UK reveals 'green list' of approved travel destinations
Dhaka: Travellers from the UK have been given the approval to visit Portugal, Gibraltar and Israel from May 17. With this, months of restrictions making it prohibited to travel abroad for a vacation will come to an end.
The UK government has finally revealed the 12 countries and territories that will be designated "green" once the current ban on non-essential travel is lifted after weeks of speculation.
The much-anticipated announcement looks set to lead to surge in vacation bookings for the countries that have gained a coveted spot. However, the list does not contain certain prime travel destinations.
A traffic light system is now in place, with countries split into three different categories based on their Covid-19 infection and vaccinations rates, along with the prevalence of any variants of concern.
The full green list is: Portugal including Azores and Madeira, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Brunei, Iceland, Faroe Islands, Gibraltar, Falkland Islands, South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands; St. Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha, and Israel.
France, Greece, Spain and Italy have been put on the "amber" list, which means travellers will be required to quarantine for 10 days on returning to the UK.
Meanwhile Turkey, the Maldives and Nepal, are being added to the UK's "red" list of countries from which most travel is banned. That list already includes South Africa, India, Namibia and the United Arab Emirates.
Travellers planning to visit a "green" destination will have to take a pre-departure test, as well as a PCR test on or before day two of their arrival back in the UK. However, they will not be required to quarantine.
Those travelling from a country designated "amber" will have to quarantine for 10 days, take a pre-departure test and also get a PCR test on day two and eight of their isolation.
"Amber" travelers will qualify for the test to release scheme, which allows holidaymakers to take a PCR test after five days' quarantine. If they receive a negative result, they are then permitted to go out into the community.
Those planning to holiday in a destination on the "red" list face the toughest restrictions, and will have to check in at one of the UK's quarantine hotels, at a cost of USD 2,445 per adult, on their return as well as follow the same testing rules for those arriving from "amber" destinations.
Reports said, travellers can use their NHS app to demonstrate their Covid vaccination and testing status, while a paper alternative will be available to those who do not have a smartphone.
