The eagerly awaited update has outlined the new traffic light system for foreign holidays after overseas leisure travel from the UK was banned under the coronavirus lockdown rules. Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said the removal of international travel restrictions on May 17 was “necessarily cautious”. He told a Downing Street press conference on Friday that the Government must “make absolutely sure” the countries the UK reconnects with are safe. What does travelling to a country on the green list mean? People returning from these countries are required to take a test before they return to England and another test two days after they return. However they will not have to quarantine upon arrival in England. Which countries are on the green list? Portugal including the Azores and Madeira Australia New Zealand Singapore Brunei Iceland Faroe Islands Gibraltar Falkland Islands Israel What about the amber list? Sunny summer favourites such as Spain, France and Greece are on the amber list. This means anyone entering England from amber list countries will have to quarantine for 10 days upon their return. The Transport Secretary said the lists will be reviewed every three weeks. What happens if I want to enter England from a amber or red list country? People entering England from an amber country must quarantine at home for at least five days and take a minimum of two post-arrival tests. While those returning from a red list country must stay in a quarantine hotel for 11 nights at a cost of £1,750. Should I book a holiday? Grant Shapps said travellers should not book holidays that do not include a refund policy if the country’s Covid situation changes. The Transport Secretary said: “Green list countries will be placed on a watch list. “If we start to have any concerns, and if it is necessary because of a new upswing in cases or a new variant, we will not hesitate to act fast and withdraw green status.” He added: “Our strong advice is not to book any holiday which does not include a refund in the event that the Covid-related situation changes and you’re able to cancel. “I’m afraid we do expect longer delays at airports.” What about wait times at airports? Border Force director general Paul Lincoln warned that wait times to enter the UK were likely to take longer than usual as the country switches to a traffic light system for international travel. He told a Downing Street press conference: “Unfortunately we are not back to normality yet. “Travel will be different and, as the Transport Secretary says, we still need to be cautious. “There will continue to be additional health checks for every person crossing our border and inevitably that means it will take longer for most people to enter the UK. “These measures have been put in place to protect the hard-fought gains and sacrifices that have been made by individuals and society in the UK, minimising the risk of importing variants while protecting the success of our vaccine rollout.” You can subscribe to this website and enjoy unlimited access to local news, information and puzzles online. With a digital subscription, you can read more than five articles, see fewer ads, enjoy faster load times, and get access to exclusive newsletters and content. Simply click ‘Subscribe’ in the menu.