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Travel news latest: Spain, Portugal and France bookings to soar as amber list gets go ahead

British holidaymakers are set to flock to their favourite overseas holidays hotspots after the Transport Secretary announced that fully-vaccinated Britons will no longer be required to quarantine on return from amber list destinations.

Instead, travellers aged over 18 will be expected to take a pre-departure test before flying back to the UK and will have to pay for a PCR test on or before day two.

“July 19 will mark the next step of this cautious reopening of international travel,” Grant Shapps told the House of Commons this morning.

The change in rules, which comes into effect from July 19, unlocks more than 140 places on the amber list, including France, mainland Portugal, mainland Spain, Italy and Greece – although the Foreign Office may still advise against non-essential travel to some.

A spokesman for EasyJet told Telegraph Travel that the airline has “kept its fleet of aircraft and crew in flight ready mode and so is ready and able to ramp up quickly”, while Virgin Atlantic confirmed that is increasing the number of scheduled flights. Sonia Davies, the chief executive of Scott Dunn, said that the tour operator was “geared up for that surge in demand”.

Britons may still some face restrictions of either quarantine – such as five days for Italy – or pre-arrival tests when they arrive abroad but the news “is a very exciting development”, said Steve Witt, founder of travel agency Not Just Travel.

Scroll down for the latest travel updates.


04:16 PM

Dreaming of France?

The 74th Cannes Film Festival is taking place in Cannes, France. British holidaymakers could soon be flocking back to French shores when double-vaccinated travellers can visit without facing quarantine on return.

cannes - Reuters
cannes - Reuters

03:55 PM

How does the NHS app work for travel?

From July 19, many more will be relying on the NHS app to verify their vaccine status on return to the UK.

Here's a guide to the app, and how it compares to the EU's Digital Covid Certificate.


03:34 PM

Immunologist gives 'cautious welcome' to amber list news

Denis Kinane, immunologist and the chief medical officer at Cignpost ExpressTest, has given a "cautious welcome" to the announcement that quarantine measures will be scrapped for double-vaccinated travellers returned from countries on the amber list.

He added: "We need to ensure other measures are in place to protect us particularly from new variants. Currently those travelling to the UK only take a lateral flow test. But we know that these tests can miss up to half of asymptomatic cases.

"Instead I would urge the Government to require gold standard PCR tests before entering the country. That would minimise the chances of people infected with a new more contagious variant entering the country and spreading it to friends, family and colleagues."


03:22 PM

Covid in the UK: Latest figures

A 35 coronavirus-related deaths have been recorded in the UK, according to the government's daily figures.

This brings the total number of people to die within 28 days of a positive Covid test to 128,336.

Another 32,551 new cases recorded in the past 24 hours.

And another 258,430 vaccine doses were administered on Wednesday – 86,953 first doses and 171,477 second doses. Some 34,198,779 people in the UK are now fully vaccinated, equivalent to 64.9 per cent of the adult population.


03:14 PM

Thai authorities consider tighter curbs

Thailand's health ministry has proposed new travel curbs and tighter restrictions in high-risk areas to contain rising Covid-19 cases.

Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha is due to consider the new restrictions in a meeting on Friday and said: "We may need to impose tougher restriction to limit travel, stop group activities, close more facilities and take other measures that are necessary."

The health ministry has proposed measures to limit people's travel from their home and a curb on inter-provincial travel as well as closing non-essential venues and areas that attract crowds. The rules would be in place for 14 days and would cover the Bangkok metropolitan area and "buffer zones".

Vaccinations underway at Bang Sue Grand Station in Bangkok, Thailand - Diego Azubel/Shutterstock
Vaccinations underway at Bang Sue Grand Station in Bangkok, Thailand - Diego Azubel/Shutterstock

Currently, Thailand has in place measures in "high-risk zones", including Bangkok and surrounding provinces, to close malls early and prohibit dining in at restaurants, but they have not been able to halt an acceleration of infections in the past month.

On Thursday the country reported 7,058 new coronavirus cases and 75 deaths, bringing the totals to 308,230 and 2,462 respectively.


03:02 PM

Holidaymakers should consider barriers to travel before rushing to book, says Which?

