England's ongoing coronavirus lockdown is finally easing up, and holidays are back on the agenda.
We're already allowed to travel within the UK with our own households, but from May 17 it's likely we'll be able to venture abroad - with some caveats.
The government is using a 'traffic light system' to sort foreign travel destinations into three categories: red, amber, and green. As you might expect, these colours denote how safe or unsafe the UK government deems that country when it comes to coronavirus, with safety measures differing accordingly.
Travellers coming back to the UK from green list countries will need to take a Covid test before departing, followed by another one on day two after arriving in the UK. These destinations are likely to include Malta, Gibraltar, Iceland, Finland, and Portugal.
People coming in to the UK from red list countries will see the most stringent restrictions. They'll need to take a pre-departure test, pay to quarantine in a hotel near their arrival airport, and then take further tests on day two and day eight after their arrival in the UK.
The amber list, however, is where many of our usual holiday destinations are likely to be, at least initially. France, Spain, Italy, and Greece are all predicted to be amber list countries when it's revealed this evening (May 7).
It's understood that the list will be reviewed on June 28.
Destination countries may require other arrangements, such as proof you've been vaccinated, on the way out, and you'll still be subject to whatever restrictions are in place in that country throughout your stay.
What are the UK travel rules for amber list countries?
If you're travelling to the UK from amber list countries, the UK government requires you to take a test before you fly home. Once you arrive in the UK, you'll be required to self-isolate at home for 10 days, taking tests on day two and eight. If you take a test that comes back negative any time after day five, you will be released from quarantine.
