Foreign holiday hotspots 'to be graded under traffic light system'

1 April 2021, 23:42

Foreign getaway destinations will be ranked under a traffic light system
Foreign getaway destinations will be ranked under a traffic light system. Picture: PA

By Maddie Goodfellow

Foreign getaway destinations will be ranked under a traffic light system, with fewer restrictions tied to the places boasting the lowest coronavirus rates and high vaccination take-up, it has been reported.

Countries will be graded either green, amber or red, according to how well they are coping with the pandemic, it was claimed.

Hesitancy towards the vaccine across parts of mainland Europe may mean that favoured continental destinations among British holidaymakers are deemed more high-risk than the likes of the US and Israel, where vaccination rates are good.

Overseas holidays are currently banned due to the UK's coronavirus lockdown measures, but Boris Johnson plans to make an announcement on Easter Monday about lifting restrictions in England.

READ MORE: Holidaymakers risk £5k fine as new Covid laws outlaw leaving UK without excuse

READ MORE: Holidays 2021: Will Brits be able to go on foreign trips? LBC asks a Government Minister

James O'Brien fears Government's summer holiday policy

The Times reported that travel to and from so-called red-list countries will be banned, although the Sun newspaper said those arriving back in the UK from such destinations will have to pay to stay at quarantine hotels, as is the current set-up for the worst affected countries.

Both newspapers said green-listed countries would be exempt from quarantine measures.

Any restrictions could put further pressure on Britons to shun international travel in favour of a domestic holiday, amid concerns leaving the UK could increase the risk of introducing mutant coronavirus strains.

Scientific experts have repeatedly said summer staycations should be encouraged over foreign holidays this year.

READ MORE: Will vaccine certificates be needed to go to the pub?

READ MORE: Daniel Barnett's guide to coronavirus vaccine passports - are they legal?

Will summer holidays be allowed? This is what ministers have said...

It comes as Boris Johnson suggested domestic coronavirus "passport" showing whether someone has antibodies or a negative test "will be useful for us as we go forward".

There will "definitely" be a role for vaccine passports for international travel, he said.

The Prime Minister's comments came after the Labour leader, Sir Keir Starmer, indicated that the British instinct could be against a form of vaccine passport showing if someone had received a jab.

The Government is reviewing the issues around Covid-status certification and Mr Johnson said it was important to give "maximum confidence" to firms and customers.

Any scheme is likely to go beyond just showing whether someone has had a vaccine - as jabs are not mandatory - but would also cover whether they have had Covid-19, and so are likely to have antibodies, or if they have a negative recent test.

On an international level, some countries are already working on requirements for people to proving their status before arriving - the European Union is working on a digital green certificate showing if someone is vaccinated, has a negative test or has recovered from Covid-19.

More Latest News

See more More Latest News

Kevin Costner in Horizon An American Saga - Chapter 1

Hollywood star Kevin Costner sued by stuntwoman over 'violent' unscripted rape scene in new film

Breaking
Sussex Police officers Pc Stephen Smith and Pc Rachel Comotto, pava-sprayed and Tasered a 92-year-old amputee in a care home

Two police officers who pepper-sprayed and tasered amputee, 92, in care home cleared of assault

England's test cricket squad. GB cricket is set to compete in the 2028 Olympics

GB Cricket set to form ahead of Olympic return for sport at Los Angeles 2028

Mohammad Sinwar, pictured, has been listed as killed by air strikes

Hamas Gaza leader Mohammed Sinwar 'eliminated', says Netanyahu

The supermarket chain has installed overhead cameras at its self-service checkouts to prevent people "conning" the machines in order to steal goods

Tesco’s 'VAR for veg' checkout cameras mocked by shoppers as queues grow and frustration mounts

This court sketch created on May 23, 2025, shows the defendant, French retired surgeon Joel Le Scouarnec listening during a hearing in his trial.

'Devil in a white coat' surgeon jailed for 20 years in France's biggest ever child sexual abuse scandal

Authorities said the suspect was arrested and they are not treating it as an act of terrorism

Seven still in hospital as police given more time to question Liverpool parade crash suspect

Police are appealing for the whereabouts of the suspect, Tino Williams (L) who is wanted in connection with the murder of  Brandon Porter Kershaw (R)

Manhunt underway for suspect linked to murder of 'kind-hearted' teenage father outside a primary school

Sports Team singer Alex Rice. The band have spoken about the robbery and gun culture in America

UK band robbed at gunpoint in US say it is still 'greatest country in the world'

In Brazil a pair of nuns have gone viral after beatboxing, singing and dancing live on TV.

Two Brazilian nuns go viral after stunning beatboxing performance on Catholic TV

dward James Watson Massey, from Co Down in Northern Ireland, is said to have "tragically passed" on May 22 at a hotel swimming pool in Tenerife

‘He will be cherished in our hearts forever,' British boy, four, dies in swimming pool tragedy on holiday in Tenerife

The ex-Manchester United defender, 46, has worked for the broadcaster since 2015, when it was known as BT Sport

Rio Ferdinand to step down from TNT Sports after 10 years: “Time for the next chapter”

Antonio Conte celebrates as Napoli beat Cagliari to win the Serie A title

Where next for Antonio Conte after Napoli departure?

A comedian has had a gig cancelled after he made a ‘horrific’ joke about the Liverpool FC parade crash.

‘Disgraceful’ comedian has gig cancelled after ‘horrific’ joke about Liverpool parade crash which injured dozens

It is believed NHS trusts had information stolen in the latest cyberattack.

NHS trusts' data 'stolen' in cyberattack which 'could leak sensitive patient records'

New York City, United States. 18th Sep, 2023. File photo dated May 01, 2023 of Hugh Jackman and Deborra-Lee Furness attend the 2023 Costume Institute Benefit celebrating Karl Lagerfeld: A Line of Beauty at Metropolitan Museum of Art

Hugh Jackman’s ex Deborra-Lee Furness details 'traumatic journey of betrayal' as she files for divorce