The government announced a swathe of changes to the current travel lists on Thursday (26 August), with the green list set to gain seven new destinations next week.
Switzerland, Canada and Denmark will all be given green list status from 4am on Monday (30 August), along with the Azores, Finland, Liechtenstein and Lithuania.
The changes mean that travellers arriving in England from these countries will not have to self-isolate, regardless of their vaccination status.
However, it is still a requirement to take a pre-departure Covid-19 test and day two tests, as well as completing a passenger locator form.
Scotland and Northern Ireland will adopt the same updated rules, while the Welsh government is yet to confirm if it will follow suit.
While the changes will be welcomed by tourists, the travel industry has criticised the current restrictions, with Airlines UK calling for a “more proportionate system where tests are dropped for the fully vaccinated and from destinations where Covid risks are low”.
The government has defended its cautious approach to reopening international travel, saying loosening restrictions further could undermine the progress that has been made with the vaccine rollout.
Despite many popular holiday spots still remaining on the amber and red lists, the green list is continuing to expand and now includes more than 40 countries.
Listed are the destinations that will be added to the green list on Monday and their entry requirements.
1. The Azores
Current status: amber list. Covid cases in Portugal in seven days to 26 August: 158. Will move to the green list at 4am on Monday 30 August. Photo: Shutterstock
2. Entry requirements
All travellers, including children, must complete a passenger questionnaire, take a RT-PCR Covid test within 72 hours of departure and upload a negative test result onto the questionnaire, or download an EU digital vaccination or recovery certificate. If you don’t have an EU digital vaccination or recovery certificate and your airline has allowed you to travel without a test, you will have to take another test on arrival. Those staying more than seven days will have to repeat the test locally six days after the first. Photo: Carlos Gil
3. Canada
Current status: amber list. Covid cases in seven days to 26 August: 49. Will move to the green list at 4am on Monday 30 August. Photo: Shutterstock
4. Entry requirements
The Canadian authorities are currently barring entry to Canada, including at its border with the US, to most foreign nationals, including Brits. Individuals can use an online tool on the Government of Canada website to find out if they may be eligible to enter the country. Photo: Shutterstock