Plans to reopen international travel revealed

Government is hoping to remove the requirement for passengers from amber list countries, which have been fully vaccinated, having to self-isolate on their arrival into the UK, according to new plans revealed today.

Policymakers are looking to scrap quarantine rules for those fully vaccinated against Covid, returning from designated amber list destinations this summer, in a bid to reopen international travel.

This is expected to occur in two phases, starting with UK residents who will still be required to take a pre-departure test and a test on day two, and any positive results will be sequenced to continue to manage the risk of importing variants.

Full details of the arrangements are due to be set out in July, in time for the peak summer tourism season.

Government has also confirmed that from 30 June, Malta, Madeira, the Balearic Islands, several UK overseas territories and Caribbean islands (including Barbados) will be added to the government 's green list, having met the necessary criteria to be reclassified.

Travellers from these destinations will not be required to isolate on their arrival into the UK.

All additions to the green list, excluding Malta, will also join the 'green watchlist ', as will Israel and Jerusalem, meaning that these countries are at risk of moving from green to amber travel status.

Raj Kandola, head of policy at Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce, said that the removal of the formal guidance on travelling to amber countries should stimulate consumer demand.

He said: “Allowing fully vaccinated people to travel safely without having to quarantine is the step in the right direction as the Government bids to kick start international travel.

“Removing the formal guidance around travel to amber countries should hopefully help stimulate demand but ultimately those in the aviation industry and associated sectors are likely to question whether these actions will go far enough in saving the summer travel season.

“We would urge the government to reconsider the criteria for adding countries to the green list as many global destinations remain off the table for consumers and businesses alike.

“We were delighted to partner with Birmingham Airport on the Travel Day of Action as we called on the Government to set out a long term blueprint around unlocking air travel and safely opening up international markets.

“Right now, it 's essential that the Government works with industry partners to make the cost of air travel cheaper and less bureaucratic otherwise the industry will continue to suffer and thousands of jobs and livelihoods will be at stake. ”