In good news for holidaymakers, the government has announced that people can once again fly abroad when lockdown restrictions ease from May 17.
But only a handful of countries have made the initial "green list" of destinations - which will mean the lowest level of restrictions for travellers on their return from holidays to the UK.
The 12 green list countries, including Portugal, Gibraltar and Israel, are deemed at a "safer" level for travellers, with lower levels of coronavirus rates of infection and good take-up of vaccines.
The first, tentative steps for unlocking international travel were unveiled by Secretary of State for Transport Grant Shapps on Friday.
He said that every three weeks they will review the countries, and will be placed on a "watch list" looking at covid rates.
However, many ‘Green List’ countries will continue to place restrictions on UK travellers, including quarantine measures, so passengers are encouraged to check all requirements and FCDO travel advice before they book any foreign travel.
Which countries are on the green list from May 17?
12 countries and territories will be on the green list from May 17. They are:-
Portugal including the Azores and Madeira
Gibraltar
Australia
New Zealand
Singapore
Brunei
Iceland
Faroe Islands
Falkland Islands
South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands
Saint Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha
Israel
What rules apply to green list countries?
For those travelling to countries rated green on the current list, the rules state you do not need to isolate or quarantine on your return to the UK.
But you will need to take a Covid PCR test 72 hours before your departure, and two days after your return to the UK.
However, while the above 12 countries have been added to the UK's "green list" many will continue to place restrictions on UK travellers, including quarantine measures. So passengers are encouraged to check all requirements and FCDO travel advice before they book any foreign travel to any of the above destinations.
What rules apply to amber list countries?
Anyone travelling to amber countries will need to quarantine when returning to the UK at home self-isolating for ten days, and take a minimum of two post-arrival tests.
What rules apply to red list countries?
Countries on the red list will see travellers under the strictest quarantine rules. Only UK and Irish nationals, or UK residents, will be allowed to return from a red list country, and they must pay £1750 for a 10-day stay in a Government quarantine hotel.
