Aviation officials have hinted that an expansion of the current “green” list will arrive in time for the peak summer holiday season.
While a review of the countries currently included on the “green” list is set to take place on June 7, it is anticipated that more of the UK’s favourite holiday destinations, including Spain, Italy, and France will be added to the “green” list from June 28.
The government also plans to review the effectiveness of the traffic light system in place on June 28 and, if applicable, implement any necessary changes.
While this is promising news for anyone looking to get away this summer, travellers must continue to monitor and follow the Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office (FCDO) guidance before booking a trip.
We are aware that in some cases, particularly for destinations included on the “amber” list, the traffic light system and FCDO travel advice are not aligned. Therefore, in this scenario, travellers should follow the FCDO’s guidance as the majority of travel insurers will not cover you if you travel against the FCDO advice and later submit a claim.
Additionally, it’s worth being aware that some destinations included on the “green” list, and not advised against visiting by the FCDO, aren’t currently open to British visitors for leisure.
For example, the FCDO does not advise against travel to Australia, and the destination is also included on the “green” list. However, Australia’s borders are currently closed to tourists, and anyone intending on visiting will be required to attain a ‘special exemption’ visa before their arrival. Exemptions are only granted to those with a “compassionate” or “compelling” reason to enter the country, and, sadly, a holiday is neither. Those who manage to secure an exemption visa will also need to quarantine for 14 days at a specialist facility upon their arrival – this mandatory requirement will be arranged by the state government.
For this reason, anyone looking to travel abroad must research the destination they are planning to visit. It is the responsibility of the traveller to make sure they travel to a destination that the FCDO does not advise against and to also make sure that the country they are visiting allows British tourists to enter.
Additionally, travellers must also be aware and comply with any entry requirements, whether that is providing proof of a negative Covid-19 test, proof of vaccine status, or any other requirements, as travel insurance policies do not provide cover for denied entry in the event tourists are turned away from the destination for not arriving with the correct documentation.
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