Travel news latest: Government 'not writing off' summer holidays to Spain, Greece and US

Holidays to popular destinations including Spain, Greece and US could still be on the cards this summer as the Government is said to be “not writing anything off”.

Ministers are “looking at all the options” when it comes to lifting international travel restrictions, including dropping the current quarantine requirement for vaccinated travellers returning from amber-listed countries.

Jesse Norman, financial secretary to the Treasury, told Sky News: “We are trying to move cautiously and progressively in the right direction so I wouldn’t write anything off at this point.

“It’s (the Government) looking at all the options. We don’t want to be left behind by other countries that are taking a two-jab approach if it can be done safely.”

Over 55 per cent of the UK’s adult population has received a second vaccination dose – an easing of restrictions for fully vaccinated travellers could see summer holidays abroad resume in earnest.

Those in the industry are welcoming the news. Paul Charles, chief executive of travel consultancy The PC Agency, warns the UK risks being “outwitted” by counterparts around the world if it doesn’t change its policies – the EU is primed ready to launch its own vaccine passport scheme, which will allow restriction-free travel across the bloc for vaccinated travellers.

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8:50AM

Reaction: Lifting restrictions comes with complications

Asked what the lifting of quarantine rules for vaccinated travellers would mean for those who are unable to or chose not to be inoculated, Former Conservative Leader Iain Duncan Smith has warned Sky News “there are complications to be thought through” before any significant changes can be made to international travel rules.

8:45AM

Ryanair sues Government for refusing to reopen borders

Ryanair is taking the Government to court over its refusal to reopen Britain’s borders, Michael O’Leary has told The Telegraph.

The Irish airline will file a legal challenge as early as Thursday alongside a number of other operators over Boris Johnson’s handling of its “traffic light” travel system.

Mr O’Leary said: “I’ve never come across a more incompetent f****** front bench of ministers. I have no faith in Johnson’s government on any of these issues, having completely mismanaged the original lockdowns last year and the reopening now.

Oliver Gill has the full story.

8:38AM

Traffic light system: the rules

Ministers are said to be “looking at all the options” for the future of foreign travel. Here’s a reminder of the current rules for those visiting green, amber and red list countries.

8:34AM

Return of holidays abroad for people who are fully vaccinated

Double-jabbed tourists could be allowed to travel to amber list countries without quarantining under new government plans.

Officials are drawing up proposals that could allow people who have had both Covid jabs to avoid having to quarantine on their return from amber list countries, although they will still have to be tested.

The change would effectively turn amber countries green for the vaccinated, opening up the possibility of quarantine-free travel to most major holiday destinations in Europe and the US.

The proposals to ease the restrictions for vaccinated people are said to be at an early stage. Matt Hancock, the Health Secretary, who has fought for tough border restrictions, is said to be “open” to the change.

Charles Hymas and Paul Nuki have the full story.

8:31AM