Magaluf’s infamous Punta Ballena “strip”, known for its bars and the raucous antics of the tourists who frequent them, is to be closed down “immediately”.
The move follows reports of badly-behaved British tourists last week, some of whom were filmed jumping on parked cars.
Iago Negueruela, the tourism minister for the Balearic Islands, said at a press conference on Wednesday that such visitors were “not wanted” in Majorca.
The closure order also affects two other notorious party zones, including Calle del Jamon in S’Arenal, which is popular with German sunseekers.
“All commercial establishments, bars and restaurants in these streets will have to close following the publication of an official government bulletin which will be today,” Mr Negueruela said.
“They will have to close today. We cannot tolerate the sort of images we have been seeing over the last few days and we are not going to tolerate it.”
Follow the latest travel updates below.
04:30 PM
Five stories you need to know about from today
More of the world has reopened to English holidaymakers today.
Read more about all the key developments of the day below, including:
Greece and Norway welcome first English visitors as lockdown eases
Cruise operators plot fight back against blanket ban
Quarter of Britons would avoid countries with strict face mask rules
New Zealand plans to reopen to one tiny nation
India reimposes lockdown restrictions as infection rate surges
04:28 PM
Quiz: How do you know when to wear a mask?
04:17 PM
Scotland begins reopening of tourist sites
Hundreds of popular tourist sites in Scotland reopened today.
Historic Environment Scotland said some 200 unstaffed properties opened, with access now available to the grounds of Doune Castle, Caelaverock Castle and Dundonald Castle. The Nevis Range also reopened today.
From August 1, ticketed sites across Scotland will begin to reopen, including Edinburgh Castle, Stirling Castle and Urquhart Castle. More sites will then open on a rolling basis up to mid-September.
The grounds of Dundonald Castle have now reopened - istock
The group said: "The phased approach has taken into consideration the regional picture to ensure that, as much as possible, our reopening plans appropriately consider the circumstances in the local area.
"Visitors, including members, will be required to pre-book tickets online and to use contactless payment where possible; one-way systems will be implemented in some locations; and some areas of sites, such as enclosed spaces, will be closed off to visitors. Visitor numbers will also be limited for safety reasons."
03:57 PM
Which meat is the best for the traveller?
William Sitwell has been musing on the meat he most associates with the art of travel.
His conclusion?
With lamb, I so often reach for the coals. This meat lends itself to being cooked outside over a flame, often fuelled by logs that have burnt for an hour or so. Having positioned the lamb on the grill, I like to stand there with a glass of red wine, prodding and turning the cut from time to time, and pondering on it and the world.
Lamb is a universal meat – ancient and, as far as I know, free from taboo. Where bats and bears, snails and whales are forbidden, lamb slips through the net. You won’t find a sheep, like a venerated cow, sleeping on a main road in Delhi, the honking traffic politely driving around it with more care than if it were a human.
Hawaii is the latest US state to alter its reopening schedule in the face of rising coronavirus infections.
Governor David Ige announced the plan in a press conference, saying the state would delay reopening to tourists until August. He said all travelers who enter the state, even those who have tested negative for the virus, will be subject to a mandatory 14-day quarantine through to September 1.
The state recently saw a record 42 infections in a day, with surges within state borders and on mainland US to blame.
03:19 PM
French Polynesia to reopen
French Polynesia is preparing for the resumption of international tourism this week, with the first visitors expected to be from the US.
More tourists are expected from France next month, as the country shuts down for its summer holidays.
French Polynesia has registered 62 cases of coronavirus and no deaths; it is on the UK Government's list of 'travel corridors'.
If anything, this is a good excuse to post a picture of Tahiti, one of the region;s main draws.
yes - istock
03:09 PM
Exclusive: Cruise industry plans fight against blanket ban
The cruise industry is getting its ducks in a row to lobby the Government into over-turning its blanket ban on cruise holidays.
Ben Parker reports:
The world’s largest cruise industry body held an emergency meeting yesterday to discuss how they can lobby the Government to lift blank restrictions on cruise ship travel, The Telegraph understands.
Representatives of river cruise lines joined a call with the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), with a goal of ensuring the river sector could be exempt from the latest Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) guidance.
One tour operator described river cruises as “much more like staying in a hotel”, while another said it was “clearly more manageable”.
Life's not a beach: Coronavirus crackdown on Costa del Sol tourists
Tourists are being hit with fines for attempting to reserve spaces on Spain’s newly reopened beaches by placing their towels in advantageous spots, reports James Badcock.
