Boris Johnson is set to announce a major overhaul of the red list later this week, according to national newspaper reports.
The move could see the classification slashed from 54 countries to as few as nine, with South Africa, Brazil and Mexico expected to be opened up to quarantine-free travel in time for the October half-term break.
Cape Verde, Thailand and Indonesia are also due to be removed from the red list.
The changes, which will allow fully vaccinated travellers to visit the destinations without having to self-isolate on their return, are expected to be announced on Thursday (7 September) following a review of the current list.
A Whitehall source reportedly to The Telegraph: "We are expecting sharp reductions in the red list. It could be as few as nine countries left on the list. Targeted quarantine will remain, but in fewer places."
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