Which? Travel editor Rory Boland said:

Quarantine restrictions being eased for fully vaccinated travellers and children should make some international travel easier this summer, however it's important that people take into consideration the barriers that could still prevent them from travelling before rushing to book, to save them being left out of pocket.

Other countries continue to impose restrictions for UK arrivals, and it's been suggested several millions of people could have plans disrupted if they are told to self-isolate after a coronavirus exposure. It's essential then that anyone looking to book a holiday looks for a good package holiday provider with a flexible booking policy, as well as comprehensive travel insurance cover, to protect them against these risks.

The government must also urgently clarify if Foreign Office travel warnings against amber list countries are due to be lifted, as without that change it will be extremely difficult for holidaymakers to get travel insurance for trips to those destinations.


02:50 PM

The ultimate 'amber list' travel guide

Everything you could want to know about where to book a holiday this summer – quarantine-free when you come back, even from amber-list countries. My colleague Emma Featherstone has you covered with this bumper guide.

You'll find the full details here.

Amber destinations will effectively go green for fully vaccinated travellers from July 19 
Amber destinations will effectively go green for fully vaccinated travellers from July 19

02:32 PM

'We are ready for the wave of demand'

Steve Heapy, the chief executive of Jet2.com and Jet2holidays said:

This is the news that UK holidaymakers have been looking forward to, as it finally signals a meaningful restart to international travel. Instead of a handful of destinations to choose from, this news means our customers can plan and look forward to flights and holidays across 40 Green and Amber list destinations this summer.

We will be restarting flights and holidays to all Amber List destinations from 19th July 2021 onwards and we are ready for the wave of demand that this long-awaited and very welcome news will bring. We know how much customers want to jet off on our flights and ATOL protected package holidays, and we are ready to fly them away. Our team of colleagues could not be more excited to take customers on their much-awaited holidays and to deliver our award-winning VIP customer service.

With the Government looking to unlock restrictions from 19th July, we have been calling for international travel not to be left behind, so this is an extremely positive step forward for the travel industry. It is fantastic news for our customers who want nothing more than to get away, and we cannot wait to take them on their well-deserved holidays.

We look forward to the Scottish and Northern Ireland Governments following suit and await further good news from the devolved nations.


02:15 PM

UK–France travel restrictions could be eased

France’s transport minister has told the BBC that the country could soon ease restrictions for British travellers.

Jean-Baptiste Djebbari said: “With the vaccination campaign advancing well in both France and UK there could be a co-ordinated decision soon to lift the UK from the orange list", adding that he is due to meet the UK's Transport Secretary to discuss.

A trip to Paris might be about to get a lot easier - Harald Nachtmann/Getty
A trip to Paris might be about to get a lot easier - Harald Nachtmann/Getty

The UK is on France’s orange list, and the UK has amber-listed France. People who are fully vaccinated can enter France if they have evidence of a negative PCR test taken less than 72 hours before travel, or negative lateral flow test less than 48 hours old.

Unvaccinated arrivals must have an “essential” reason for visiting France and are required to quarantine for seven days and then take another PCR test.


02:01 PM

Amber list announcement will boost economies of the Caribbean

Karl Thompson, managing director of Unique Caribbean Holiday, Sandals and Beaches Resorts’ UK tour operator, says:

I am delighted that that fully vaccinated travellers can visit amber list countries without the need to quarantine on return from July 19. This is a significant step on the pathway to restarting international travel safely and responsibly, and great news for Caribbean countries on the amber list who need British tourists to help boost their economies. Airlines serving amber destinations can now stabilise their flying schedules which have been severely disrupted for the last 16 months and hopefully increase airlift.

I am hoping to see an increase in bookings to all our destinations over the coming weeks, following the uplift we’ve recently seen to our green list destinations – Antigua, Barbados, Grenada and Turks & Caicos. A lot of people who fit the profile of the average Sandals customer have been fully vaccinated and are keen to make up for lost time as quickly as possible. We’re excited to get the thousands of customers who have delayed booking a holiday for over a year back to the sunny climes of the Caribbean.