With space at a premium as many resorts impose strict capacity limits on beaches for Covid-19 social distancing, several seaside authorities in Spain have launched a crackdown on the owners of unattended parasols, sunbeds and other holiday paraphernalia.
Since beaches reopened in Spain after the country’s three-month state of emergency ended on June 21, authorities have dolled off spaces for users and installed cameras or launched flying drones to help ensure that beaches do not become too crowded.
In some resorts, early birds who try to reserve their place in the sun by laying out their towels before they are ready to lie on them are seeing their sunbeds carted away by police and also face fines if caught, or when they reclaim their possessions.
02:51 PM
The Newt is ready for you
No, not the slimy amphibian but the swish hotel in Somerset, which reopened today.
It says: "Dining wise, table numbers have been reduced indoors, dining hours extended and outdoor dining spaces have been expanded – for guests to enjoy the same delicious meal with a garden view. The Newt’s signature breakfast table will now be enjoyed as a personal breakfast tray and the hotel will be offering a range of tasty ‘to-go’ options, including an extended room service menu, picnic hampers and pre-mixed cocktails inspired by the Somerset setting.
"Whilst the gym, swimming pool, treatment rooms and changing rooms will remain closed for the time being, guests will be able to enjoy a spa experience in other ways – from in-room treatment boxes to yoga on the terraced lawn."
A postcard from Malia, where the British are missed
Magaluf's raucous "strip" has closed following rowdy behaviour last week by British holidaymakers. But another Mediterranean party town is looking forward to the return of UK sunseekers. Heidi Fuller-Love, in Malia, writes:
At George’s Bistro on Malia’s usually busy mainstreet, owner Sofokleos sits on a stool outside his empty restaurant watching the occasional car pass by. Proudly he shows me his menu full of British crowd pleasers, including fish and chips and mushy peas. “Ninety per cent of Malia’s clientele are British,” he tells me. “In Malia there are 10,000 rooms and around 8,000 are usually rented by the British.”
Like Sofokleos, many businesses that once battled to change Malia’s boozy image are now glad to welcome any kind of tourism. “We really need their money – they’re good customers for us,” Sofokleos says.
While Greece rebooted its vital tourism industry on July 1, a ban on direct flights from Britain was extended due to the UK's relatively high infection rate. Flights can resume from today.
Among the first airlines to return will be BA, which has availability on its 1150 departure to Athens tomorrow, and Wizz, which is offering flights to Athens and Crete from Thursday. Tui, Europe's biggest tour operator, also plans to restart Greek holidays in the coming days.
Arrivals in Greece must complete an online form. They may also be asked to undergo testing for coronavirus, but this is unlikely.
Malta reopened to tourists on July 1, but only those from selected countries including Germany and Ireland. Britons can head there from today, however. Arrivals do not need to self-isolate, but there are temperature checks at the airport.
Travel restrictions have also been eased in Norway, with arrivals from the EU (which, until the end of the Brexit transition period, includes Britain) no longer required to self-isolate.
01:53 PM
The Greeks are longing to see you
Our reporter Heidi Fuller-Love is in Crete, where business owners are itching to welcome Britons again.
— Heidi Fuller-love (@FullerloveHeidi) July 15, 2020
01:45 PM
A postcard from France: 'The allure of oysters, rosé and the wild Atlantic coast remains'
Still can't decide whether to take the plunge and book a foreign holiday? France, accessible by car and reassuringly familiar, is always a good option. Mary Novakovich reports from Cap Ferrat:
There’s a surreal sense of business as usual, here. The bike lanes are as busy as ever. Cycling is the most practical way of getting around the Cap Ferret peninsula due to the horrendous traffic. This summer, my rented bike came with biodegradable plastic bags covering the saddle and handlebars.
Masks are ubiquitous, but there are still oysters, rosé, the heady scent of hot pine, Arcachon beaches and the long wild Atlantic coast. Back in March, I despaired of being unable to come to France for many months – or if at all this year. In case a second wave comes and borders close again, I’m treasuring every moment.
A quarter of Britons would avoid countries with strict mask rules
Spain's new face mask policy looks likely to deter a sizeable portion of UK holidaymakers. Our poll our more than 1,000 people found that over 25% would steer clear of destinations where they are enforced in all public places.
If a country had strict face mask restrictions in place (ie, mandatory when you're out in public places) would it influence whether you booked a holiday there this summer?
