Where can I go on holiday? Latest advice on travelling abroad and in the UK
Some 14 new countries and territories are to be added to the green watch list, the Government confirmed on June 24.
However, with the exception of Malta, all of these locations will be placed on the green watch list, meaning that they are “most at risk” of becoming amber.
The destinations that will move over from the amber list, effective 4am on June 30, are: Malta; Anguilla; Antigua and; Barbuda; Balearic Islands; Barbados; Bermuda; British Antarctic territory; British Virgin Islands; Cayman Islands; Dominica; Grenada; Madeira; Montserrat; Pitcairn Islands; Turks and Caicos.
Israel will also be placed the on the green watch list.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson has said that double vaccinations offer a “real opportunity” to open up travel.
Boris Johnson gave his approval to plans that will allow any fully vaccinated adult to travel to countries on the amber list without having to self-isolate when they return to the UK. The plans might be implemented as early as August. MPs and tourism industry leaders are pushing for it to be introduced on July 19, the proposed freedom day for removing domestic limitations.
Meanwhile, six countries will move to the red list. They include: Uganda; Tunisia; Eritrea; Haiti; Dominican Republic; Mongolia. Anyone returning from these destinations is required to quarantine in a Government-approved hotel for 10 days at a cost of up to £1,750 per person.
Portugal was the first destination to move from green to amber, following the initial review of the green list on June 3.
While it is legal for Britons to travel abroad, many restrictions stand in their way under England’s traffic light system; and only those returning from the 25 green-listed destinations can avoid quarantine.
Have domestic holidays resumed?
Yes. The Prime Minister enacted stage three of his ‘roadmap’ out of lockdown for England on May 17. That means six people or two households can mix inside, pubs and restaurants can offer indoor dining, and overnight stays at hotels, B&Bs and hostels are allowed. Self-catering accommodation (including camping and glamping) has been allowed to open since April.
Holidays are now permitted in Wales and Scotland, too, under the same rules, and cross-border travel is allowed (with the exception of movement into and out of Glasgow).
Have overseas holidays resumed?
Yes, foreign holidays resumed on May 17, ending the March 22 national travel ban. On Thursday, June 24, the latest green list of countries from which holidaymakers can return to England without being quarantined was published, with the changes taking effect on June 30.
The rules for entering each of the “green” destinations vary, with many of them currently closed to Britons and/or not typical holiday destinations. this list includes: Iceland, Gibraltar, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Faroe Islands, Falkland Islands, South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands, Saint Helena, Ascension & Tristan da Cunha and Israel, with these destinations going green from June 30: Malta; Anguilla; Antigua and; Barbuda; Balearic Islands; Barbados; British Antarctic territory; British Virgin Islands; Cayman Islands; Dominica; Grenada; Madeira; Montserrat; Pitcairn Islands; Turks and Caicos.
Do I need to take a test before travelling back to England?
Yes. You must take a test 72 hours before departure. If you fail to do so, you will be denied boarding, or risk a fine of up to £500 on arrival back in the UK. You can find the Government’s rules on tests before departure, here.
Want to book?
If you are still itching to book for a future date, it might be worth working through the check list below
1. Can you secure the holiday with a low, or even a zero, deposit? If so, double-check the booking conditions: the small print for some arrangements may only require a small amount upfront but still commits you to higher cancellation charges if you decide not to go ahead.
2. What is the company’s cancellation policy? Many airlines and operators are now offering much more flexible booking conditions and free postponements. BA, for example, is allowing new bookers to change dates and destination without incurring a fee, although you will need to pay any difference in price. This applies to journeys that are due to have been completed by Aug 31, 2021.
3. Will your money be financially secure? Very few travel companies are on a strong financial footing and some might not make it into next summer. So make sure you book with an Atol-protected tour operator or agent. If booking directly with an airline, make sure your travel insurance includes cover for financial failure, or pay with a credit card – ensuring a refund if the carrier collapses. If you book directly with a company based abroad, it may be very hard to get a refund if it goes out of business or your holiday is cancelled.
If you require or wish to discuss your travel insurance contact Thornhill Insurance Brokers on 01924 499182 and ask to speak to our personal lines who will be happy to help.
credit:https://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/advice/where-go-holiday-summer-2021-when-latest-advice-abroad-review/
