UK considers ‘traffic light’ system for overseas travel
As government officials and medical experts drip feed warnings about a hasty return to international travel, the government is mulling a tiered ‘traffic light’ system to allow holidays to low risk countries.
The Guardian reports the scheme could be operational by August. A traffic light system was first discussed at a senior level in early March.
A green designation would allow UK residents to visit without needing to quarantine, while a red zone country would possibly lead to enforced self-isolation on return and Covid tests.
An amber designation could have flexible protocols depending on the destination.
The travel industry has been urging government officials not to pre-empt decisions with irresponsible comments about the risks to opening up international travel.
Jet2 responded to the traffic light plan and is cautiously optimistic.
"From the demand that we are continuing to see, one thing remains abundantly clear – our customers very much want to get away on their holidays this summer and beyond. As the summer approaches, customers are now looking forward to clarity about how they can get away," said Steve Heapy, CEO of Jet2.com and Jet2holidays.
"We once again welcome the fact that the UK government is continuing to show a clear ambition to reopen international travel. We look forward to further detail in the coming weeks."
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Editor for TravelMole North America and Asia pacific regions. Ray is a highly experienced (15+ years) skilled journalist and editor predominantly in travel, hospitality and lifestyle working with a huge number of major market-leading brands. He has also cover in-depth news, interviews and features in general business, finance, tech and geopolitical issues for a select few major news outlets and publishers.
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