The number of red list countries is expected to be reduced to just nine later this week, it has been reported.
Scots are currently banned from visiting 54 countries for non-essential reasons under the current Covid red list rules outlined by the Scottish Government.
But this could be significantly reduced when the conclusion of the latest travel review is expected on Thursday next week.
The Telegraph reports the UK Government is planning on reducing the number of red list countries to nine - with the likes of South Africa, Brazil and Mexico among the countries expected to be removed.
Previous changes to rules to the Covid travel policy made by Boris Johnson have only applied in England, but they are then largely followed by the Scottish Government.
A Whitehall source told The Telegraph: “We are expecting sharp reductions in the red list. It could be as few as nine countries left on the list.”
This could pave the way for fully vaccinated holidaymakers from a number of currently red listed countries to travel to Scotland without the need to quarantine inside a hotel.
Anyone arriving from a red list country must spend at least 10 days in managed quarantine while taking a number of tests during that period.
It is expected that any changes to the rules will result in a surge in bookings ahead of the October half-term.
Green and amber lists will merge in Scotland from tomorrow, while the red list will be retained for countries deemed to have high rates of Covid infection or variants of concern.
The Scottish Government has also signalled that pre-departure tests will be scrapped for non-red countries in the future, with discussions ongoing over the post-arrival tests for the virus.
Current rules mean that fully vaccinated passengers arriving home from a green or an amber list country must take a Covid test before travel to Scotland and another within two days of touching down.
A date is yet to be confirmed on the changes to the testing regime.
A Scottish Government spokesperson said:
“It is important any change to a country’s travel status is based on risk assessments provided by the Join Biosecurity Centre and then made on a four nations basis where possible.
“We expect to see the next version of the risk assessment this week and announce any changes to the red list shortly thereafter.”
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