01:42 PM

Tokyo Olympics will go ahead without spectators

Organisers of this summer's Tokyo Olympics have agreed to ban spectators over fears about a surge of Covid-19 cases, Japanese Olympics minister Tamayo Marukawa has said.

Japan earlier declared a state of emergency for its capital and Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga, saying it was essential to prevent Tokyo becoming the source of another wave of infections.

The competition is set to run between July 23 and August 8 but controversy has sen domestic population is heavily opposed to it going ahead, some competitors have been forced to pull out.

With just two weeks until the July 23 opening ceremony, coronavirus infections are rising in the capital, and the spread of the more infectious Delta variant has spooked officials.

The rising cases threaten to derail plans to let up to 10,000 local fans into Olympic venues, and could mean Tokyo 2020 is the first ever Games held behind closed doors.


01:15 PM

Scrapping amber quarantine for vaccinated 'paves the way' for Transatlantic travel

Shai Weiss, chief executive of Virgin Atlantic, said:

The UK Government’s announcement that fully vaccinated UK residents will no longer need to self-isolate when arriving into the UK from ‘amber’ countries from July 19 is a positive development. Providing assurance for consumers and businesses who can now book and travel with greater confidence. With the launch of a proof of concept trial on selected US and Caribbean routes from this week, we are ready to implement the new policy and to work with Government and authorities to ensure safe and seamless international travel.

The Government’s announcement should now lead to significant changes to the ‘green’ list from next week and further relaxation of testing requirements for fully vaccinated passengers of all nationalities arriving into the UK from ‘green’ and ‘amber’ destinations from July 31. This approach is consistent with that taken by the US and the EU to fully vaccinated passengers, and will pave the way to restart of the essential Transatlantic travel corridor, without which £23 million is lost each day from the UK economy.


12:58 PM

French nightclubs ready to open for the first time in 17 months

This Friday will see nightclubs reopen in France for the first time since the pandemic began.

Those looking to get in will need to show either proof of vaccination or a negative coronavirus test, and capacity cannot not exceed 75 per cent. Face masks don't have to be worn but the are recommended.

Cyril Blanc, the artistic director at Le Duplex, in Paris said: "It's going to be a huge night. We're a basement club but I think you'll hear us from the street because there will be loud cries of joy."


12:51 PM

A green, red and amber reminder


12:40 PM

'Great to see some real intent by the government'

More reaction to Grant Shapp's announcement.

Timothy Davis, the co-founder and chief executive of Butter, said:

Today’s announcement will be warmly welcomed by a travel and tourism industry that has been brought to its knees during the pandemic.

The need to quarantine and the uncertainty around green and amber list destinations, in particular, has deterred many Brits from looking abroad for their holiday this summer. However, the government’s decision to relax these rules for those who have had both of their vaccine jabs should now spur a late flurry of bookings and bring a much needed boost to the industry.

Hoo co-founder Adrian Murdock commented:

It’s great to see some real intent by the government to help revive what has arguably been one of the worst hit sectors during the pandemic.

Of course, it’s important to remember that a number of rules and requirements remain in place and so those considering a holiday abroad this summer need to ensure they adhere to these in order to travel.


12:14 PM

Cunard delays return of passengers over Covid cases

Telegraph Travel cruise writer Dave Monk reports on Twitter:


12:02 PM

Heathrow boss wants more from Government over travel

While the travel industry has welcomed the changes from Grant Shapps, Heathrow boss John Holland-Kaye is calling for more.

He said "This is excellent news that will give a much needed boost to millions of people across Britain looking forward to a more normal summer and reuniting with family and friends abroad.

Heathrow airport
Heathrow airport

"But the job isn't done – to really kickstart the UK's economic recovery, global Britain needs to get trading again.

"The UK should open up travel to fully vaccinated people from more countries – particularly our key partners in the US – by the end of July."


11:52 AM

'There is no doubt that people want to travel'

Kerry Golds, the managing director of luxury travel firm Abercrombie & Kent, described the removal of quarantine restrictions for double-vaccinated amber list arrivals as "fantastic news".

She said:

This announcement could be the start of international travel which would be fantastic news for everyone in the travel industry. There is no doubt that people want to travel – but there’s been constantly changing and conflicting advice creating huge uncertainty.

