Holidays abroad aren't exactly on the cards right now, with most destinations on either the amber list (requiring self-isolating at home in the UK) or the red list (wth mandatory hotel quarantine).
Only the green list is quarantine-free - and only a handful of those are actually open for holidays.
Still, there's been some good news for UK holidaymakers as recent updates made to the green list have seen the likes of the Balearic Islands (including Ibiza and Majorca), Malta and even some Caribbean hotspots making the cut.
However, just because the UK government says you can go, doesn't mean a holiday is on the cards. For example, Australia and New Zealand are on the green list, but neither have reopened their borders to UK travellers.
Some destinations such as Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados and Grenada are open to tourists, but they still have quarantine rules in place. For example in Anguilla there is quarantine in place but there are resort bubbles for tourists so you can still hit the beach, while in Barbados the quarantine rules are being eased for fully vaccinated tourists.
So where can you go on holiday? We take a look at your green list options as well as some other destinations to have on your radar, such as the Channel Islands.
Check out our guide below.
Gibraltar
Gibraltar has reopened to holidaymakers - and if you’ve never been, we’ve put together a guide to some of the best things to see and do on a holiday (this also includes top tips on where to stay and how to get there).
You’ll need to take a free Covid-19 Lateral Flow Test when arriving by air. Fully vaccinated Brits can use their NHS letter or NHS app as proof of their vaccination status.
British Airways, easyJet and Eastern Airways UK all offer direct flights from the UK to Gibraltar.
Balearic Islands
The Balearic Islands are open to Brits. However, Spain recently announced a change in its entry requirements for UK travellers meaning you'll need to be either fully vaccinated against Covid, or show proof of a negative 'gold standard' PCR test result taken within 72 hours of travel.
Don't know which island to visit? You may want to check out our Balearic Islands guide which includes top tips on how to pick the right one for your holiday.
Iceland
Only fully vaccinated Brits will be able to visit Iceland at the moment (which means both doses of an approved jab), or if you can show proof of a previous Covid-19 infection. You will still be required to have a Covid test on arrival and follow quarantine rules until the result comes through, which authorities say is usually within 24 hours.
Because the country is only open to fully vaccinated travellers, a number of travel firms haven't yet resumed operations to the destination. However, if you're in need of some holiday dreaming, you may want to check out our top pick of Iceland's most beautiful places to get you started.
Oh, and you'll also want to leave space on the itinerary for the country's ridiculously cool new Sky Lagoon spa with an infinity pool overlooking the ocean.
Icelandair offers a number of direct flights from the UK.
Malta
Malta has said it will welcome fully vaccinated Brits from June 30. (It will accept the NHS COVID Pass Letter or the NHS app).
Children aged 5-11 who aren't jabbed can travel with vaccinated parents/legal guardian provided they have a negative PCR test result taken within 72 hours of arriving in Malta.
Visit Malta says that children under 5 do not need a test, while those aged 12+ can only travel with a full vaccination certificate.
If Malta is on your radar for the summer, Mirror Holidays can be a great source for cheap last-minute breaks .
The Faroe Islands
The Faroe Islands have reopened to vaccinated Brits with no need for quarantine. However, there are some testing requirements including a PCR test 72 hours before you arrive, a PCR test on the day of your arrival (you will need to self-isolate while waiting for the result which is usually given the same day), and a PCR test on the fourth day of your trip.
Usually, one of the easiest ways to get to the Faroe Islands from the UK is to fly with a changeover in mainland Denmark, but unfortunately this remains on the UK's amber list. That means that if you travel via Denmark, you will be required to self-isolate for 10 days at home.
You can avoid self-isolation if you fly directly from the Faroe Islands because they're on the green list. The only direct flights between the UK and Faroe Islands are from Edinburgh with Atlantic Airways. These flights are due to resume from July 1.
Antigua and Barbuda
Anyone arriving to the Caribbean island will need to stay in pre-approved accommodation, although travellers are allowed to move around the island.
Entry requirements include needing to show a negative PCR test result, an undergoing a health screening on arrival.
Madeira
Madeira had previously featured on the green list alongside Portugal and the Azores, before being moved to the amber list.
Now it's back on the green list (although Portugal remains amber), and the island is open to Brits. You'll need to either show proof of being full vaccinated, or have a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours.
Oh, and for those in need of inspiration, we've got a guide to some of Madeira's best things to see and do.
Amber destinations?
The government says that you shouldn't travel to an amber list destination for a holiday. As a result, most travel firms will let you change your holiday for free - although whether you're entitled to a refund depends on the Foreign Office advice.
If it advises against non-essential travel, you're entitled to a refund. If it doesn't specifically advise against travel, then it gets a little murky as you're not entitled to your money back. However, a lot of holiday companies are being flexible with amending and rebooking a trip - we've got a guide to rules on changing holidays with the likes of TUI, Ryanair, easyJet and Jet2.
There is some hope for holidaymakers though. The government is looking at a plan which could mean Brits who are fully vaccinated against Covid (two doses of an approved vaccine) would be exempt from self-isolation.
Where else can I go?
If you're looking for a holiday but a staycation doesn't necessarily appeal, you may want to consider the Channel Islands. The climate may be similar to that of the UK, but it does tend to be warmer and sunnier during the summer.
Jersey has already reopened its borders to Brits for holidays and it operates a fast-track border testing system with results often returned within 12 hours.
Meanwhile, Guernsey is preparing to welcome Brits back for holidays from July - with no need for PCR tests or quarantine. The island has heaps of beautiful walking trails, rugged coastline, charming restaurants, historic spots (including the former home of novelist Victor Hugo), not to mention there's everything from coasteering to kayaking.
The Isle of Man also recently announced plans to reopen to vaccinated Brits in June with no testing or quarantine requirements.
Then of course, UK holidays are going to reign supreme for Brits this summer, with no need for PCR tests or quarantine if you're heading on a staycation.
It may feel like a lot of places are booked up, but there are still offers to be found - you may want to check out our Holiday Deals page which we're regularly updating with the latest sales and deals we think are worth having on your radar.
For those who have missed cruise holidays, there are plenty of UK sailings you can book for summer, with domestic cruises having been given the go ahead to resume.
- Travel restrictions can change quickly during the pandemic so always check the latest Foreign Office advice before booking, planning or going on a trip.
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