Everything you need to know about travelling to green list countries | LBC

Planning a holiday this summer? We sent LBC reporter Charlotte Lynch to Portugal to find out everything you need to know about travelling to a green list country and how the process works.

What are the rules on foreign travel restrictions?

The rules on foreign travel, introduced on 17 May, were meant to be clear, using a new "traffic light" system that designates countries as green, amber or red.

In green destinations, arrivals will have to take a pre-departure test and another PCR test on or before day two of their return to the UK. No quarantine or additional tests will be needed unless a positive result comes back.

In amber countries, arrivals must quarantine for 10 days, take a pre-departure test and a PCR test on day two and day eight after their return, with the option of a "test to release" on day five to end self-isolation early.

For red destinations, travel to these countries will be restricted along the same lines as the government's current "red list", meaning returning travellers must stay for 10 days in a quarantine hotel, as well as take a pre-departure test and a further PCR test on day two and day eight after returning.

All travellers must fill in a passenger locator form.

Can I go on holiday abroad?

In short, yes. From 17 May, leisure travel was permitted from the UK, but only to the quarantine-free green list countries.

Green list countries include: Portugal, Gibraltar, Israel, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Brunei, Iceland and the Faroe Islands, plus several small remote islands which are British Overseas Territories.

Thousands of Brits have already flooded into Portugal, the main holiday destination on the list.

However, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Brunei and the Faroe Islands have all severely restricted entry criteria, ruling out holidays abroad for Brits there.

Can I travel to amber list countries?

The government guidance states that "the public are recommended against travel to amber and red countries".
However, the amber list is where confusion has arisen, following contradictory comments made by government ministers about how strong this recommendation is.

Health Secretary Matt Hancock, Transport Secretary Grant Shapps and the prime minister have all been clear that travel to amber or red countries should be avoided.

Brits should not visit amber countries "unless it's absolutely necessary, and certainly not for holiday purposes," Mr Hancock said.

But, adding to the mixed messaging, Welsh Secretary Simon Hart conceded "some people might think a holiday is essential".

It is not illegal to travel to amber list countries for a holiday, but those who ignore the guidance will be required to take two post-arrival tests and self-isolate for 10 days. This can be reduced if they take an additional negative test on day five.

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