UK tourists can visit just four countries without restrictions
Just four countries are left standing where Brits can travel to and from without restrictions.
While no countries have been added to the UK’s quarantine list, Italy (and subsequently San Marino) have restrictions for Brits wanting to visit.
The Italian Minister of Health, Roberto Speranza, tweeted yesterday: “The number of infections is growing throughout Europe and, of course, also in Italy. From today, masks are also required outdoors and tests for those arriving from Belgium, Holland, Great Britain and the Czech Republic.”
Earlier today it was rumoured that the government was considering adding Italy and Sweden to the quarantine list – the list of countries that require a 14-day quarantine for Brits upon return – after a spike in coronavirus cases in both nations.The Italian caseload is now 28.5 per 100,000 people, up from last week’s 20 per 100,000. Sweden’s has risen to 36 per 100,000 people.
However, the government has actually removed some Greek Islands from the quarantine list, meaning Santorini, Zakynthos, Serifos, Lesbos and Tinos have all been given the green light. If you are visiting Mykonos and Crete however, you are still required to quarantine on return to the UK.
Travellers arriving into Scotland from Greece need to self-isolate as do travellers arriving into England and Wales from select Greek Islands.
While we can still return from Germany and not have to quarantine, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland and large parts of Northern England have been added to Germany’s list of ‘high-risk’ destinations. Those arriving in Germany from Wales and Northern Ireland will have to self-isolate for 14 days upon arrival, but could be allowed to travel earlier if their Covid test comes back negative.
Gibraltar remains restriction-free for most travellers, but those who arrive back in Wales from Gibraltar must self-isolate for 14 days.So are we about to see the return of the staycation, which saw a boom over the summer months? As we head into the colder months, beachside destinations are looking less appealing and we want to escape to the country instead. But with local lockdowns popping up across England, this could be tough to plan.
If you’re thinking about booking a holiday to Scotland, make sure your booking is flexible. In yesterday’s daily briefing, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon announced several new measures for Scotland that will come into place this Friday, October 6 at 6pm and last for 16 days.
All pubs and restaurants in central Scotland – Greater Glasgow and Clyde region, Lanarkshire, Ayrshire and Arran, Lothian and Forth Valley health board areas – will be closed completely. In the rest of Scotland, pubs, bars, restaurants and cafes will be allowed to open from 6am to 6pm and will be able to serve food and non-alcoholic beverages. Alcohol can only be served outdoors.
Sturgeon added that those with October half-term breaks should continue with their holiday, but said those in the five most affected regions as mentioned above should avoid travel where possible. Hotels will remain open, and people in Scotland’s central belt have been asked to avoid public transport unless necessary for the next two weeks.
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