The green list of locations Brits can travel to now includes Malta, Mallorca and Madeira – but is it wise to book a trip?
While holidays are technically allowed to numerous locations, many government ministers are advising caution.
The increase in Delta variant cases in the UK has made some European countries reluctant to admit holidaymakers.
So, should you book a holiday for this year?
Should I book a holiday for summer 2021?
Holidaymakers have been able to book overnight trips within the UK for months now, with self-catering accommodation, hotels and campsites largely open again.
If you’re looking to travel abroad, however, it’s worth keeping an eye on the restrictions and your booking terms.
With the so-called freedom day approaching on July 19, it’s tempting to plan a beach holiday for the summer.
The green list is revised every three weeks, giving people guidance on countries that are allowing tourists. However, most of these locations require proof of a negative Covid test, and in some cases full vaccination status.
Another thing to consider is the cost of travel, which has soared in recent weeks. Flight prices to Ibiza and Mallorca have trebled, meaning that for many, the cost of a trip outweighs the benefits.
Many travel companies are offering risk-free booking options, that allow you to rearrange or change a booking if the pandemic delays a holiday.
Be careful though, as you may only be able to change plans rather than receive a full refund. If you do book a trip, make sure you’re fully aware of the pandemic protections in place.
The greatest risk is if a green list country moves to amber or red, as Portugal did earlier this year. Make sure you have an insurance policy that covers the cost of any list changes, alongside any medical care you may need while away.
While package operators may offer a full refund, airlines aren’t obliged to help if a country’s traffic light system changes.
Holiday providers will label whether or not they have a Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) warning. If they do, you’ll have a legal right to a refund, or the option to rebook new dates – which could be more expensive.
Some popular tourist destinations, like Greece, are not on the green list – meaning there are stricter isolation rules for tourists.
The mainland and all of its islands are on the amber list, so it’s not illegal to travel there.
However, the FCDO currently advises against all but essential travel to the popular holiday destination.
Can you book a holiday to Portugal?
Technically, yes, holidaymakers from England can still travel to Portugal this summer – despite it being off the green list.
It’s not without its considerations, though. Travel is allowed, but the UK government is discouraging holidays to amber countries.
There are also a number of travel requirements you’ll need to complete.
When returning from an amber country, a self-isolation period of 10 days is required – though you self-isolate at home and can take a test five days after returning.
You’ll also be required to take a number of coronavirus tests: one when you depart, and two when you’re back in the UK, two days and eight days after you arrive home.
When Portugal was on the green list, no self-isolation period was required, just Covid-19 testing.
What countries are currently on the green list?
The following countries are currently on the green list:
- Anguilla
- Antigua and Barbuda
- Australia
- Balearic Islands (Formentera, Ibiza, Mallorca, Menorca)
- Barbados
- Bermuda
- British Antarctic Territory
- British Indian Ocean Territory
- British Virgin Islands
- Brunei
- Cayman Islands
- Dominica
- Falkland Islands
- Faroe Islands
- Gibraltar
- Grenada
- Iceland
- Israel and Jerusalem
- Madeira
- Malta
- Montserrat
- New Zealand
- Pitcairn, Henderson, Ducie and Oeno Islands
- Singapore
- South Georgia and South Sandwich Islands
- St Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha
- Turks and Caicos Islands
It’s worth noting that many of these locations, including some Caribbean islands, have restrictions limiting UK tourists.
The travel industry in numbers:
- 164,000 — Jobs have either been lost or placed at risk in the travel and associated industries due to Covid-19
- 86 per cent — Decline in the economic output of travel agents and tour operators in December 2020 compared to February 2020
- £13.7billion — Contribution to the UK economy from sales of overseas holiday and business travel services has been lost since the start of the pandemic — equivalent to £1.6million every hour.
- 9 in 10 — Holidays were cancelled during last year’s peak summer season
Source: ABTA
MORE : Germany wants Brits to quarantine on any EU holidays even if double vaccinated
MORE : Which Caribbean islands can you visit for a holiday this summer?
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