The confirmed amber list countries and when you can travel to them

Overseas holidays can resume from May 17 with quarantine-free breaks possible to some of the 12 green-listed countries and territories.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson confirmed this week that the UK Government’s foreign holiday ban will lift on Monday. It be replaced with a ‘traffic light’ system, with countries rated ‘green’, ‘amber’ or ‘red’

Most European countries will be initially designated as ‘amber’, meaning Britons returning from these countries will have to self-isolate at home for up to 10 days and will be subject to extra PCR Covid-19 tests.

These tests can be costly, with The Telegraph previously reporting on profiteering by certain providers. However, the Government is set to launch an official Covid test comparison website by May 17. The new gov.uk website should provide travellers with clear information on the cheapest, quickest and most efficient Covid test companies.

Arrivals from amber list countries will have to pay for at least two PCR tests (on days two and eight of their return), and can opt to pay for a third after five days of self-isolation under the ‘Test to Release’ scheme. They will be able to cut their quarantine time short if this test comes back negative (although will still be required to take the day 8 test).

Meanwhile, the Department for Transport (DfT) has warned Britons not to visit destinations on the amber list “for leisure”. Despite this, some tour operators will take holidaymakers to amber list countries against Government advice. Tui, easyJet holidays and British Airways Holidays, are planning to run trips to amber countries including Malta, Antigua and the Spanish Canary Islands, using the guidance of the Foreign Office (FCDO), which is separate from the DfT’s, as permission to do so.

The green list is rather meagre. Grant Shapps, the transport secretary, revealed the initial list on May 7. Among the destinations that have been green lit are Portugal (including Madeira and the Azores), Gibraltar and Iceland.

“Today marks the first step in our cautious return to international travel, with measures designed above all else to protect public health and ensure we don’t throw away the hard-fought gains we’ve all strived to earn this year,” said Mr Shapps.

“This is a new way of doing things, and people should expect travel to be different this summer – with longer checks at the borders, as part of tough measures to prevent new strains of the virus entering the country and putting our fantastic vaccine rollout at risk.”

The traffic light system only refers to rules that travellers will be subject to on their return to the UK. Some countries that qualify as ‘green’ are not open to tourism, such as New Zealand and Australia. Meanwhile, it is uncertain if Portugal, the only major European holiday destination in the green category, will be open to British holidaymakers from May 17. 

Here we answer the key questions on the amber list.

What is the “traffic light” system? 

A country’s vaccination rates, infection rates, the prevalence of variants of concern and its genomic sequencing capacity – or access to genomic sequencing – help to inform its ranking in the traffic light system. 

The ratings will work thus: 

1. Green countries:  no quarantine, but a pre-departure test before returning to England and a post-arrival PCR test
2. Amber countries: pre-departure test before returning to England, post-arrival tests and self-isolation on arrival for up to ten days (with the option to use ‘Test to Release’ to cut the time in self-isolation)
3. Red countries: banned entirely, or compulsory hotel quarantine on return (and testing)

The lists will be reviewed regularly, the Government has announced. This could mean that new destinations could be added to the green list by the start of June.

What does ‘amber’ mean?

Any travellers arriving in England and Scotland (Wales and Northern Ireland are still to confirm if they will follow the UK Government’s traffic light system) from amber countries will be required to self-isolate at home for 10 days (potentially reduced with a paid-for ‘Test to release’ on day five) and to take PCR tests on (or before) day two and on day eight of isolation, as well as taking a test before returning to England or Scotland (they will need to provide proof of a negative result, which can be a printed document or an email or text shown on your phone) and completing a passenger locator form. 

The Government currently requires each of the tests taken in England or Scotland to be a PCR test, which can be costly. Prices are slowly being reduced and the Government is due to launch an official comparison site.

The Foreign Office has recently updated its guidance for a number of countries. Travel insurance will be valid if travelling to a country to which the Foreign Office does not advise against travel.

When will these ratings be reviewed?

The lists will be reviewed every three weeks following the end of the travel ban. The first will be on June 7, followed by June 28, July 19 and August 9.

Should I book a holiday to an ‘amber’ destination?

It would not be advisable to do so. The Government advises against leisure travel to these destinations. Meanwhile, you will be subject to up to 10 days of self-isolation on your return and extra PCR tests that you have to pay for. If you do plan a trip to an amber list destination then you should first check the Foreign Office advice.  

If the Foreign Office advises against travel to that country then your travel insurance may not be valid. Meanwhile, if the Foreign Office does NOT advise against travel to the country then a tour operator would not be required to refund your trip should you no longer wish to travel due to self-isolation or testing requirements. In this case it might be best to postpone. 

Which countries are amber?

These countries are among those rated amber: 

Spain

Infection rate per 100k over the previous seven days: 88.74 (all figures are correct as of May 13)

Adult population with first dose of vaccine: 34.89%

Spain has said it could welcome back British holidaymakers from May 20, without the need for a PCR test on arrival, as part of an EU-wide project to reopen for the summer season. Spain’s minister of industry, trade and tourism, Maria Reyes Maroto, said on May 11 that she expected the UK to be included in the free-to-travel list with the European Commission set to meet to discuss travel rules in the coming days. Following a review of this list, possibly as soon as 20 May, Spain will adapt its national legislation to welcome UK residents. 

