Barbados, Bermuda and Malta added to UK green travel list

Barbados, Bermuda and Malta are among the countries that have been added to the UK’s green travel list.

On Thursday, the list was announced by the Northern Irish Executive, ahead of the announcement by the UK Government.

The new additions to the green list are Malta, Madeira and the Balearic islands; the Caribbean nations of Antigua, Barbados, Barbuda, Dominica and Grenada; and the UK overseas territories of Anguilla and Montserrat, Bermuda, British Antarctic Territory, British Indian Ocean Territory, British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands, Pitcairn, and Turks and Caicos Islands.

Current green list countries include Australia, New Zealand, Brunei Darussalam, Faroe Islands, Gibraltar, Iceland, Falkland Islands, South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands, Saint Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha.

Meanwhile The Dominican Republic, Eritrea, Haiti, Mongolia, Tunisia and Uganda have been added to the red list following the latest review, which means travellers are required to enter managed isolation for ten days upon their return.

The latest changes come into effect at 4am on June 30.

The Scottish Government said there will be close monitoring of the position in the Balearics over the next three weeks ahead of the next review point.

The easing follows the latest review of the ‘traffic light’ risk warning system for international travel which came into effect on 17 May.

The steps were considered on a four nation basis at a strategic meeting which also considered possible options for future changes to amber list arrival requirements.

The Scottish Government said it was “cautiously considering the evidence” for easing amber list travel restrictions for fully vaccinated people.

However no decision is expected on this immediately and four nations discussions will continue.

The latest analysis of international travel restrictions has seen no change to the green and red list requirements.

Cabinet Secretary for Net Zero, Energy and Transport Michael Matheson said: “From the outset we have said caution is required regarding international travel and people should think very carefully about travelling abroad as situations can suddenly change.

“We continue to work closely with the other home nations and are cautiously supportive of exploring options for the easing of restrictions for fully vaccinated travellers arriving from countries on the amber list – but only if the clinical advice supports it and if systems are in place to ensure the wider safety of the Scottish population.”

Joanne Dooey, president of the Scottish Passenger Agents’ Association, said: “Any destination going on the green list which has a route from Scotland is welcome.

“The Balearic Islands are one of the most popular destinations for Scots to travel on holiday.

“The additional Caribbean destinations are also good news.

“Being able to travel to amber countries if you have been double vaccinated is the next positive move we need.

“We need to bring back customer confidence that holidays can be booked now.”