This may be another false dawn for travellers

The ‘definitely, maybe’ of a green ‘watch list’ introduces more confusion, says Nick Trend

The news that Malta has been added to the green list of countries from which returning holiday- makers don’t have to selfisolate is obviously encouraging, though it comes more than a month after it was first expected, and Malta is hardly a heavy hitter among Mediterranean sun, sea and sand destinations.

And the suggestions from the Prime Minister that those with double vaccinations may be able to avoid such isolation after travelling is also welcome, though it is hugely frustrating that no clearer detail has yet been given about when or how this might work.

Much more ambivalent is the concept of the green “watch list” of countries at risk of reverting back to amber which was also part of Thursday’s announcement (though expressed slightly differently by the Scottish government). The idea was promised some weeks ago as a way – we presumed – of giving some warning about the possibility of a country changing its status in a negative way.

We certainly didn’t expect it to be used as a sort of “definitely, maybe” category, opening the door while threatening to slam it shut. We can only hope that the next review, in three weeks, shifts these destinations into a full, green category. After all, the list includes the Balearic Islands of Majorca, Menorca, Ibiza and Formentera (see page 6) – the most popular destinations of all for British holidaymakers – as well as Madeira and several key Caribbean islands. From next Wednesday – for the time being at least – people can travel to these destinations without having to quarantine on their return.

More generally, where does all this leave the millions of people who have holidays booked or are hoping to go away this summer? What is absolutely clear amid all this uncertainty is that you should only travel (or book) any green or amber destination if you are comfortable with the significant risk that the traffic lights may suddenly change and you may have to self-isolate for up to 10 days on your return.

And you also need to reconcile yourself to the risk that your chosen destination may not allow you to travel in any case. As we now have the highest infection rate in Europe, restrictions are starting to kick in in an alarming way. Germany, Italy and Poland have all introduced quarantine for arriving Britons – as has France, except for those who are double-vaccinated.

My holiday is happening in the next few weeks, what should I do?

Millions of people who already have holidays booked this summer have only two fairly unsatisfactory choices. First is to make a decision now and postpone your holiday until a later date. This may depend on the policy of your tour operator or airline. Most are allowing a high degree of flexibility, though “free” changes may cost you more than your current holiday because prices at a later date may be higher than you originally paid. The second option is simply to wait it out and see what impact changes in government policy will have.

Anything else I should check?

Double check with your insurers that your policy will cover you. A change of status (or of Foreign Office advice) just before you travel may invalidate cover.

I’m sick of all this uncertainty. Can I cancel and get my money back?

Almost certainly not if you act unilaterally. If you don’t want to go on holiday and you want a refund rather than a postponement, your only way of doing so is to wait in the hope that your tour operator cancels first. Then it will have to refund you.

Should I book now?

I would be extremely cautious about this – unless you are planning well ahead for 2022, for example. The best strategy for this year is to commit as late as possible and to book with a tour operator with a flexible policy on dates.