What are the rules for visiting Spain, France and Greece amid confusion over amber listed countries

International travel from England resumed on Monday, May 17 but holidaymakers face confusion over coronavirus rules and guidance.
Holidaymakers have been left feeling confused over amber country guidance.Holidaymakers have been left feeling confused over amber country guidance.
Holidaymakers have been left feeling confused over amber country guidance.

Holidaymakers have been left feeling confused over amber list countries which includes Spain, Greece and France after the government outlined the new traffic light system for foreign holidays earlier this month after overseas leisure travel from the UK was banned under the coronavirus lockdown rules.

The government’s risk-based traffic light system determines the quarantine and coronavirus testing requirements people face when returning to Britain.

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Prime Minister Boris Johnson faced questions over whether Brits should travel to amber listed countries following ministerial mixed messages.

Can I visit an amber country such as Spain or Greece?

Leisure travel is legally permitted from Britain to countries on the amber list.

But Boris Johnson told MPs on Wednesday, May 19 that people should only travel to an amber destination “for some extreme circumstance, such as the serious illness of a family member”.

He added: “You should not be going to an amber list country on holiday.”

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Holidays to amber listed countries are allowed but not encouraged.

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Do I need to quarantine when I return from an amber country?

Anyone entering England from amber list countries will have to quarantine for 10 days upon their return.

Travellers can quarantine at home or in the place they are staying and will need to take a COVID-19 test on or before day two and on or after day eight.

Can I travel if I haven’t had my Covid jab?

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EU ambassadors have backed plans to allow fully vaccinated holidaymakers – including those from the UK – to make non-essential visits to EU countries this summer.

A decision on whether to add the UK and other countries to the EU’s “safe list” will be made on Friday, May 21.

Travellers from locations on the “safe list” are permitted to enter countries in the EU even if they are not vaccinated, but are generally required to show evidence of a recent negative test.

Can I still book a trip to amber locations?

Although online travel firm On the Beach has stopped selling summer holidays due to a lack of “certainty or clarity”, many companies are selling and operating trips to amber countries.

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