When can we travel to Australia from the UK? The LATEST travel updates

Travel traffic light system labelled 'nonsense' by radio caller

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On Monday the government announced the lifting of further restrictions. Brits can now enjoy a pint inside, socialise in groups of up to 30 outdoors and attend group fitness classes. May 17 also heralded further easing of travel restrictions. Here is an update on which trips abroad, including travel to Australia, are permitted.

Australia has been added to the ‘green list’ under the government’s traffic light system.

Non-essential travel and holidays to countries on the green list are permitted.

Those hoping to take a break to a country on the green list will no longer have to stay in quarantine hotels or to self-isolate on their return but will be required to take a PCR test before and after their trip.

All of the lists are reviewed every three weeks, this means that popular holiday spots such as Greece and Italy could be put onto the green list in time for the summer.

This also works in reverse, countries could be switched from green to amber or even put on the red list if covid cases surge.

Those who do not follow the restrictions on travel could face fines of up to £10,000 so if you have booked a summer holiday abroad check before you travel.

Hopes of a holiday down under might have to be put on hold for now, however.

Despite being on the UK’s green list, Australia has closed its doors to UK tourists alongside its neighbour New Zealand.

The same restrictions apply with travel into Singapore.

Throughout the pandemic, Australia has coped with surges in cases well, by enforcing localised lockdowns and banning foreign travel in and out of the country.

Currently, only Australian citizens and returning permanent residents can enter Australia alongside their immediate family members.

Travellers who meet certain exemption criteria or who have a compassionate or compelling reason to enter Australia might also be allowed to enter.

Travellers who believe they have an exemption can apply to Australia’s Department of Home Affairs for permission, but, they are experiencing high levels of applications so any applications will take some time to process.

To allow your case to be considered in time you should make your application at least four weeks before you intend to travel.

A summer holiday might not be off the table just yet.

In a bid to attract tourists France and Spain have said they will reopen to British holiday makers from June.

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