Recently, news broke that it will be likely that double-jab Brits will be able to holiday to Amber list countries without quarantine. Whilst this is yet to be confirmed, between this and the usual trend of COVID-19 cases declining in hot summers leads many to be confident about the likelihood of trouble-free Spanish holidays.
With the end of the UK lockdown closing in, Brits are looking to one thing and one thing only: getting abroad for some guaranteed sun. Spain, being a reliably hot favourite, is certainly on the agenda for many.
Some good news came in May when entry restrictions and testing requirements loosened up for Brits travelling to Spain. However, upon returning to the UK, Brits would have to self-isolate due to Spain being on the Amber list.
Recently, news broke that it will be likely that double-jab Brits will be able to holiday to Amber list countries without quarantine. Whilst this is yet to be confirmed, between this and the usual trend of COVID-19 cases declining in hot summers leads many to be confident about the likelihood of trouble-free Spanish holidays.
What about the Canary Islands?
Villas in Gran Canaria are very much on the agenda this summer, with Malta, the Canaries, and the Balearic Islands set to join the green list. Many of these villas and resorts, particularly in the Canary Islands, are completely empty due to the lack of Brits who would otherwise be holidaying there.
The Canaries islands are known for their volcanic rock, consistent hot temperatures, and African coastal location. Despite being a Spanish territory, they have been treated as a separate entity in regards to COVID-19 cases and border control, partly because it’s so far removed from Spain’s mainland.
Tomorrow afternoon on the 24th of June, the UK government is expected to make another announcement on the traffic light system in which Gran Canaria, Malta, and other updates could take place.
With all-year-round sun, the holiday season never ends in Gran Canaria. So, it won’t be just this summer that people are hoping for quarantine rules to disappear, but from this summer onwards, indefinitely, so they can visit next winter too.
Gran Canaria, among other Canary islands, has lower COVID-19 rates than many parts of the UK and Spain. Partly because of their remote location and reduced tourism, cases aren’t as easily spread there. Tourists are now arguing that a double-jab would protect the Canary islands from seeing tourism-induced COVID cases.
What countries are on the UK green list?
As of the 23rd of June, there are currently 11 countries on the green list in which travel to or from can be done without quarantine. The countries are:
• Australia
• Brunei
• Falkland Islands
• Faroe Islands
• Gibraltar
• Iceland
• Israel and Jerusalem
• New Zealand
• Singapore
• South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands
• St Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha
Again, these are expected to be regularly updated, with the list likely expanding rather than contracting.
The future of tourism
Many are arguing that because there is no end in sight of COVID-19, we must act this summer as we mean to go on. Meaning, if we cannot figure out a way to travel, then why would the summer of 2022, 2023, and so on be any different? This discourse is what is driving the rumours of the UK government’s plan for quarantine-free holidays this summer for vaccinated Brits, but the official policy is yet to be announced.
Photo by Miltiadis Fragkidis on Unsplash
