SPAIN and Greece could be added to the travel ‘green list’ within three weeks of May 17 – as ministers vowed to keep it under review.
The Transport Secretary said the green list would be updated regularly so they could green light more destinations as early as next month – as he finally revealed where people can go on holiday within days.
Read our coronavirus and green list announcement live blog for the latest updates
The Transport Secretary announced at tonight’s press conference that Brits can FINALLY get their foreign getaways booked in, but the list of green list areas is very short.
It means people won’t have to quarantine on their return, but will have to take tests.
The green list countries include Portugal (including Madeira and the Azores) Israel, Iceland, Faroe Islands, Singapore, Brunei and Singapore.
And New Zealand and Australia are also on the list – but they have their own entry requirements and are unlikely to let in tourists at the moment.
It comes as:
- Grant Shapps said people with a vaccine could use the NHS app to show when they go on holiday after May 17
- People who do not have the app will be able to request an NHS letter from that date
- Border Force chief Paul Lincoln warned that checks that normally take 30 seconds could now last for up to 10 minutes
- Areas with high vaccine rates were put on the list, but others will have to wait until the next review
- TUI has announced £20 Covid test kits for Brits heading to green list countries, savings Brits up to £100 per person
- Flight prices to areas rumoured to be on the green list rocketed earlier – ahead of tonight’s reveal
But ministers stressed the data will be looked at constantly, and updates may be made every three weeks.
That means Spain and Greece could be on the cards for holidays later in the summer.
It will take into account the number of cases in that country, teamed with the success of that country’s jabs rollout.
The next review is set to take place in three weeks after travel starts again on May 17 – so June 7.
Another review will be expected by June 28 too.
And Turkey, Nepal and the Maldives are to be slammed on the red list, Mr Shapps said tonight – meaning Brits coming home will have to quarantine in a hotel for 14 days and pay £1,750 for the privilege.
The news could put the Champion’s League Final in doubt, which is meant to be held in Turkey between Manchester City and Chelsea.
Fans were told tonight they shouldn’t travel to the game final in Turkey.
Mr Shapps revealed ministers were in discussions with football hosts, and said Britain was “open to hosting”.
He said: “I’m afraid we are having to put Turkey on the red list. This will have a number of ramifications. First of all, it does mean with the regards to the Champions League, fans should not travel to Turkey.
“The FA are in discussions with UEFA on this. We are very open to hosting the final but it is ultimately a decision for UEFA.
“Of course the UK has already got a successful track record of football matches with spectators, so we are well placed to do it.
“We are very open to it but it is in the end a decision for UEFA to make, but given there are two English clubs in that final, we look forward to what they have to say.”
The Government will also be publishing a green watchlist in the future, to provide an indication when a country is identified as a candidate for a changing country.
Transport Secretary Mr Shapps said tonight that the announcement “marks the first step in our cautious return to international travel” but isnisted the system would make sure “we don’t throw away the hard-fought gains we’ve all strived to earn this year.”
