Travel news latest: Seven ‘amber’ countries to move to red list

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Malta is set to join the ‘green list’ in today’s review of the travel traffic light system, meaning that Britons will no longer need to quarantine on their return from holiday.

The Mediterranean destination is one of only a handful of places predicted to be confirmed as ‘safe’ for travel. The Cayman Islands, Grenada, British Virgin Islands, Finland and some Caribbean islands are thought also to be likely to join the green list – however most are currently inaccessible for Britons. There is also hope for some Greek Islands, including Zante, Mykonos and Santorini.

The UK is currently rated as ‘amber’ by the Government in Malta, which means all arrivals are required to have evidence of a negative PCR Covid-19 test, taken within 72 hours of departure.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson has warned that today’s decision will be a ‘cautious’ one, and he will have “no hesitation” in moving countries from the green list to amber or red if necessary “to protect the people of this country.”

In major blow to British holidaymakers, Portugal is in line to have its restriction-free status revoked as scientists from the Joint Biosecurity Centre (JBC) are concerned about rising infection rates and the emergence of variants. This could result in it be reclassified as amber, or moved to a ‘watch list’ at the announcement.

Slow vaccination rates and the risk of spreading variants could also play a role in preventing other major European destinations from being classified as green. Mainland Spain, Greece, Italy and France are expected to remain amber, with ministers saying they are six to eight weeks behind the UK. 

Scroll down for more on this, and today’s other breaking travel news.