Portugal
Vaccines administered: 2,644,076 (29.68%)
Cases per 100,000 over 7 days: 23.95
The island of Madeira is already welcoming travellers who can provide evidence of vaccination. What’s more, case numbers are low in Portugal – 23.95 over a seven day average. The UK, by comparison, is at a similar rate of 22.85 per 100,000, but, the vaccination drive in Portugal does lag behind (only 22% have received a first dose) our own. However, against all odds Portugal has been added to the green list today.
Following today’s announcement, it’s expected that Portugal will open its borders to British holidaymakers after May 17, with proof of vaccination or a negative Covid-19 test, but currently Britons cannot visit.
New Zealand
Vaccines administered: 217,603 (5.5%)
Cases per 100,000 over 7 days: 0.44
Likewise New Zealand has been shuttered for foreign visitors for much of the past year and is unlikely to reopen to British travellers for some time. Progress had presented itself recently when a ‘travel bubble’ with neighbouring Australia was opened. However this week New Zealand stopped quarantine-free travel to Australia’s state of New South Wales following the discovery of two cases announced in Sydney.
Health department secretary Brendan Murphy said in January: “Even if we have a lot of the population vaccinated, we don’t know whether that will prevent transmission of the virus. And it’s likely that quarantine will continue for some time.”
Australia
Vaccines administered: 159,294 (0.78%)
Cases per 100,000 over 7 days: 0.37
Despite being deemed as ‘safe’ for travel and granted a place on the green list by the UK Government, Australia will remain closed to the majority of international arrivals until at least the start of 2022, the Government has said.
“We won’t be seeing borders flung open at the start of next year with great ease,” Finance Minister Simon Birmingham told The Australian on Thursday, citing “uncertainties that exist not just in the speed of the vaccine rollout but also the extent of its effectiveness to different variants of Covid, the duration of its longevity and effectiveness.”
When international travel does restart in Australia, it is likely to begin with ‘bubbles’ shared with nations including Singapore, Japan, and Vietnam, Trade Minister Dan Tehan stated last week, a major blow to those who have been separated from their overseas loved ones for more than a year and counting. If/when Britons are welcome proof of a Covid-19 vaccination could be required.
Singapore
Vaccines administered: 1,364,124 (27.28%)
Cases per 100,000 over 7 days:: 2.84
Short term visitors from anywhere in the world are not able to enter Singapore without prior permission. On May 4, it announced it would be tightening border measures form May 7, although is set to launch an air bubble with Hong Kong on May 26.
The remaining green list destinations
Faroe Islands
The FCDO advice for the Faroe Islands reads: “All UK resident travellers to the Faroe Islands must have a special worthy purpose to enter in line with the Danish government’s stricter requirements.” All travellers aged 12 and over will be tested for Covid-19 on arrival and will be required to pay for the test, with a follow-up test on day six is recommended. Travellers should self-isolate until they have received the result of the follow-up test.
Falkland Islands
Current visitor restrictions mean tourists are not permitted to visit the Falkland Islands, including via cruise vessels. Any arrivals are expected to self-isolate for a period of 14 days.
South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands
South Georgia & the South Sandwich Islands has restricted access and visitor permits are required.
Saint Helena, Ascension & Tristan da Cunha
All arrivals must have had a negative Covid-19 test result within 72 hours prior to departing for St Helena. Arrivals are subject to compulsory quarantine for 14 days. There are no other entry restrictions in force and foreign nationals are permitted to enter St Helena provided they meet the immigration rules.
See the full list amber list, which includes most of Europe, the Caribbean and the USA.
The 43 hotel quarantine red list countries are:
- India
- South Africa
- DR Congo
- Tanzania
- Zimbabwe
- Botswana
- Eswatini
- Zambia
- Malawi
- Namibia
- Lesotho
- Mozambique
- Angola
- Rwanda
- Burundi
- Somalia
- Ethiopia
- United Arab Emirates (including Dubai)
- Oman
- Seychelles
- Qatar
- Panama
- Cape Verde
- Argentina
- Brazil
- Bolivia
- Chile
- Colombia
- Ecuador
- French Guiana
- Guyana
- Paraguay
- Peru
- Suriname
- Uruguay
- Venezuela
- The Philippines
- Pakistan
- Kenya
- Bangladesh
- Nepal
- Maldives
- Turkey