The United Kingdom has updated its guidelines for international travel, with a number of destinations, like Spain‘s Balearic Islands, Malta and Madeira included in the green list. Travellers from these places will no longer have to quarantine themselves upon return. 

The changes made to the green list?

Several countries and territories will be added to the
government’s green list on Wednesday, June 30, The BBC reported. Many UK overseas territories
join Malta, Madeira, and the Balearic Islands in the green list. Bermuda, the Cayman Islands, and
Montserrat are among them, as are Caribbean islands such as Antigua and
Barbuda, Dominica, Barbados, and Grenada.

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What is the green watchlist?

The green watchlist countries are among those that face a risk of being moved to the amber list. The government advises people to “take extra consideration”
when booking vacations to any of these locations. It also stated that if
conditions suddenly change, a country or territory may be moved between lists
without notice.

Can quarantine be avoided if a person is fully vaccinated?

The government had expressed hopes to
scrap quarantine for people travelling back from amber list countries, who have
had both COVID jabs.

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Where can one obtain a COVID
test for travel?

Before returning to the UK, one must pay for a high-accuracy
private test, such as a PCR or antigen test. Additional tests will be required
once you return. In the United Kingdom, tests can be purchased from
government-approved providers. You can also find lists of providers in certain
destinations on the UK government’s travel pages.

Are there flights
from countries on the red list?

As part of a trial at Heathrow and Birmingham airports, a
limited number of direct flights from red list countries are operating. Airports
have “dedicated facilities” to separate red list passengers from
other arrivals and then transport them to quarantine facilities.

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Is travel insurance
valid for countries on the amber and red lists?

Anyone planning a trip to an amber or red list country
should double-check the FCO’s country advice pages. If the Foreign and
Commonwealth Office advises against travel, insurance will almost certainly be
invalid. If not, the cost of medical treatment abroad, usually including COVID,
would be covered.