Greece will allow UK tourists from May - but when are we allowed to go on foreign holidays?

UK residents who’ve been fully vaccinated or tested negative for Covid will be able to travel to Greece from mid-May, following an announcement by the country’s tourism minister. Greece will open its borders to holidaymakers from the UK on 14 May, with those who have been fully vaccinated facing no restrictions. The country will also welcome those who’ve not yet been fully vaccinated, although they will need to provide proof of a negative test. Speaking at a tourism trade fair yesterday, Greek tourism minister Haris Theoharis said: “We aim to open tourism by May 14, with specific rules and updated protocols. Until then we will gradually lift restrictions provided conditions linked to the pandemic permit.” UK residents make up a significant proportion of those who travel to Greece each year, with only German tourists travelling there in greater numbers. Visitors to Greece will still need to follow social distancing measures and other Covid-related restrictions. Are any other countries announcing when they will allow guests? While they have not yet set a formal date, the Cypriot Government announced last week that tourists will be able to visit this summer. And the Seychelles will open its border to international travellers from 25 March, with only visitors from South Africa barred from entry. Tourists will need to produce negative tests obtained within 72 hours prior to travelling. While the paradisiac islands generally welcome a significant number of guests from South Africa, concerns over the Covid variant which emerged there means that many other countries would likely not allow travel to the Seychelles were South Africans not barred. When will we be able to go on holiday? The ‘stay at home’ rule which is currently in place will be lifted in England on 29 March. However, holidays within the UK will not be allowed until 12 April at the earliest, with hotels and B&Bs unlikely to reopen until 17 May at the earliest. This will also be the earliest date that people in England will likely be able to travel abroad, while the devolved governments of Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland are yet to announce plans for foreign holidays.