“Spain will be ready to reopen to the world very soon,” tourism minister Reyes Maroto told reporters on May 12. “International tourists can start planning their Spanish vacations now.”

Greece

Infection rate: 168

Population with first dose: 27.76%

Greece has lifted quarantine restrictions for UK travellers. Britons must provide evidence of a negative result from a PCR test taken within 72 hours of arrival in Greece. You will also be required to take a rapid Covid-19 test on arrival, if reaching the country by air. Those who can provide evidence of being fully vaccinated are exempt from the testing requirements. There has been speculation that some Greek islands could initially be green listed due to lower infection rates and higher vaccination rates than the mainland. This has recently been played down and no islands have made the initial green list. That said, the Foreign Office has updated its advice and no longer advises against travel to certain Greek islands.

France

Infection rate: 176

Population with first dose: 32.92%

British and foreign tourists with a “health pass” – either offering proof of vaccination or a negative PCR test – will be able to visit France again starting from June 9 under an ambitious lockdown exit roadmap. However, arrivals from the UK do not need to provide an essential reason to enter France. As it stands, Britons arriving in France after our foreign holiday ban lifts would be required to provide proof of a negative PCR test and would be required to self-isolate for seven days.

Italy

Infection rate: 100

Population with first dose: 33.26%

Italy did not make make the initial green list. However, it is permitting entry to UK travellers. According to the FCDO: “From April 7 until May 15 , entry to Italy from the UK is no longer restricted to Italian residents and those with absolute necessity,” but there are still Covid measures in place. These include presenting your airline with a negative Covid test taken no more than 78 hours before travel, informing the country’s Covid-19 helpline of your visit and self-isolation for five days on arrival.

Prime Minister Mario Draghi said on May 4 that holidaymakers should book their summer holidays in Italy. He said Italy would have its own version of he EU’s health pass ready by the middle of May. ”Let us not wait until mid-June for the EU pass,” Draghi said. “In mid-May tourists can have the Italian pass … so the time has come to book your holidays in Italy,” he added.

Croatia

Infection rate: 187

Population with first dose: 26.45%

Croatia’s high infection rate has seen it excluded from the first release of the green list. It is allowing entry to UK travellers for defined purposes, including tourism. Britons travelling to Croatia must carry evidence of their health status (which could include evidence of a negative Covid test taken within 48 hours of arrival in the country, proof of vaccination, or a certificate of recovery from a positive Covid result in the 11 to 180 days prior). 

Cyprus

Infection rate: 196

Population with first dose: 29.37%

Travellers visiting Cyprus from the UK are required to provide proof of vaccination from a test taken in the previous 72 hours. Cyprus has announced that from May 1 travellers with proof of two COVID-19 vaccinations completed within a specified timeframe before travel will not be required to take a pre-departure PCR test. Until there is means to certify vaccinations for international travel, you should follow the guidance above on pre-departure PCR tests.

Germany

Infection rate: 95.17

Population with first dose: 38.7%

Currently the UK is not classified as a risk area by Germany. Travellers from the UK are therefore not subject to the requirement to quarantine on arrival in Germany, and they do not need to complete pre-departure digital registration. Arrivals in Germany must possess a negative Covid-19 result prior to departure to the country. The test must be taken no more than 48 hours prior to entry.

Austria

Infection rate: 85.73

Population with first dose: 36.17%

Entry to Austria from the UK is currently prohibited by Austrian law, with some exceptions.

Belgium

Infection rate: 171

Population with first dose: 38.89%

British nationals who are not resident in Belgium or another EU or Schengen country will only be permitted entry to Belgium for essential reasons. Those travelling will need to carry evidence of their reason for travel.

Netherlands

Infection rate: 269

Population with first dose: 34.81%

Non-EU or EEA nationals (including UK travellers) are not permitted entry to the Netherlands for non-essential reasons. International travellers (aside from those with exemptions) who are permitted entry must present a negative PCR  test taken within 24 hours of departure for the Netherlands.

Barbados

Infection rate: 14.63

Population with first dose: 31.73%

Barbados updated its entry requirements on May 8. Both vaccinated and unvaccinated travellers must take a Covid-19 PCR test in the three days prior to their arrival. Fully-vaccinated travellers must then take a second test on arrival, but will be permitted to enjoy the island fully on receipt of  negative result. Unvaccinated travellers must complete five days quarantine at approved accommodation before taking another Covid test. If and when their test result is returned as negative (results can take up to two days), they will be free to travel around the island.

USA

Infection rate: 76.91

Population with first dose: 57.4%

The US has lifted its blanket travel ban on the UK in a move that raises fresh hopes of a transatlantic travel corridor.The US Center for Diseases Control moved the UK out of its level four category – which advises travellers against all travel – to level three, which allows certain non-essential travel such as for work or study. Grant Shapps has been talking to his US counterpart Pete Buttigieg about a bilateral agreement to restart transatlantic travel.

