Ok, so the summer holiday you had planned for last year didn’t quite work out and your rescheduled trip for this year doesn’t look like it’s going to plan either. What are you going to do? Keep making bookings and hope for the best or opt for a more sensible approach and book your extravagant holiday in a different place? If you’re based in England, the best thing you can do is look to the government’s green list for a more assured list of places you can head to. Though we all know things can change at the drop of a hat, it’s the best option if you really are keen on getting out of the country and onto foreign shores for that luxury trip you so deserve.
Whether you are looking to go last minute to save any rule changes affecting your plans or you are looking to book something in so that you have something to look forward to a little later in the year, we have you covered. Below we take a look at the current rules for travelling to and returning from a green list country and highlight some of the top picks for your European dream holiday.
What are the current rules on travelling to and from a green list country?
According to the current government guidelines, when you are heading back to England after a trip away (you must only have been in or travelled through a green list country or the UK, Ireland, the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man in the preceding 10 days) you must take a Covid-19 test if you are over the age of 10 before you travel home. You must also book and pay for a day 2 test to be taken after arrival in England and fill out a passenger locator form.
When you arrive in England you must take a Covid-19 test on or before day 2 after you arrive if you are aged 5 and over. If the result is negative, you do not need to quarantine, if it is positive you do, and you also have to quarantine if NHS Test and Trace informs you that you travelled to England with someone who has tested positive.
Even if you have been fully vaccinated you must follow the rules and you might also want to go the extra mile and take an antibody test for Covid-19 so that you can find out how protected you are against Covid and also provide yourself with peace of mind while travelling. This is not compulsory but can make you feel at ease while on holiday and also while you are travelling to and from your destination.
Remember, the rules in England and your visiting country are always subject to change so keep an eye out for the latest advice. Below we take a look at some of those countries currently safely on the green list so that you don’t have to miss out on your big holiday this year.
Bulgaria
The southeast European country of Bulgaria borders Greece, Turkey and Macedonia to the south, Serbia to the west, and Romania to the north, while the Black Sea resides to the east of the oldest nation on the continent. The country delights visitors with its mix of music and art-filled cities, stretches of golden beaches and monumental mountains in which to explore along with modern cities boasting ancient architecture. Highlights include 2019 European capital of Culture Plovdiv, capital city Sofia, Rila Monastery, and popular Black Sea haunts Varna and Burgas, which rival the finest Greek and Spanish resorts.
Gibraltar
Tucked on the southern tip of the Iberian Peninsula, with only 7.7 nautical miles (8.9 miles) of water at its narrowest point separating it from Morocco, Gibraltar is a beautiful place that delights many visitors with its far-reaching history, roaming monkeys and popular landmark, the Rock of Gibraltar with its caves and tunnels to explore. Blending English, Spanish and North African cultures, the British overseas territory benefits from year-round sunshine, dramatic cliffs, remains of a 14th century Moorish castle, beautiful beaches and plenty of art, culture and adventure to get stuck into.
Malta
Nestled in the Mediterranean, Malta is an island nation comprising three main islands of Malta, Gozo, and Comino. Though the archipelago is small, it is brimming with a history so rich and varied that it’ll take quite a bit of exploring to learn all about it. From fine dining restaurants to a wide range of luxury hotels to reside in, cultural hot spots, shopping and natural wonders, Malta is a must-visit destination that shouldn’t be overlooked when it comes to booking your next European holiday.
