Will Spain go on the UK red list?

MORE countries are set to be added to the green and amber list this week as the UK government open up more destinations.

There had been some fears over holidays to Spain, with reports that the country is on a secret government watchlist but experts now think the country won’t be put on the red list.

Is Spain on the red list?

No, Spain is currently on the amber list, which means families need to do the following on their return to England after a holiday in the country:

• A negative Covid test pre-arrival
• A 10-day quarantine at home
• A Covid test on day two and day eight

However, Brits who have been fully vaccinated – with their second dose at least two weeks before travelling – and children can skip the quarantine and day eight test.

Holidaymakers also don’t need to quarantine on arrival in Spain, and just need a negative test, proof of antibodies or proof of full vaccination.

Will Spain be added to the red list?

Spain is unlikely to be added to the red list this week, with the next travel announcement due on Thursday.

There had been concerns that the country would make the government’s planned ‘amber watch list’, which would warn Brits of destinations at risk of turning red.

However, the watch list was scrapped at the last minute by the Prime Minister Boris Johnson, following a backlash from ministers and Tory backbenchers.

Spain has reported high cases of Covid in recent weeks, including the Beta variant, which is thought to be more resistant to the vaccine.

The country reported 18,647 daily cases yesterday, but it should be noted that this is lower than the UK’s daily cases and Spain’s highest July figures of 44,000.

Transport Secretary Grant Shapps is expected to announce any changes to Spain this Wednesday or Thursday.

Paul Charles, chief executive of travel consultancy the PC Agency, said there was “no chance” of Spain being moved into the red list.

“Its infection rate is dropping fast, meaning any variants are very much under control,” he said.

“Spain’s rates are half those of France and its vaccine rate is 65 per cent fully-jabbed. British tourists there can rest easy.”

What is the secret watch list?

According to Politico, a secret amber watch list already exists.

The list is only for government staff and means ministers know which countries could be at risk of switching to red, because of variants or case numbers.

The political website has reported that Transport Secretary Grant Shapps wanted to make this secret list public, with Spain and Greece possible additions.

What are the red list rules?

The red list is the only list which bans all non-essential trips which includes holidays.

Brits who visit red countries have to isolate at a quarantine hotel for 10 days, costing £1,750.

They also need the same tests as amber destinations which is a pre-arrival test and two during quarantine.

However, airlines and tour operators are likely to cancel bookings if the destination is added to the red list.