The British (UK) government on Friday announced a "green list" of countries from which travellers are not required to quarantine upon return to England. It is good news for holidaymakers, that the government has announced that people can once again fly abroad when lockdown restrictions ease from May 17.

Accordingly, Portugal, Israel, Singapore, Australia and New Zealand are among 12 countries and regions on the "green list" of travel destinations from May 17 for people in England, British Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said. He also said that Covid tests will still be required before and after travel to these destinations.

Under the new traffic light system, Turkey, the Maldives and Nepal have been added to the "red list", which means travellers from those countries will have to quarantine in a hotel for 10 days on their return.

Shapps said that the government's latest decision was "necessarily cautious". "We must make sure the countries we reconnect with are safe," he added. Countries on the green, amber and red lists would be reviewed every three weeks from May 17, according to Shapps.

However, many ‘Green List’ countries will continue to place restrictions on UK travellers, including quarantine measures, so passengers are encouraged to check all requirements and FCDO travel advice before they book any foreign travel.

Vaccine Diplomacy: Russia to work together with China on production of Sputnik V vax

Breaking records, Nepali climber Kami Rita Sherpa summits Everest 25th time

Japan to extend Covid emergency in Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto and Hyogo till May 31