JUST IN TIME
Brits arrive from Ibiza, Majorca and Menorca just before Balearics added to amber list at 4am but others head out anyway
BRITS have returned to the UK just before the Balearic Islands were added to the amber list - although some holidaymakers are still heading to Ibiza and Majorca.
Yesterday, many tourists frantically flew back to the UK after the new rules were enforced for anyone coming back to the country from 4am this morning.
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From today, Brits who have had both jabs can avoid having to quarantine for 10 days when returning from amber list destinations which includes all of Spain, including the islands.
But they will still need to take a test before their return to the UK, and on the second day after getting home. Travellers will be able to prove their vaccine status on their NHS app.
Kids will also be exempt from isolation but adults without a vaccine passport will have to spend ten days at home, and take three expensive PCR tests.
Palma de Mallorca airport was packed during the weekend as Brits scrambled for a flight home, with passengers seen on Friday queuing at a Covid testing clinic in San Antonio to get PCR checks.
The Government has infuriated travellers, and been accused of "double standards" on international travel after the U-turn.
There has been criticism after it was announced that Ibiza, Majorca and Menorca would be added to the amber travel list due to a surge in coronavirus cases, little more than a fortnight after they went green.
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This means that the holiday plans of unjabbed Brits who have already booked trips abroad lie in tatters.
Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said the change was due to Covid case rates having doubled since the Balearics were added to the green list on June 30.
Mr Shapps said: "Travel is not the same as it was before the global pandemic.
"Clearly if you're booking to a green watch list country you need to make sure you can get your money back and change accommodation."
Infections on the islands have soared to 258 cases per 100,000 people.
The islands of Malta and Madeira, are currently on the green or green watch list.
Bulgaria and Croatia are on the green list from today as well, although Bulgaria has since banned Brits from visiting.
Brit holidaymakers must also book refundable trips, as destinations risk being suddenly struck off the green list, Mr Shapps had warned earlier this week.
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