New Zealand could finally reopen borders – to one tiny country
Its strict elimination strategy means New Zealand's borders have remained closed for around four months. That could soon change, however, as it tries to construct its first air bridge. Nope, not to Australia but the Cook Islands, an archipelago with around 15,200 residents.
The Cook Islands has no known cases of coronavirus and Mark Brown, its deputy prime minister, said talks between the two countries to open a quarantine-free travel bubble were in the final stages, with flights possibly starting as early as next week.
Now here's a sight to raise the spirits of rail fans.
It's the Hogwarts Express
01:00 PM
10 under-the-radar destinations you can visit right now
Foreign travel is back. With quarantine rules waived for a tranche of destinations, summer holidays are here again. Many of the perennial favourites – France, Spain, Italy and Croatia – made the Foreign Office’s restriction-free ‘safe list’; while others – mainland Portugal, for one – remain on the naughty step.
But examine that safe list more closely and you’ll notice some exotic names plus several destinations that, while familiar, appear offbeat as holiday choices. You’ve almost certainly heard of places like the Faroe Islands or Liechtenstein. You may have hazy impressions of both. But have you actually visited?
Lucy Aspden reports that tourism businesses in Scotland have reopened for the first time since March, with typically wet weather greeting visitors alongside strict new Covid safety measures.
At the Nevis Range, one of the country’s leading outdoor and mountain biking destinations, thermal temperature-checking cameras are in operation in the gondola stations. Those riding on the gondola, which provides access to the summit of Aonach Mor for walkers and bikers, must wear face masks and disposable gloves and can only travel with members of their own household.
“Considering it’s a wet day we’re really happy with the number of people who have turned up for the reopening,” said Chris O’Brien, CEO of the Nevis Range. “It’s been a big effort to get everything ready.”
12:51 PM
India reimposes lockdowns as virus cases near one million
Lockdowns are being reimposed in parts of India as local governments try to shield its health system from being overwhelmed.
A two-week lockdown that starts on Thursday has been imposed in Bihar, an eastern state with a population of 128 million and a fragile health system. In Bangalore, a key technology hub where offices for major tech companies like Amazon and Apple are located, the government ordered a week-long lockdown that began on Tuesday evening.
A postcard from Florida: 'It feels like we're in free fall'
If Florida were a country, it would rank fourth in the world for the most new cases behind the United States, Brazil and India. Shayne Benowitz reports from the shell-shocked state:
As I sit to write this postcard on Tuesday July 14, a record-breaking daily death toll of 132 was just reported. It follows an astonishing surge in new cases over the last few weeks.
Many friends in my community are filled with frustration and despair as we watch the pandemic spiral out of control, filling hospitals and shuttering businesses with no end in sight.
Or else listen to the final episode of our Postcards podcast, featuring Miriam Margolyes:
11:50 AM
PMQs: Boris Johnson and Sir Keir Starmer clash over aviation coronavirus support
Sir Keir Starmer told the House of Commons that Labour has supported many economic decisions made during the pandemic, but challenged Prime Minister Boris Johnson over the choice to not provide more support for the aviation sector.
Boris Johnson says "no one should underestimate the scale of the challenge" posed by the pandemic and that there are a range of support packages.
Mr Johnson tells Sir Keir to decide whether he will support or oppose the programme, to which Sir Keir replies that the Prime Minister should focus on those who have lost their jobs, rather than "rhetorical nonsense".
Warsaw was crowded with happy citizens this week as Poland eased coronavirus restrictions. Masks are no longer compulsory in open public spaces if you are able to maintain a two-metre distance from others, but they are required on public transport and in shops.
Warsaw's Old Town - Getty
11:43 AM
Grub's up in Scotland
People will be able to enjoy a drink in a pub and enjoy a meal inside a restaurant for the first time in months as restrictions ease in Scotland.
Restaurants, bars, cafes, hairdressers and barbers are all able to reopen from today, in addition to museums, galleries, cinemas, monuments and libraries in a wide-ranging extension of freedoms.
It comes ahead of a move in Scottish schools to 'blended learning' from next Wednesday, which will mix time spent in the classroom with home learning for pupils. The beauty industry and tailors in Scotland are also slated to reopen this time next week.
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon yesterday confirmed that Scotland had gone a sixth day without any coronavirus deaths, but warned that the reopening of services brings the "highest risk changes" to date as Scotland exits its Covid-19 lockdown.