But it’s not enough - there is still a lot more we’d like to see from the government. We need clarity and alignment of travel advice between the FCDO and the traffic light system. Work needs to be done with other foreign governments to open up the world to UK travellers.

We also need a simplified testing regime and continued financial support for an industry that has been brought to its knees by this pandemic.


11:35 AM

The hidden perils of 'amber list' travel

There are unresolved issues with the Government’s plan to lift quarantine restrictions for fully vaccinated travellers.

While the news could see millions able to visit vast swathes of Europe, including Spain, Italy and France, as well as the rest of the world, without the need to self-isolate on return to the UK.

There is, of course, a catch. There are a number of other factors that govern the viability of holidays abroad this year, from the entry restrictions of other nations to the conflicting views of the Department for Transport (DfT) and Foreign Office (FCDO).

Any mishaps could be costly, forcing holidaymakers to spend days in unwanted quarantine or having to deal with the fallout of an invalidated insurance policy. Hugh Morris details some of the hidden perils of the amber list, and how best to avoid them.

Read the report here.


11:25 AM

Reaction: 'Big step forward'

Skyscanner’s consumer traveller rights expert, Martin Nolan, said:

Now that restrictions have been significantly reduced for double vaccinated travellers, we expect to see a surge in bookings as people who’ve had both doses of the vaccine react to the reality of being able to travel to amber list countries without the requirement to quarantine on their return home.

This is a big step forward for the UK travel industry who have been waiting for measures that will truly help to kickstart travel in a safe, smart and sustainable way. This move will reunite families and allow people to finally plan travel to their favourite destinations around the world, many of which will be delighted to finally be able to welcome UK travellers for the first time in a year.

Skyscanner revealed that Alicante, Malaga, New York, Palma and Faro were the top booked destinations for summer 2019, and that Greece was the top booked EU destination in summer 2020.


11:16 AM

Rejoice, rejoice: Transport select committee chairman hails opening of travel

The chairman of the transport select committee hailed the news, saying:

"Rejoice, rejoice! This is a much needed shot in the arm for those who have had two shots of the vaccine in their arm,and an industry and workforce that have been laid low during hte pandemic, perhaps more than others," Huw Merriman added.

He asks Grant Shapps to "keep an eye on the testing regime", with only 0.4 per cent of returnees from amber countries testing positive in the last couple of months.

PCR tests are expensive, but lateral flow tests could be used instead, he adds.

Mr Shapps says there will be a further review on July 13, but currently the evidence is that PCR tests are more accurate and can be more quickly genome sequenced.


11:12 AM

What does the latest travel announcement mean for my holiday?

It’s good news for travellers, writes my colleague Nick Trend – holidays to most of Europe are back on just in time for the school holidays.

Here's everything you need to know.

Greece is on the 'amber list' – but should you book a holiday there? - Matteo Colombo/Stone RF
Greece is on the 'amber list' – but should you book a holiday there? - Matteo Colombo/Stone RF

11:06 AM

Red list arrivals must continue to quarantine

No change to rules for UK arrivals from red list countries Grant Shapps warns that as we begin to ease restrictions, travel will not be the same as it was before the pandemic.

He says people should continue to check foreign office travel advice, travel outside of busy weekend times and expect longer waiting times at the borders.

Shapps says there will be no changes to those arriving from countries on the red list even when they are fully vaccinated – they must go into hotel quarantine.

He says the government will continue to follow data and won't hesitate to act on new variants: "An amber list country could still turn red necessitating a change in behaviour when we return to the UK."

Read more: The red list countries that could move to amber in time for summer


11:01 AM

Theresa May challenges Grant Shapps over border queues concerns

Theresa May, the former prime minister, has said in the House of Commons that she welcomes the "first step in opening up Britain for business".

But she asks about his warning of queues at the border, saying that in the past other staff have been redeployed to help Border Force. She asks him to ensure "every effort is made" to ensure a smooth flow through the borders and "we do not see inordinately long queues".

Grant Shapps says she is "absolutely right", and he has been working with Border Force on this issue. Checking will take place before people board the plane "so the queues at check-in, while you are abroad, may in fact be the place where those problems most exist".

He says work is being carried out to automate this but it is a "complicated job".


