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.
13. Switzerland
Current status: amber list. Covid cases in seven days to 26 August: 160. Will move to the green list at 4am on Monday 30 August. Photo: Shutterstock
14. Entry requirements
UK travellers are eligible to enter Switzerland for any travel purpose if they are fully vaccinated and can show adequate proof. Those who are not fully vaccinated can only enter from the UK if they are Swiss or Liechtenstein nationals, EU or EFTA nationals, or holders of a residence, cross-border or ‘laissez passer’ permit, a D visa or an FDFA legitimation card. Travellers who are not fully vaccinated and do not meet one of these exemptions are not eligible to enter. Travellers who are eligible to enter no longer have to quarantine on arrival, providing they can provide a negative PCR test. Photo: Jeff J Mitchell