If you are holding out the prospect of a foreign getaway, then from May the 17th people in England can travel to 12 countries on the green list without having to quarantine upon return.
Portugal today and at last beaches like this are within reach for millions of people. After months of uncertainty, tonight the British government announced details of a cautious return to international leisure travel from England.
Today’s announcement mentioned that England must be absolutely sure the countries they reconnect with are as safe as possible. A coronavirus travel traffic light system has been created for this. These countries will be listed as green, amber and red depending on their infection and vaccination rates.
The so-called Green List Destinations mean travellers won’t need to quarantine on return including Portugal with Madeira and the Azores, Singapore, Iceland, Gibraltar and Israel. On the amber list, requiring up to 10-days quarantine when someone gets back to the UK are Spain, the USA, France and Greece. And on the red list, requiring a 10-day stay in a managed quarantine hotel are the Maldives and Turkey; a bummer for football fans hoping to attend the Champions League final in Istanbul.
At last, foreign holidays are somehow back but with some big changes. Right now there’ll be fewer choices and much more complexity. Prices are going high quickly as warnings to check for adequate refund policies, but tonight a group of destinations finally seem a lot closer. The industry wants the minister to urgently solve border control congestion. Since this could lead to trouble inside of airports, provocating long waiting cues to get back into their country.
This is what millions have longed for since the pandemic forced countries to close their borders, although it involves a lot of risks. Would you be travelling even if this encourages the spread of the virus? Would your risk in exchange for reuniting with your family abroad? Let us know what’s your opinion on this!