10:59 AM

Reaction: Aviation welcomes the removal of quarantine for amber list arrivals

Sean Doyle, British Airways' chief exeuctive and chairman, said:

We're pleased to see this common sense approach which is already working safely for many other countries, but there is more work to do. While the quarantine requirement for 'amber' countries is being lifted for fully vaccinated UK travellers, the Government needs to quickly extend this to all vaccinated travellers, agree a reciprocal deal with the US, add more countries to the 'green' list and reduce the need for unnecessary, expensive tests.

This will allow the UK to catch up with other countries and send a message that Global Britain is now, finally, open again.

The chief executive of London City Airport, Robert Sinclair, said:

We are pleased that the Government will no longer require fully vaccinated British travellers to quarantine on arrival from amber list countries from 19 July. This is a much-needed boost for the aviation industry and will give passengers the confidence to book journeys abroad whether that’s for a well-earned holiday, business trip or to visit friends and relatives.

However, the quarantine-free travel policy should be extended to non-British arrivals as soon as possible, and the Government should also take further steps to make the testing regime simpler and more affordable.

At London City, we look forward to welcoming our passengers this summer, with a growing number of flights to popular European leisure destinations including amber-listed Italy, France, Spain, Portugal and Greece.


10:54 AM

'Shot in the arm' for travel industry

Reacting to the Transport Secretary's announcement, Paul Charles, the chief executive of The PC Agency travel consultancy, told The Telegraph:

It’s a welcome removal of quarantine and day 8 testing from Amber countries - which will be a shot in the arm for the travel sector’s recovery.

But testing costs are still onerous for many and there remains little alignment with Foreign Office advice, which still invalidates some insurance policies. More changes are needed to make travelling as seamless as it deserves to be.


10:51 AM

The Transport Secretary on Twitter


10:42 AM

More than 30 countries recognise vaccine pass status

Grant Shapps thanks people who have taken part in clinical vaccine trials, and says "those on approved clinical trials" will also not need to isolate or take the day eight test.

Passengers will have to prove their vaccine status through the Covid pass - available on the main NHS app - or the "accessible letter" if people do not have access to a smart phone.

They will have to put this on their passenger locator form.

More than 30 countries recognise this, he says.


10:39 AM

Children exempt from quarantine requirements, Grant Shapps confirms

Grant Shapps notes that travel is a devolved matter, but says it will "prioritise those who are vaccinated in the United Kingdom" above those from other destinations.

Later this summer he hopes to open it up to travellers from the US and EU, he tells MPs.

The Transport Secretary notes that children are "not of course" able to be vaccinated, but will not have to isolate or take a day eight test on their return.


10:38 AM

No quarantine for fully vaccinated adults from July 19, confirms Transport Secretary

Grant Shapps has said he does not "underestimate for a second" how difficult the pandemic has been for those unable to travel or those who work in the sector.

"But protecting public health has rightly been - and will continue to be - the priority of this Government", he says.

Thanks to the vaccine, they are able to start thinking about how to adapt measures, the Transport Secretary adds.

"We must use these advantages to restore many of the freedoms we have lost," he says.

From July 19, fully vaccinated adults will no longer have to isolate from amber list countries, he confirms, although they will have to take tests.


10:36 AM

All eyes on the House of Commons

Transport Secretary Grant Shapps is speaking right now.

We'll bring you all the updates, and you can watch Mr Shapps on the video at the top of the page.


10:27 AM

Pause roadmap or risk creating 'reservoir of infection', scientists tell Government

A group of more than 120 scientists and medics have called on the Government to halt its plans for lockdown lifting, describing them as a "dangerous and unethical experiment".

In a letter to the Lancet, they warned millions more people will became infected if it goes ahead, leaving hundreds of thousands with long-term illness and disability through long Covid. Signatories include Dr Chaand Nagpaul, the chair of the council of the British Medical Association, and Sir David King, a former government chief scientific adviser.

"This strategy risks creating a generation left with chronic health problems and disability, the personal and economic impacts of which might be felt for decades to come," the letter said.

