Travel restrictions live: Air bridges could yet save our summer holidays as more countries reopen
The government has given fresh hopes of an international summer holiday, confirming they are considering bilateral travel agreements – or 'air bridges' – with countries that have a similar Covid-19 infection rate.
In a statement, Number 10 said: "The Government will continue to look at further options as we move forward and these will include air bridges – agreements between countries who both have low transmission rates to recognise each other’s departure screening measures for passengers and removing the need for quarantine measures for incoming passengers."
This comes as the government confirmed that, as of June 8, anyone arriving in the UK will have to self-isolate for 14 days, regardless of symptoms. Travellers will submit the address that they will be staying at on arrival at UK airports and ports. Police will then be given powers to spot-check homes and issue £1,000 fines for anyone not observing the rules.
Meanwhile, more countries have announced border reopening dates as they emerge from their Covid-19 lockdowns.
The Seychelles, which is now free of the disease, will reopen its airport on June 1, while Bulgaria has announced it will ease its border restrictions for those arriving from EU and Schengen countries. Cyprus is also paving the way for the return of tourism – its airports will reopen in mid June.
A number of other popular holiday destinations – including Greece, Italy and Portugal – are gearing up for the return of tourists ahead of this summer. A tourism official from the Canary Islands told Telegraph Travel that the archipelago is hoping to welcome British tourists as early as July, which is when Jet2 has today announced it will be resuming flights and holidays.
