All but essential travel advisories have been removed for 32 countries, the UK Government has announced.
The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) said that the decision has been made in order to make foreign travel ‘easier’ for Brits.
Belarus, Armenia, Fiji and Kosovo are among the countries to have been removed from the all but essential travel advisory list.
It means that travellers will find it easier to secure insurance when heading to these countries, as many companies often refuse to provide cover for destinations with advice from the government urging them not to travel.
But this does not mean that these countries will allow international visitors in, so those planning to take a trip to these destinations should double check entry requirements before booking.
The government body said that it will continue to advise against all but essential travel to all ‘red list’ countries where the Covid risk to travellers is “unacceptably high”.
Foreign Secretary Liz Truss said: “These rule tweaks will make traveling 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 cover.”
A decision on the latest changes to the UK and the Scottish Government’s lists for international travel amid the coronavirus pandemic is expected to be announced tomorrow.
It has been claimed that the UK Government could reduce the number of red list countries to as low as nine.
The Telegraph newspaper reported that the toughest of Covid restrictions could be lifted for the likes of South Africa, Brazil and Mexico.
Responding to the reports, the Scottish Government said: “It is important any change to a country’s travel status is based on risk assessments provided by the Joint Biosecurity Centre and then made on a four nations basis where possible.
Top news stories today
“We expect to see the next version of the risk assessment this week and announce any changes to the red list shortly after.”
All but essential travel advisories have been lifted for the following countries and territories:
- Algeria
- America Samoa
- Armenia
- Bangladesh
- Belarus
- Benin
- Comoros
- Congo
- Tokelau & Niue
- Djibouti
- Equatorial Guinea
- Fiji
- French Polynesia
- Gambia
- Ghana
- Guinea
- Kazakhstan
- Kiribati
- Kosovo
- Liberia
- Madagascar
- Malaysia
- Marshall Islands
- Micronesia
- Nauru
- São Tomé and Príncipe
- Senegal
- Solomon Islands
- Togo
- Tonga
- Tuvalu
- Vanuatu
Don't miss the latest news from around Scotland and beyond - Sign up to our daily newsletter here.