"Allowing transmission to continue over the summer will create a reservoir of infection, which will probably accelerate spread when schools and universities reopen in autumn. We believe the Government is embarking on a dangerous and unethical experiment, and we call on it to pause plans to abandon mitigations on July 19 2021."

Read more on our live politics blog.


10:16 AM

Valiant Lady to cruise UK waters next year

Virgin Voyages, the cruise lines from Sir Richard Branson, has revealed its second lady ship, Valiant Lady, will make her official debut in UK waters in spring 2022 before heading to Barcelona to sail in the Med for the summer.

Itineraries include a three-night 'long weekender' in Zeebrugge and an 11-night voyage around the Canary Islands, Spain and Portugal.

The cruises go on sail from July 21.

Virgin Voyages' Valiant Lady
Virgin Voyages' Valiant Lady

10:01 AM

'Travellers are eagerly awaiting the news that the world is open again'

Ahead of Grant Shapps speaking in the House of Commons in the next hour, Steve Witt, founder of travel agency Not Just Travel, has said that the news amber list countries will not result in quarantine for fully vaccinated travellers is "a very exciting development".

He said:

We know travellers are eagerly awaiting the news that the world is open again. We welcome any move that allows customers to safely travel again. There has never been so much pent-up demand to travel and so this is a very exciting development.

Last Sunday was our busiest Sunday in 17 weeks and our second busiest of the entire year. 75 per cent of all bookings yesterday were last-minute breaks for this summer.

Allowing fully vaccinated customers to travel opens up so many possibilities. Moving from 10-day isolation to a test-based system allows people to travel flexibly yet safely. This is a great step forward in that it means we all have many more options to get away this summer. It gives us confidence to plan our holidays both now and in the future. Although there are still many more steps to go before the entire world is available, this is a very important one.

A wave of excitement has filled the entire travel industry as we start to feel that the world is opening up again. This is a big psychological step for the UK public and a statement to the world that we are serious about travelling. It is also a big relief to the travel industry. It’s not the answer to everything, but it feels like momentum is really building now.


09:43 AM

How Alan Whicker opened up a wonderful world of long-haul travel to glamorous destinations

As the BFI celebrates the broadcaster’s centenary, Chris Moss reflects on Whicker’s World and its impact on several generations.

Remember when travel was not about your carbon footprint, collecting air miles or queuing for “speedy” boarding? Yes, it seems a long time ago now, and the more recent travel-related hassles – tests, vaccinations, masks – will be another snap no one wants in their holiday album. Sometimes, it seems government ministers, airline bosses, hotel chains, eco-warriors and grim-faced news reporters are working in cahoots, trying to turn travel into something so complicated and uncouth that we might as well all stay in and watch the telly.

In a hard to imagine prelapsarian era – from the mid-1960s to 1983 – travel had an entirely different image, and it was thanks to the small screen. This was the period when Alan Whicker, British television’s most debonair broadcaster, strode, posed, flirted, quaffed, dined and flew first-class across the airwaves. His landmark show, Whicker’s World, began as a segment of BBC’s excellent Tonight programme in 1958. It went standalone in 1965 and stayed on the BBC until 1968, when it hopped over to ITV for another fifteen years. Next month – a century after Alan Whicker’s birth, on August 2, 1921, in Cairo – the British Film Institute (BFI), on London’s Southbank, will screen a double bill of some of his most memorable work – a fitting tribute to a career that spanned six decades and six continents.

Read the full piece from Chris here.

At the height of his popularity Alan Whicker’s programmes commanded audiences of 15 million people - Getty
At the height of his popularity Alan Whicker’s programmes commanded audiences of 15 million people - Getty

09:28 AM

Softly, softly or big bang? How countries are returning to the ‘new normal’

It would be fair to say the UK and Singapore have had very different pandemics. The UK was hit hard in the first wave, was slow to implement public health measures such as track and trace and has locked down and opened up three times. It has had nearly five million cases and 128,000 deaths.

Meanwhile, Singapore imposed tough border restrictions, lockdowns and mass contact tracing and testing. Some of the strictest Covid rules on the planet mean there have been 62,000 cases and just 36 deaths in the nation of 5.7 million.

Of course, there are important political, geographic and demographic factors at play but most would agree that Singapore has had a “good” pandemic. Now, as richer, vaccinated nations talk of learning to live with the virus, those different approaches have resurfaced.

