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Transport Secretary, Grant Shapps, has just announced the initial ‘Green List’ countries. From 17th May, no quarantine will be required in England (note that Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland will be announcing their own policies) when travelling from the following:
- Portugal
- Israel
- Singapore
- Australia
- New Zealand
- Brunei
- Iceland
- Gibraltar
- Falkland Islands
- Faroe Islands
- South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands
- St Helena, Tristan de Cunha, Ascension Island
Of course, just because a country is on England’s Green List, that doesn’t mean the arrangement is reciprocal. In fact, Singapore, Australia, New Zealand and Brunei are likely to maintain strict restrictions for some time.
I can’t imagine that there will be huge demand for travel to St Helena, South Georgia, the Faroe Islands or the Falklands, regardless of restrictions.
Effectively, that leaves Portugal, Israel, Iceland and Gibraltar, as the most plausible destinations for Brits wanting to get away – though there may well still be some restrictions for a while in those countries too, so always check the official government advice.
Bottom line
The list will be reviewed every three weeks, but I think Malta has reason to feel hard done by here. Many people would have loved to see the USA added too, of course, though I think that might take a bit longer.
You should also bear in mind that Green List status can be removed at any time, so take that into account if you are planning a trip. It wouldn’t be a surprise to see cases in Portugal rise, for example, given the close links with Brazil.
What do you think about the initial Green List?
To be annoyingly pedantic, you can go to ANY country that will allow you IN. What you can’t do is come back home without quarantine.
And since history has shown that “green” countries can become “amber” or “red” while you’re away, the list isn’t all that reliable. In fact, I might be inclined to gamble on a country that is currently “amber” but might become “green” before you depart or while you’re there…
Haha – pedantry will get you everywhere with me. 😉
Yes, I wouldn’t personally be booking Portugal apart from immediately before flying (and keeping a close eye on the infection stats). There’s got to be a non-trivial chance that a flare-up there could happen, not least given the Brazil link.