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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
National
Matthew Dresch

Malta, Balearics and Greek islands 'set to join green list in update on June 3'

Malta, the Balearics and Greek islands are reportedly set join England's 'green list' in a travel update next week.

Quarantine-free travel to the locations could become a reality if the Government upgrades them in a review due to take place on June 3.

Currently, there are 12 countries and territories on the 'green list': Portugal, including the Azores and Madeira; Australia; New Zealand; Singapore; Brunei; Iceland; Faroe Islands; Gibraltar; Falkland Islands; and Israel.

The Independent reports that Malta, the Balearic Islands of Spain and the Greek islands of Santorini, Kos, Rhodes and Zante could be added to the list next week.

It is also hoped some of the 43 destinations of the 'red list' will be upgraded to 'amber', meaning returning Brits can self-isolate at home instead of quarantining at a hotel.

Malta could also be upgraded to England's 'green list' next week (Getty Images)

Dozens of countries are currently on the 'red list', including India, South Africa, Turkey and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Any travel rule changes will come into force on June 10, Mail Online reports.

Transport Secretary Grant Shapps previously said he wanted to see more countries added to the 'green list' for travel.

He told BBC Radio 4's Today: "The amber list and the red list are not for holidaymakers, that's not the purpose of those lists at this time.

"We just think that after a year of lockdowns in this country, of people coming forward in record numbers to get their vaccines, we do not want to be in a position of taking risks at this stage about our unlock."

Asked if he was pushing for the green list to be extended he said: "Of course. The reason for that is we have ended up getting way ahead in terms of our vaccination programme in this country and we are just having to wait for other countries to catch up with us.

"That's going to gradually happen, obviously, you can see it's happening, so that list should expand."

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