11:35 AM
Virgin Atlantic told to cough up refunds
Now that the airline has been saved by a £1.2bn rescue package, the consumer watchdog Which? has urged Virgin Atlantic to pay back holidaymakers still waiting for refunds.
Rory Boland, Editor of Which? Travel, said:
Virgin Atlantic has been propping itself up, partly by withholding potentially millions of pounds from customers due refunds for coronavirus cancellations. Which? has been inundated with complaints from passengers who have struggled to get their money back, some of them in financial difficulty themselves.
Now that the airline has secured this rescue package, it must make refunding passengers who have been left out of pocket its top priority. If Virgin continues to flout the law, the Government and aviation regulator should be ready to intervene and take strong action against the carrier.
— Heidi Fuller-love (@FullerloveHeidi) July 15, 2020
11:25 AM
Let's check in with our reporter riding the rails...
Lucky Daniel Puddicombe is being well fed and watered on a heritage train service today. Follow him on Twitter.
Overall capacity has been reduced by 40% in order to ensure social distancing is maintained, while LSL has installed plastic screens between each bay of seats. I’m onboard as part of @TelegraphTravel’s #greatescape series as the country begins to open up again. pic.twitter.com/q4JGeAyTPk
Airbnb ridiculed for asking guests to donate money to hosts
Airbnb has faced a backlash on social media after urging the public to donate cash to support hosts that are listed on their site.
Hannah Boland reports that the holiday rental site sent an email to members of the public who have used Airbnb in the past asking them to send donations to their former hosts.
"Like all of us, hosts on Airbnb are impacted by Covid-19 and many of them are unable to welcome guests," Airbnb wrote. "Now more than ever, it's important to reach out and support one another - even in small ways."
Airbnb said it was rolling out a "personalised kindness cards" feature by which people could send messages of appreciation to hosts and attach donations.
The move, however, prompted criticism among social media users who argued that those renting out their homes for short-term stays had damaged property markets.
So many tone-deaf corporate approaches to COVID, but @Airbnb's 'kindness cards' feature is undoubtedly close to the top of that list.
First post-lockdown tourists arrive in the Maldives
The Maldives reopened to tourists on Wednesday, welcoming its first scheduled international flight for more than three months: a Qatar Airways service from Doha carrying 104 passengers.
"The stronger our safety measures, the better chance we have of being hailed as a (coronavirus) safe destination," Economic Minister Fayyaz Ismail said as he welcomed the arrivals. "I don't believe that we would need to reimpose a border lockdown."
Visitors are not required to be tested or carry virus-free certificates to enter the archipelago. Free tests will be offered to travellers who show symptoms of fever or coughing, the tourism ministry said. They will also be offered a free test when they leave the Maldives.
Thirty-three out of 159 resorts in the archipelago said they would open from Wednesday, but some of them have yet to take bookings. So far, Qatar Airways, Sri Lankan Airlines, Emirates and Etihad have scheduled flights to the Maldives in July, the airport's operator said in a statement.
Passengers disembark from a Qatar Airways plane in Male - Getty
11:08 AM
Ryanair cuts 1,000 UK-Ireland flights
Low-cost behemoth Ryanair has criticised ongoing quarantine restrictions in Ireland and says it plans to cut up to 1,000 flights between Ireland and the UK during August and September.
Despite the UK and Northern Ireland announcing travel corridors to most EU countries, and the border between Ireland and Northern Ireland remaining open, Ireland is still forcing arrivals to self-isolate for two weeks.
A spokesperson said: "It makes no sense, when governments all over Europe have opened up EU flights since June 1 and removed travel restrictions on intra-EU travel, that the Irish Government continues to treat countries like Germany, Denmark and Greece as if they were suffering similar levels of Covid as the USA, Brazil and India.
"We call on the Irish Government to remove all travel restrictions between Ireland and the EU … as a matter of urgency, so that Ireland's hotels, guest houses, restaurants and other tourism providers can recover their business and minimise job losses before we reach the downturn winter period."
10:59 AM
Spain rules
In addition to enforcing face masks on the beach, Spain has some other curious Covid rules.
Its regulations for hotels include:
Disinfectant mats at entrances to clean the shoes of guests
Guests can only share lifts with members of their own family
Used towels must be left in a sealed plastic bag for maids to collect
Mini-bars are banned unless the hotel can prove they are fully disinfected after every guests departs
You cannot take your key out with you. It must be handed to staff to be disinfected
Nearly all UK arrivals obeying quarantine, says Priti Patel
Home Secretary Priti Patel has told MPs that compliance with the UK coronavirus quarantine measures has been "incredibly high".
