2022, the Government has said.
“We won’t be seeing borders flung open at the start of next year with great ease,” Finance Minister Simon Birmingham told The Australian newspaper, saying “uncertainties that exist not just in the speed of the vaccine rollout but also the extent of its effectiveness to different variants of Covid, the duration of its longevity and effectiveness”.
When international travel does restart in Australia, it is likely to begin with bubbles shared with nations including Singapore, Japan, and Vietnam, Trade Minister Dan Tehan said in a major blow to those who have been separated from their overseas loved ones for more than a year.
Britain could form a travel bubble with Australia by the end of the year, according to the chief executive of Qantas, Alan Joyce.
However, if/when Britons are welcome, proof of a Covid-19 vaccination could be required.
Singapore
Population vaccinated: 39.82%
Cases per 1,000,000 over seven days: 2.24
Short term visitors from anywhere in the world are not able to enter Singapore without prior permission
Malta
Populations vaccinated (two does): 67.41%
Cases per 100,000 over seven days: 2.26
The Mediterranean island nation has twice missed out on the green list, despite its low cases and strong vaccination drive, but has finally turned green – thanks to an impressively low infection rate (2.26 per 100,000) and successful vaccine drive. Very few restrictions stand in the way of a holiday to Malta. While the UK is still rated amber by the island’s government all passengers are required to have evidence of a negative PCR test, dated within 72 hours prior to arrival, before boarding a flight – there’s no requirement to quarantine, just a Public Health Travel Declaration Form and Passenger Locator Form to fill in before you take off on holiday.
The Balearic Islands
Population vaccinated (two dose): 28.7%
Cases per 100,000 over seven days: 24
The Balearics (Mallorca, Menorca, Formentera, Ibiza) had long been a strong contender for green status – and they have finally graduated from the amber list. This confirms Grant Shapps’ decision to consider islands independently of their mainland counterparts. There are currently no restrictions on Britons arriving in Spain, including the Balearics, which is allowing UK visitors to enter without a test or to quarantine on arrival – but you must complete a pre-travel declaration form.
The remaining green list destinations
Brunei
Entry to Brunei is severely restricted. Anyone seeking to enter or exit Brunei must apply for a permit from the Prime Minister’s Office at least eight working days before the intended date of travel. See the Brunei Prime Minister’s Office website for further information, or contact the Brunei High Commission. Brunei has announced that travellers to Brunei will need to provide a negative Covid-19 RT PCR test on arrival, obtained within 72 hours of travel. Travellers who are given permission to enter Brunei will need to go into quarantine on arrival at a government-designated facility (usually a local hotel).
Faroe Islands
The FCDO advice for the Faroe Islands reads: “All UK resident travellers to the Faroe Islands must have a special worthy purpose to enter in line with the Danish government’s stricter requirements.” All travellers aged 12 and over will be tested for Covid-19 on arrival and will be required to pay for the test, with a follow-up test on day six recommended. Travellers should self-isolate until they have received the result of the follow-up test.
Falkland Islands
Current visitor restrictions mean tourists are not permitted to visit the Falkland Islands, including via cruise vessels. Any arrivals are expected to self-isolate for a period of 14 days.
South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands
South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands has restricted access and visitor permits are required.
Saint Helena, Ascension & Tristan da Cunha
All arrivals must have had a negative Covid-19 test result within 72 hours prior to departing for St Helena. Arrivals are subject to compulsory quarantine for 14 days. There are no other entry restrictions in force and foreign nationals are permitted to enter St Helena provided they meet the immigration rules.
Anguilla
Entry requirements in Anguilla remain strict. Not only do visiting Britons require prior approval from the Government’s Health Team, but there are also several mandatory tests involved and all arrivals must enter quarantine – for seven days if vaccinated, for up to 14 days for those who are not vaccinated.
Antigua and Barbuda
Restrictions, including testing and screening on arrival, apply to all visitors to Antigua and Barbuda regardless of their vaccination status and ultimately it is the decision of the Quarantine Authority on who must self-isolate or quarantine on arrival.
Barbados
According to the FCDO: “All travellers from the UK must present on arrival a valid Covid-19 PCR negative test result taken no more than three days in advance of your flight’s arrival.” Rules then vary depending on inoculation status. If vaccinated: “On arrival, you will undergo a rapid PCR test either at the airport or at your government-approved accommodation. You will need to remain on the premises of your accommodation and follow the quarantine rules until you receive the results of your second test. The government aims to return results within 24 hours but it is recommended that you book two nights’ accommodation.” Those who are not vaccinated will be quarantined, with the requirement to wear a tracking bracelet, until they undergo a second PCR test on day five – if negative they will be allowed out onto the island.
