Traffic light system for holidays abroad

THE prime minister outlined the government’s approach for international travel and holidays abroad as coronavirus restrictions are eased.

A risk-based ‘traffic light’ system will be introduced when flight rules can be relaxed.

According to the lockdown roadmap, international travel could be permitted by May 17 as part of Step Three – subject to a review from the global travel task force, due next Monday.

From then, a red, amber and green rating system will be in place for countries around the world – similar to the current Department of Transport ‘red list’ of banned destinations.

Under the new system, travellers arriving from countries rated green will not be required to isolate, although pre-departure and post-arrival tests will still be needed.

For those classed as amber or red, restrictions will remain as they are, with arrivals required to self-isolate or enter quarantine.

No announcements were made on which countries would be on which list, however there are 39 locations on the current restricted list.

Anyone who has been in or through any of the destinations listed below in the previous 10 days will be refused entry to the UK.

British or Irish nationals, or those with residence rights in the UK, will be able to enter.

But they must quarantine in a government-approved hotel for 10 days, at a cost of around £1,750.

The most recent changes will see Bangladesh, Kenya, Pakistan and Philippines added to the list from 4am, on Friday.

Under the current lockdown rules in Step One, travel abroad from the UK without a reasonable excuse is illegal, with a £5,000 fine penalty.

■ RED LIST: Angola, Argentina,

Bangladesh (will be added to the list 4am Friday, April 9), Bolivia, Botswana, Brazil, Burundi, Cape Verde, Chile, Colombia, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ecuador, Eswatini, Ethiopia, French Guiana, Guyana, Kenya (will be added to the list 4am Friday, April 9, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Oman, Pakistan (will be added to the list 4am Friday, April 9) Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines (will be added to the list 4am Friday, April 9), Qatar, Rwanda, Seychelles, Somalia, South Africa, Suriname, Tanzania, United Arab Emirates, Uruguay, Venezuela, Zambia, Zimbabwe.