International travel boost as more countries removed from red list

The government is to remove another 47 countries from its international travel 'red list ' - while returning travellers will be allowed to use lateral flow tests rather than PCR, it has been announced.

Popular destinations such as South Africa, Thailand and Mexico are among the places which will be removed from the red list from Monday, making travel much easier and cheaper.

Under the latest changes, only Panama, Colombia, Venezuela, Peru, Ecuador, Haiti and the Dominican Republic remain on the UK's red list - meaning that travellers from these places arriving in the UK must still stay in hotel quarantine for 11 nights at a cost of £2,285 for one adult.

Transport Secretary Grant Shapps also said he wants returning international travellers to be able to use lateral flow tests instead of costly PCR tests by the half-term holiday.

Mr Shapps told Sky News he anticipates the change coming into force before the October break.

Raj Kandola, head of policy at Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce, said: “It's reassuring to see the Government is taking a common sense approach in reducing the list of red list countries in a bid to open up international travel.

"Operators are already starting to witness a surge in bookings and these changes will help to unleash months of pent up demand.

"It's also pleasing that the Government is looking to make changes to PCR testing requirements ahead of the upcoming half-term holidays.

“Making it cheaper to fly is essential if we are drive demand for both business and consumer travel."