Following the latest announcement from Grant Shapps on the red list review, please see ABTA's response below - for immediate release.

ABTA’s Director of Communications, Graeme Buck, said:

“The decision to remove the remaining seven countries from the red list is welcome news for international travel. ABTA has been calling for the Government to keep the red list under review and act swiftly to remove countries when there is a reduced threat of COVID-19, so it’s great to see the Government responding to these calls today.

“This news, together with the introduction of day two lateral flow tests instead of PCRs for fully vaccinated travellers returning to England – and Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland from 31 October – means the process of booking and travelling on a foreign holiday is now cheaper and easier. We’re encouraging anyone who is thinking of heading abroad in the coming months to speak to an ABTA Member, who can guide them through these changes and find their perfect break.”

When planning their well-deserved winter break, ABTA is reminding holidaymakers to visit the travel advice pages for their intended destination at www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice to check that they can meet the country’s entry requirements and that the Foreign Office isn’t advising against travel.

ABTA has a hub of essential information and guidance at abta.com/readysteadytravel, to help holidaymakers book and travel with confidence this year.