Brits warned holidays to green list countries could be ‘banned’ by Foreign Office advice

BRITS have been warned holiday plans could be dashed if countries on the green list end up with travel advisories.

Travel firms could refuse to run getaways to countries if the Foreign Office advises against travelling to those destinations for any reason.


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Brits warned holidays to green list countries could be ‘banned’ by Foreign Office advice
Brits have been warned holiday plans could be dashed if countries on the green list end up with travel advisories

They say recent confusion has worsened because the advice is separate to the traffic light system drawn up by Ministers.

Insurance policies can be invalidated if government recommendations are neglected.

And travel agents fear holidaymakers could end up stranded by Covid restrictions or be let down by under-pressure health services.

Tourism Minister Nigel Huddleston will aim to smooth the way tomorrow when he addresses the World Travel and Tourism Council meeting in Cancun, Mexico, over video link.

Also speaking will be France tourism boss ­Caroline Lebouche and TUI chief Friedrich Joussen.

Representatives from Portugal and Spain will be present too.

Mr Huddleston said: “We are working flat out to put plans in place to restart international travel as soon as it is safe and sustainable to do so.

“This work will help people get back to travelling abroad on holiday and see the UK welcome visitors while making sure we ­protect public health.”

But Airlines UK boss Tim Alderslade told The Times: “Green and amber countries should not be caught up in additional travel advisories.

“We need to see alignment between the Foreign Office advice and traffic light system to provide ­clarity and transparency to consumers and operators.”


Brits warned holidays to green list countries could be ‘banned’ by Foreign Office advice
Nigel Huddleston said: ‘We are working flat out to put plans in place to restart international travel as soon as it is safe and sustainable to do so’

Non-essential overseas travel is set to return as early as May 17 for a handful of countries likely to be included including Malta, Portugal and Gibraltar.

The majority of European countries, such as Spain, France and Greece, are set to be given amber status which will include travellers having to self-isolate for at least five days on their return.

Further reviews are then due on June 28, July 31 and October 1.