Read more about the key differences here.


09:17 AM

Tokyo Olympics to take place under new state of emergency

Japan's government has announced today a new state of emergency stretching throughout the Olympics, as reports said organisers could bar fans from almost all events at the Games.

With just two weeks until the July 23 opening ceremony, coronavirus infections are rising in the capital, and the spread of the more infectious Delta variant has spooked officials. The rising cases threaten to derail plans to let up to 10,000 local fans into Olympic venues, and could mean Tokyo 2020 is the first ever Games held behind closed doors.

Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga said the emergency measures – which are far looser than the harsh lockdowns seen in other parts of the world – will be in place until August 22.

Under the virus emergency, alcohol will be banned at bars and restaurants, which will have to close by 8pm. Events such as concerts and conferences will have to end by 9pm.


09:14 AM

The 11 EU countries you can travel to right now (quarantine-free if vaccinated)

Holiday options do exist on the Continent, where you don't have to isolate on arrival, including old favourites Portugal, Greece and Spain, writes Hugh Morris.

Europeans can enjoy unfettered access to all member states, thanks to the launch of the bloc’s new Digital Covid Certificate. The EU’s app allows users to prove vaccination status, show recent infection or present a negative PCR test, with the aim being that all member states will operate a common entry policy.

Unfortunately, this does not apply to the UK, with the Government still working on integrating the NHS vaccine app into the EU’s offering.

But that is not to say there are no countries across the Channel that British travellers can visit without the need to quarantine on arrival.

Find about about all the options here.

Croatia is among those countries not demanding quarantine - Getty
Croatia is among those countries not demanding quarantine - Getty

09:05 AM

Virgin Atlantic ups flights to Caribbean

Virgin Atlantic is increasing the number of flights to the Caribbean by nearly 300 per cent after a surge in demand following the Government’s last travel review, which saw Antigua, Barbados and Grenada added to the green list.

A number of Caribbean flights which were previously scheduled to recommence in August will now take off from July, and the airline will introduce the newest, largest aircraft in its fleet, the flagship Airbus A350, five times weekly on its Barbados service from the beginning of August.

Juha Jarvinen, the chief commercial officer at Virgin Atlantic, said;

There’s long been pent up demand to travel so we’re excited that we can finally whisk our customers away for a much-needed sunny break, with even more available flight options, allowing them to enjoy the stunning beaches, warm climate and welcoming hospitality that the Caribbean has buckets of.

Read more: Why a holiday to the Caribbean in July is underrated


08:47 AM

Your travel questions answered

As our everyday liberties look set to widen from July 19, will the same easing apply to travel? Perhaps so – but with that, come other concerns to address. Hazel Plush answers some of the most pressing questions, including:

  • What happens if you get track-and-traced before your holiday?

  • When is the next review of the green, amber and red travel lists?

Find out more here.

Travel track and trace
Travel track and trace

08:35 AM

Travel figure has advice for the Government

Paul Charles, the chief executive of The PC Agency travel consultancy, has set out on Twitter what he thinks the Government can do to help boost travel.

We're expecting to hear from Transport Secretary Grant Shapps in the House of Commons at around 11.30am this morning.


08:24 AM

French minister warns against holidays in Spain and Portugal

Clement Beaune, France's junior European affairs minister, said this morning that he was advising people to avoid travelling to Spain and Portugal for a holiday this summer.

This was due to the risks posed from the Delta variant of Covid-19, he told France 2.


08:16 AM

Scotland's restrictions could remain in place

Nicola Sturgeon has admitted Scotland's Freedom Day could be postponed again, after two more major health boards were pushed to “breaking point” by a coronavirus surge and NHS staff shortages.

The First Minister said that her timetable for easing rules "was not set in stone" after almost 4,000 daily cases were reported on Wednesday, dashing hopes that a recent rise in cases was on the decline.

She added: "Even though we are seeing a weakening of the link between cases and hospitalisations, if we have a high number of cases even a lower proportion of those cases ending up in hospital can put pressure on our NHS.

"To set dates in stone while we still face that virus would not in my view be responsible. My job is to take hard decisions that get us as safely as possible to that end point."