The full ‘amber’ list

• Afghanistan
• Akrotiri and Dhekelia
• Albania
• Algeria
• Andorra
• Anguilla
• Antigua and Barbuda
• Armenia
• Aruba
• Austria
• Azerbaijan
• The Bahamas
• Bahrain
• Barbados
• Belarus
• Belgium
• Belize
• Benin
• Bermuda
• Bhutan
• Bonaire, Sint Eustatius and Saba
• Bosnia and Herzegovnia
• British Antarctic Territory
• British Indian Ocean Territory
• British Virgin Islands
• Brunei
• Bulgaria
• Burkina Faso
• Cambodia
• Cameroon
• Canada 
• Cayman Islands
• Central African Republic
• Chad
• China
• Comoros
• Congo
• Cook Islands
• Costa Rica
• Côte d’Ivoire
• Croatia
• Cuba
• Curaçao
• Cyprus
• Czech Republic
• Denmark
• Djibouti
• Dominica
• Dominican Republic
• Egypt
• El Salvador
• Equatorial Guinea
• Eritrea
• Estonia
• Falkland Islands (Will move from amber to green list 4am, Monday 17 May. If you arrive in England before then, you need to follow the amber list rules. Faroe Islands Will move from amber to green list 4am, Monday 17 May. If you arrive in England before then, you need to follow the amber list rules. )
• Fiji
• Finland
• France
• French Polynesia
• Gabon
• The Gambia
• Georgia
• Germany
• Ghana
• Gibraltar (Will move from amber to green list 4am, Monday 17 May. If you arrive in England before then, you need to follow the amber list rules)
• Greece (including islands)
• Greenland
• Grenada
• Guadeloupe
• Guatemala
• Guinea
• Guinea-Bissau
• Haiti
• Honduras
• Hong Kong
• Hungary
• Iceland (Will move from amber to green list 4am, Monday 17 May. If you arrive in England before then, you need to follow the amber list rules).
• Indonesia
• Iran
• Iraq
• Israel and Jerusalem (Will move from amber to green list 4am, Monday 17 May. If you arrive in England before then, you need to follow the amber list rules.)
• Italy
• Jamaica
• Japan
• Jordan
• Kazakhstan
• Kiribati
• Kosovo
• Kuwait
• Kyrgyzstan
• Laos
• Latvi
• Lebanon
• Liberia
• Libya
• Liechtenstein
• Lithuania
• Luxembourg
• Macao
• Madagascar
• Malaysia
• Maldives (Will move to the red list 4am, Wednesday 12 May. If you arrive in England after that, you need to follow the red list rules.)
• Mali
• Malta
• Marshall Islands
• Martinique
• Mauritania
• Mauritius
• Mayotte
• Mexico
• Micronesia
• Moldova
• Monaco
• Mongolia
• Montenegro
• Montserrat
• Morocco
• Myanmar (Burma)
• Nauru
• Nepal (Will move to the red list 4am, Wednesday 12 May. If you arrive in England after that, you need to follow the red list rules.)
• Netherlands
• New Caledonia
• New Zealand (Will move from amber to green list 4am, Monday 17 May. If you arrive in England before then, you need to follow the amber list rules.
• Nicaragua
• Niger
• Nigeria
• North Korea
• North Macedonia
• Norway
• The Occupied Palestinian Territories
• Palau
• Papua New Guinea 
• Pitcairn, Henderson, Ducie and Oeno Islands
• Poland
• Portugal, including the Azores and Madeira (Will move from amber to green list 4am, Monday 17 May.If you arrive in England before then, you need to follow the amber list rules.)
• Réunion
• Romania
• Russia
• Samoa
• San Marino
• Sao Tome and Principe
• Saudi Arabia
• Senegal
• Serbia
• Sierra Leone
• Singapore (Will move from amber to green list 4am, Monday 17 May. If you arrive in England before then, you need to follow the amber list rules.)
• Slovakia
• Slovenia
• Solomon Islands
• South Georgia and South Sandwich Islands (Will move from amber to green list 4am, Monday 17 May. If you arrive in England before then, you need to follow the amber list rules)
• South Korea
• South Sudan
• Spain (including the Balearics and Canary Islands)
• Sri Lanka
• St Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha (Will move from amber to green list 4am, Monday 17 May. If you arrive in England before then, you need to follow the amber list rules.)
• St Kitts and Nevis
• St Lucia
• St Martin and St Barthélem
• St Vincent and the Grenadines
• Sudan
• Sweden
• Switzerland
• Syria
• Taiwan
• Tajikistan
• Thailand
• Timor-Leste
• Togo
• Tonga
• Trinidad and Tobago
• Tunisia
• Turkey (Will move to the red list 4am, Wednesday 12 May. If you arrive in England after that, you need to follow the red list rules.)
• Turkmenistan
• Turks and Caicos Islands
• Tuvalu
• Uganda
• Ukraine
• United States ( USA )
• Uzbekistan
• Vanuatu
• Vietnam
• Wallis and Futuna
• Western Sahara
• Yemen  

Find out which countries are on the green list here, and which are on the red list here.