Holiday hotspots Majorca and Ibiza ‘set to go back on amber list’
Holiday hotspots Majorca, Menorca, and Ibiza are reportedly set to be put back on the UK’s travel “amber list” after a surge in Covid-19 cases.
It has been just three weeks since the Balearic Islands were added to the quarantine-free “green list”, prompting a surge in holiday bookings.
It is understood that ministers will update the travel list later today.
However, due to changes to the UK’s travel rules last week, anybody who has been fully vaccinated will still be able to holiday on the islands without quarantining in return.
But with the majority of younger people having not yet received a second vaccine shot, the change could trash holiday plans for thousands.
A source told the Sun: “It’s all still up for discussion, but the figures aren’t great which is why it was on the watch list in the first place.”
But there are some fears that the islands could even go straight onto the “red list”.
Travel boss Paul Charles warned: “Balearics will go amber in Thursday’s traffic light review, but could go straight from green watchlist to red.
Ministers concerned by high test positivity at 9 per cent and daily infections reaching second-highest ever level.”
If the Balearics do go on the “red list”, returning travellers will be forced to quarantine in a hotel on their return.
What do the rules mean?
- Green: Travellers returning from green countries have to take a negative Covid-19 test within 72 hours of departure, and then take a PCR test on or before the second day of their return to the UK (even if fully vaccinated). They will not have to quarantine.
- Amber: Holidaymakers returning from “amber” destinations have to isolate at home for 10 days, unless they have been fully vaccinated 14 days prior to travel, in which case they are exempt from isolation. Amber travellers also have to take a test before departure and book and pay for two PCR tests on day two and day eight of their home quarantine. Those who are fully vaccinated do not have to take a test on day eight. If they want to release quarantine early, they can pay for a PCR test on day five (but will still have to take the test on the eighth day, as well).
- Red: Brits coming back from “red” countries have to quarantine for 10 days in hotels chosen by the government. The stay costs £1,750 per person, with pre-departure tests and tests on days two and eight.