WHEN WILL WE KNOW THE GREEN LIST COUNTRIES — AND SHOULD WE BOOK NOW?

Q WHAT is the earliest date that I can go overseas?

A MINISTERS are hoping to introduce a ‘traffic light’ system. Travel to a ‘green’ country should be allowed from May 17. Q WHEN will we know which countries are on the green list?

A THE Government has said it will announce this by ‘early May’. Only a handful of places are expected to be on the list initially. These could include Israel, Gibraltar, Malta and a number of Caribbean islands.

Q HOW will they decide which countries are on the green list?

A THOSE in which 50 per cent of adults have had at least one vaccine are likely to be prioritised. Other factors to be considered include infection rates, the prevalence of ‘ variants of concern’ and their capacity for genomic testing.

Q I’VE heard the U.S. is doing well. Will we be able to go in May?

A THE U.S. is rolling out its vaccination programme rapidly, making it a strong contender for the UK’s green list. But there is still a travel ban in place for visitors from the UK due to the Kent mutant strain, so this will need to be lifted first.

Q AND what about Spain and Italy — can I catch some sun?

A There is hope that Spain and Italy could have restrictions eased in time for summer. However, this will depend on whether they can get surging infection rates under control and how their vaccination programmes progress. Spain, the country most visited by Britons, has a vaccination rate below 15 per cent, while Italy’s rate is just 13.8 per cent.

Q I’VE booked a trip to Greece in June. Will I be able to go?

A Potentially. Despite a recent rise in cases, sources have said Greece could be on the green list.

Q WHEN will more countries be added to the list?

A A Review will take place on June 28, which should see extra countries added to the list. Extra reviews will occur on July 31 and October 1.

Q IS IT safe for me to book a holiday now?

A IT’S a good time to bag a bargain. Book with a reputable package holiday firm and you’ll be entitled to a refund within 14 days if the trip is cancelled.

Q WILL I still need to take the tests if I’ve had the vaccine?

A Yes. The testing requirements will be the same for those who are vaccinated, whether they have received one or two jabs.

Q WHAT about testing for children who go abroad?

A Currently children under 11 are exempt and are therefore unlikely to be required to take tests under this new system.

Q WILL this traffic light scheme be in place all summer?

A IT’S highly likely. However, restrictions on testing and quarantine could be eased.

Q AND what will be happening in the cruising industry?

A CRUISING in British waters is allowed from May 17 at the earliest. Overseas cruising will restart under the new traffic light system.

Q HAS anything else changed when it comes to travel? A THE passenger locator form will be digitised for faster use through airport e-gates by the autumn.

A ‘Green Watchlist’ is also being introduced to highlight countries at risk of moving from the low-risk green category to amber.