08:03 AM

Vaccines rushed to Sydney amid lockdown

Australia's prime minister has announced that 300,000 coronavirus vaccine doses will be rushed to Sydney, as the country's largest city struggled to bring a Delta outbreak under control.

As a citywide lockdown entered its third week, there were signs of the outbreak spiralling, with a record increase of 38 new cases in the last 24 hours. Scott Morrison said the situation in the city was "very serious" and urged five million Sydneysiders not to give in to fatigue and obey stay-at-home orders.

Only around eight per cent of Australians have been fully vaccinated – one of the lowest rates among rich nations – and widespread vaccination is not expected to be in place until the end of 2021.

Read more: Can I visit Australia? Latest travel advice


07:57 AM

Which destinations are amber?

Most European countries and territories are 'amber', meaning until the rules change – and we expected to hear about thay later today – Britons returning from these places have to self-isolate at home for up to 10 days and are subject to at least one extra PCR Covid-19 test.

Countries on the amber list currently include mainland Spain, mainland Portugal, Greece, Croatia and France.

Find out which places are on the amber list, and what it means for your holiday, here.

Greece and its islands are on the amber list, - David C Tomlinson
Greece and its islands are on the amber list, - David C Tomlinson

07:43 AM

WHO should decide Covid travel rules, suggests Tony Blair

Former prime minister Tony Blair warned that "confusion reigns" in international travel.

A report published by the Tony Blair Institute for Global Change stated that there are "still significant differences between countries" on what vaccines are accepted, testing regimes, and documentation to prove vaccine or testing status.

Mr Blair said: "The global confusion on travel requires a global solution.

"The recommendations in this paper call on the WHO (World Health Organisation) to take on an expanded role in bringing uniformity to these areas of vaccines, testing and travel credentials."


07:38 AM

The red list countries that could go amber in time for summer

Could Turkey, Dubai or the Seychelles make the amber list in the next update?

When it is confirmed that quarantine rules will be lifted for double-jabbed Britons that the amber list, will, of course, become of greater interest.

We've crunched the numbers to look at which destinations might move from red to amber on July 19.

composite - Getty
composite - Getty

Take a look at our predictions.


07:25 AM

White House dampens hopes for US holidays

The US will not immediately lift any international travel restrictions, even as it faces growing pressure from business groups and lawmakers, a White House official told Reuters on Wednesday.

In June, the administration launched interagency working groups with the European Union, United Kingdom, Canada, and Mexico to look at how to lift restrictions and eventually resume travel.

"While these groups have met a number of times, there are further discussions to be had before we can announce any next steps on travel reopening with any country," the White House official told Reuters.

"We have made tremendous progress domestically in our vaccination efforts, as have many of these other countries, but we want to ensure that we move deliberately and are in a position to sustainably reopen international travel when it is safe to do so."


07:10 AM

Vaccinated holidaymakers will still face costly Covid tests

Here's more on the Covid-19 test rules for travel, from Charles Hymas.

The Transport Secretary is expected to say that quarantine for double-jabbed Britons coming from amber countries will end from as early as July 19 but will warn holidaymakers that they will be required to take a PCR test on day two of their return.

Children will be exempted from quarantine even though they are not vaccinated, but parents will still have to pay for them to have tests, also on day two of their return. It could add up to £400 to the cost of a holiday for a family of four with additional pre-departure tests.

"Day two testing will remain for arrivals from amber countries, regardless of vaccinated status, as this provides genomic sequencing capability to identify the risk of importing variants," Mr Shapps will say.

PCR tests for holidaymakers returning from the quarantine-free green list countries will also remain in place for the same reason until at least July 31, when the traffic light travel system will be reviewed for a second time.

Read the full story.


06:59 AM

The key headlines from Wednesday.

Here's a recap:

  • Demand for amber list holidays surges ahead of quarantine announcement

  • Quarantine-free amber list holidays could start from July 19

  • Warning over scam 'vaccine passport'

  • Finland eases travel restrictions for vaccinated EU visitors

  • France scraps free Covid tests for tourists

  • Fast-track lanes for vaccinated passengers at Heathrow

​Now onto today's news.