Amber list countries travel update: Holidays are ON as double-vaccinated Brits CAN skip quarantine on July 19

SUMMER holidays are back on as ministers confirm double-jabbed Brits can travel quarantine-free to over 100 countries - including Spain, France and Greece. 

Kids will be able to travel with their mums and dads too, despite not having the vaccine sparking a last-minute dash for summer holiday deals.

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Transport Secretary Grant Shapps announced the plans to MPs this morning.

But holiday joy will only apply to the people in England - and expats jabbed abroad will still have to isolate when they come back to the UK.

He said: "I can confirm today that from the 19th of July, UK residents who are fully vaccinated, through the UK vaccine rollout will no longer have to self, isolate when they return to England."

Mr Shapps added: "In essence, this means that for fully vaccinated travelers, the requirements for green and amber countries are the same."

The good news is set to trigger a stampede in bookings as sun-thirsty Brits scramble to get away from 'Freedom Day.'  

The Sun revealed this week that holidays would be opened up on Freedom day.

Before today's announcement quarantine free travel was only allowed to a handful of green list countries.

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But now 100 plus destinations have effectively become 'green' for the fully vaccinated.

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But travellers will still have to show a negative test when coming back to the UK, and take a gold standard PCR test on the second day after their return.

Children under 18 will not have to isolate but will have to take a series of tests.

Travellers will be able to prove their vaccine status on their NHS app.

Influential Tory MP Huw Merriman, chair of Transport Select Committee said: "Rejoice, rejoice, this is a much needed shot in the arm for those who have had two shots of the vaccine in their arm and for an industry and workforce who have been laid low during the pandemic."

Airlines also welcomed the news that will see millions enjoy a holiday abroad.

British Airways' CEO Sean Doyle said:"We're pleased to see this common sense approach which is already working safely for many other countries, but there is more work to do.

"While the quarantine requirement for 'amber' countries is being lifted for fully vaccinated UK travellers, the Government needs to quickly extend this to all vaccinated travellers, agree a reciprocal deal with the US, add more countries to the 'green' list and reduce the need for unnecessary, expensive tests.

"This will allow the UK to catch up with other countries and send a message that Global Britain is now, finally, open again."

Mark Tanzer, Chief Executive of ABTA – The Travel Association "strongly welcomed" the announcement.

He said: "Having to quarantine when returning from an amber list country has been a very significant barrier to travel for many people, so it is good that this will be removed for those who have had both vaccinations and for children.

"It’s especially welcome that this will come in time for the school summer holidays.

“We know there is significant pent-up demand to travel abroad – to see family and friends, make business connections and have a well-deserved holiday.

"The Minister today has sent a clear message that people can travel abroad to amber list countries this summer - opening up travel to many popular holiday destinations, but there is a lot more than needs to happen for the industry to get back on its feet, and the need for Government support remains pressing."

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But he called for Mr Shapps to slash the cost of testing to make holidays more affordable.

He added: “Government also needs to work to reduce the cost and need for testing, as well as making sure it has the right resources at the border to deal with the increased number of passengers, and it is important that the Foreign Office advice against travel to some amber list countries takes into account the increasing vaccination rates in destinations, and the reducing risks.”