Bermuda
According to the FCDO: “Due to the Covid-19 outbreak, all visitors from a country classified by the WHO as having community transmission of Covid-19 (including the UK) will need to apply for a Bermuda Covid-19 Travel Authorisation 1 to 3 days before departure. By applying for a Travel Authorisation, visitors and residents agree to comply with Bermuda’s quarantine and public health laws instructions at all times. As of 20 June 2021, all travellers who are unimmunised and arrive in Bermuda must quarantine at a designated Quarantine Hotel at their own expense for 14 days.
“Immunised travellers with a valid negative, pre-arrival Covid-19 PCR test result must quarantine until they receive a negative result from their arrival Covid-19 PCR test. Immunised travellers without a valid negative, pre-arrival Covid-19 test result must quarantine until they receive a negative day 4 Covid-19 test.”
British Antarctic territory
If you feel so inclined to spend your holiday in the Antarctic then you may need a valid permit, which can be obtained from the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office in London. Apart from that and the distance, and the harsh landscape, noting stands in your way.
The British Virgin Islands
The British Virgin Islands are open to visitors. The FCDO explains: “Effective 15 June, all travellers who have been fully vaccinated with the final dose administered at least 14 days before travel will not be subject to an RT-PCR test on arrival or any period of quarantine unless ordered to do so by a Quarantine Officer as a result of entry screening.” Unvaccinated travellers face mandatory testing and seven days in quarantine.
Cayman Islands
Unfortunately, airports in the Cayman Islands are closed to all scheduled inbound and outbound international passenger flights until further notice.
Dominica
Holidaymakers are welcome in Dominica, regardless of their vaccination status, but rules do apply. The FCDO states: “Arriving passengers must complete an online questionnaire 24 hours before arrival, and have a PCR swab test with a negative result taken up to 72 hours before arrival. This result must be uploaded and submitted with the questionnaire so that your arrival can be approved by email from the Dominican Ministry of Health. Without this email you will not be allowed to board the flight coming into Dominica.” Further screening is carried out on arrival; if this returns a positive result travellers will have to quarantine.
Grenada
Good news for vaccinated travellers heading to Grenada – “effective from 1 May persons providing proof of full vaccination will be required to quarantine for up to 48 hours, pending a negative result from a PCR test, administered on entry, and paid in advance.” All travellers must pre-book approved accommodation for quarantine on arrival.
Montserrat
All travel to or from Montserrat is via Antigua, which is luckily also now on the green list. If you are travelling to Montserrat you must comply with Antiguan entry requirements – see above.
Pitcairn Islands
Sadly, the borders on Pitcairn are still closed to all visitors.
Turks and Caicos Islands
Holidaymakers will find relatively eased restrictions in Turks and Caicos. The FCDO explains: “Anyone arriving to the Turks and Caicos Islands is required to obtain pre-travel authorisation via the Turks and Caicos Islands Assured Portal.” This includes a negative test, proof of travel insurance with Covid cover and a health screen questionnaire.
What is the ‘green watchlist’?
Fourteen destinations now sit on the green watchlist – this means that holidaymakers can still travel to them without self-isolating on their return but they are also the “most at risk” of turning amber and having quarantine re-imposed. Portugal was given five days’ notice between being moved from the watchlist to the amber list.
See the full list amber list, which includes most of Europe, the Caribbean and the USA.
The 56 hotel quarantine red list countries are:
- India
- South Africa
- DR Congo
- Tanzania
- Zimbabwe
- Botswana
- Eswatini
- Zambia
- Malawi
- Namibia
- Lesotho
- Mozambique
- Angola
- Rwanda
- Burundi
- Somalia
- Ethiopia
- United Arab Emirates (including Dubai)
- Oman
- Seychelles
- Qatar
- Panama
- Cape Verde
- Argentina
- Brazil
- Bolivia
- Chile
- Colombia
- Ecuador
- French Guiana
- Guyana
- Paraguay
- Peru
- Suriname
- Uruguay
- Venezuela
- The Philippines
- Pakistan
- Kenya
- Bangladesh
- Nepal
- Maldives
- Turkey
- Egypt
- Sri Lanka
- Costa Rica
- Bahrain
- Sudan
- Trinidad and Tobago
- Afghanistan
- Uganda
- Tunisia
- Eritrea
- Haiti
- Dominican Republic
- Mongolia