Foreign Office lifts Covid advice to more than 30 countries
Rob GillThe Foreign Office has lifted advice against non-essential travel on Covid-19 grounds for 32 destinations around the world, including Fiji, Gambia and Malaysia.
The FCDO said it will no longer advise against travel to non-red list countries on Covid-19 grounds, except "in exceptional circumstances", such as if the local healthcare system is overwhelmed.
But it will continue to advise against all but essential travel for all red list countries and territories where the risk to UK travellers is judged to be “unacceptably high”.
The full list of countries to have non-essential advice lifted against travel on Covid-19 grounds:
Algeria
America Samoa
Armenia
Bangladesh
Belarus
Benin
Comoros
Congo
Djibouti
Equatorial Guinea
Fiji
French Polynesia
Gambia
Ghana
Guinea
Kazakhstan
Kiribati
Kosovo
Liberia
Madagascar
Malaysia
Marshall Islands
Micronesia
Nauru
Sao Tome and Príncipe
Senegal
Solomon Islands
Togo
Tokelau & Niue
Tonga
Tuvalu
Vanuatu
Many insurance companies use FCDO travel advice as a "reference point" in their policies and typically exclude cover for places where government advises against essential travel.
Foreign Secretary Liz Truss said: "These rule tweaks will make travelling more straightforward, supporting businesses and families right across Britain - and allow more of us to see friends and loved ones with greater peace of mind.
"We’re striking the right balance between keeping people safe which remains our priority and giving them the freedom to exercise personal responsibility, while supporting the travel sector as it continues to recover."
An Abta spokesperson said: "Given the UK’s successful vaccine rollout, we have been calling for the Foreign Office to replace the general use of FCDO advice against travel due to Covid risks with clear, country specific advice so travellers can make an informed choice based on their own circumstances.
"It is good to see them respond to these calls today and we would welcome further countries’ restrictions being lifted.
"This news follows the introduction of a simplified system for international travel and reduced testing requirements for fully vaccinated holidaymakers this week, so we hope this marks a continuation of international travel becoming easier and more affordable so the sector can begin its journey to recovery."
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Rob Gill
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