The government has confirmed important additions to the green list of destinations open to travellers from England following announcements by the devolved administrations in Northern Ireland and Scotland.
The Balearic Islands, Malta, Madeira and some Caribbean islands will be added to the green list from 4am next Wednesday, June 30.
Transport secretary Grant Shapps confirmed the additions on Twitter after the Northern Ireland government initially announced the changes and the Scottish government followed suit
In his tweet, Shapps noted: “We’re adding Malta to the government green list.
We’re adding Malta to the Govt green list
We’re also adding Madeira, the Balearic Islands, several UK Overseas Territories and Caribbean Islands (including Barbados) to the green list and green watchlist.
Israel & Jerusalem are also added to the green watchlist.
— Rt Hon Grant Shapps MP (@grantshapps) June 24, 2021
“We’re also adding Madeira, the Balearic Islands, several UK Overseas Territories and Caribbean Islands (including Barbados) to the green list and green watch list.
“Israel & Jerusalem are also added to the green watch list.”
The inclusion of these countries on the green watch list means they could be removed at short notice.
Shapps also confirmed by tweet that the government will recognise fully vaccinated travellers “later in the summer”, meaning a relaxation of quarantine restrictions and testing requirements on travellers returning from amber destinations.
More: Transport secretary confirms quarantine-free amber list travel plan
Industry leaders welcome green list additions but demand more
The transport secretary tweeted: “Thanks to our successful vaccination programme our intention is that later in the summer UK residents who are fully vaccinated will not have to isolate when travelling from amber list countries.
“We’ll set out further details next month.”
Northern Ireland and Scotland also made additions to the red list, adding the Dominican Republic, Tunisia and several other countries.
In a statement, the Scottish government said: “There will be close monitoring of the position in the Balearics over the next three weeks ahead of the next review point.”
It noted: “The steps were considered on a four nation basis at a strategic meeting which also considered possible options for future changes to amber list arrival requirements.
“The Scottish Government is cautiously considering the evidence for easing amber list travel restrictions for fully vaccinated people.
“However the need for caution to protect public safety means no decision is expected on this immediately and four nations discussions will continue.”
The additions are better than many in the industry feared with Barbados, Bermuda, Antigua, the Cayman Islands, Dominica and Grenada also joining the green list.
A further announcement on the government’s first review of the traffic light system is expected on Monday.
The full list of additions to Northern Ireland’s green list is as follows:
- Anguila
- Antigua and Barbuda
- Balearic islands
- Barbados
- Bermuda
- British Antarctic Territory
- British Indian Ocean Territory
- British Virgin Islands
- Cayman Islands
- Dominica
- Grenada
- Madeira
- Malta
- Montserrat
- Pitcairn Islands
- Turks and Caicos Islands
The seven red list countries are:
- Dominican Republic
- Eritrea
- Haiti
- Kuwait
- Mongolia
- Tunisia
- Uganda
More: Transport secretary confirms quarantine-free amber list travel plan
Industry leaders welcome green list additions but demand more