England's travel green-list revealed; NI's expected to be 'broadly similar'

There are a dozen destinations on England's newly published list.

When will NI holidaymakers get to jet off?
Author: Sarah MckinleyPublished 7th May 2021
Last updated 7th May 2021

Budding holidaymakers in England can head to 12 countries without quarantining upon return, come May 17.

The new green-list does not apply to Northern Ireland, but the Transport Secretary, who announced gave the international travel update for England, said rules in NI should be 'broadly similar'.

The devolved administration at Stormont has not given an indicative date for the resumption of travel, but said: "The Executive will continue to discuss the way forward for international travel and will make appropriate decisions for Northern Ireland."

Transport Secretary Grant Shapps told a Downing Street press conference that he had spoken with Scotland, Wales and NI, and that England's traffic light system had been created with their agreement.

This means the system of green, amber and red countries is agreed, but it does not mean the list of countries would be identical.

GREEN

The green list countries are Portugal including the Azores and Madeira; Australia; New Zealand; Singapore; Brunei; Iceland; Faroe Islands; Gibraltar; Falkland Islands; and Israel.

Some of these regions are not yet accepting foreign visitors, though.

AMBER

Those returning from an amber list country must self-isolate for at least five days and take two tests.

RED

The red list requires an 11-night stay in a quarantine hotel at a cost of £1,750 for solo travellers.

MORE RESTRICTIONS TO EASE?

The next set of Executive talks about removing further lockdown restrictions will be on Thursday, May 13.

It is understood Executive Ministers will be rubber stamping the plans to reopen indoor hospitality on May 24, following on from significant easements on April 30.

Hairdressers and beauty salons can reopen

From 23rd April, personal care premises including hairdressers and beauty and nail salons will be permitted to reopen

Outdoor attractions will reopen

Outdoor attractions including zoos, theme parks and outdoor cinemas can reopen from 23rd April

Driving lessons will resume

From 23rd April driving lessons will be allowed to resume, as will theory tests, motorcycle lessons, lorry lessons and tests, car and trailer tests and minibus lessons and tests.

Outdoor sport will return

Outdoor competitive sport will be allowed with numbers not exceeding 100, however spectators are not permitted

Non-essential retail will resume

Non-essential retail can resume from 30th April

Self-contained tourist accommodation

Self-contained accommodation such as campsites and holiday lets where indoor facilities are not shared with other households can also reopen from 30th April

Outdoor hospitality resumes

Licensed and unlicensed premises can serve customers in outdoors settings in groups of six from no more than two householders.

Takeaways and off licences will remain open

Removal of curfews on takeaways and off licenses

Gyms reopen

Indoor leisure facilities such as gyms can reopen from 10th May

Outdoor gatherings increased to 15

Limit on outdoor gatherings in domestic gardens increased to 15 people from no more than three households

Hospitality services can operate indoors

Licensed and unlicensed premises can operate indoors.

Indoor visitor attractions reopen


Small wedding receptions allowed

Weddings and funeral events with up to 30 people may be allowed from May 14th

Indoor dining and drinking

Indoor dining and drinking is expected not get the green light before 1st June