She told the Commons Home Affairs Committee that 383,000 spot checks were carried out between June 6 and July 12 and that the compliance rate was 99.9%.
However, the majority of the checks were carried out at the border. Shona Dunn, second permanent secretary to the Home Office, said, as of last week, that around 20% of the total number were follow-up checks on people who have come into the country. They were carried out by Public Health England.
10:27 AM
1.5m UK tourism and hospitality jobs at risk, study finds
New research from Aston University makes for grim reading. It shows that nearly one million jobs may already have been lost in the UK’s tourism and hospitality sector during the coronavirus pandemic. It is thought this sharp rise in job losses will appear in future official unemployment statistics, which typically show a three-month time delay. Furthermore, another 518,000 workers are believed to be at risk as government support for firms is phased out.
Economics experts Professor Jun Du, Dr Chris Cao and Dr Michail Karoglou analysed Companies House data for the January-June period for sectors including accommodation and food services, travel agents, arts, entertainment and transport. They found that in the first half of this year 81,338 firms, accounting for more than 15% of all companies in the affected sectors, had either dissolved, gone into liquidation or administration or were classed as ‘dormant’.
Jun Du, Professor of Economics at Aston Business School, said:
It will come as no surprise that tourism and hospitality businesses have already suffered a huge blow from Covid-19 and the lockdown restrictions. What our research shows is that the scale of job losses in these sectors, so far hidden by the time lag in official statistics, may already be enormous.
The big worry is that the phasing out of the furlough scheme could lead to a further rush of firm closures as reality bites. As such, it can be seen as a ticking time-bomb underneath many thousands of jobs.
While the further measures announced by the Chancellor last week may provide some help to firms, the real issue here is demand. With continued public health fears making many people wary of normal leisure activities, the government must do everything possible to give consumers confidence. This might mean more targeted support for firms, as well as strengthening healthcare infrastructure in tourism-dependent areas.
10:12 AM
Holidaymakers ordered to wear face masks on Costa del Sol beaches
Tom Mulvihill reports that tourists on the Costa del Sol, from today, must wear face masks while on the beach and at swimming pools, with heavy fines for anyone who fails to comply.
The strict new rules came into effect at midnight last night, and were part of a wider tightening of restrictions across several regions in Spain in response to isolated spikes of coronavirus infections.
Andalucia, home to the popular resorts of the Costa del Sol, has enacted some of the strictest laws in the country, requiring everyone, including beachgoers, to cover their mouths and noses at all times while in public, and with harsh €100 (£91) penalties for anyone caught flouting the rules.
However, sunbathers and swimmers will be allowed to remove their masks, provided they stay within their own household or ‘bubble’ or maintain a 1.5 metre social distancing gap with other members of the public.
People feeling stressed by lockdown are being invited to let off steam by having their screams played over a loudspeaker in a remote part of Iceland.
The offer comes from the Scandinavian nation's tourist board, which has set up a website allowing people to record themselves venting their frustration.
The results will then be played from one of seven speakers set up around the sparsely populated country.
Visit Iceland's campaign is inspired by scream therapy, or primal therapy, which was popular in the 1970s in an attempt to tap into repressed issues and relieve stress and anxiety.
One of Scotland's finest hotels is once again welcoming guests.
Gleneagles, occupying 850 acres of rolling Perthshire countryside, offers an array of rural pursuits including hiking and fishing, and can boast three championship golf courses.
"For the duration of its closure, the hotel has been working around the clock to provide even greater peace of mind," it said in a statement. "In addition, understanding that the situation is ever-evolving, the hotel has introduced a flexible booking policy, which will allow guests to rearrange their stay at short notice should the need arise."
In addition to Greece and Malta, Norway is now open for business.
The FCO website states: "From 15 July, Norway is allowing entry for those resident in most Schengen or EU/EEA countries (which until the end of the year includes the UK). As a country with a low risk of infection, residents of the UK may travel and do not need to self-quarantine on arrival in Norway.
"UK nationals resident in a Schengen or EU/EEA country with a high risk of infection may enter but are required to self-quarantine for 10 days. For countries outside the Nordics, Schengen or EU/EEA, restrictions continue to apply."
09:29 AM
Le Disney
Meanwhile, across the Channel, Nicola Williams is reporting on the reopening of Disneyland Paris, where face masks are de rigueur.
Closer to home, our man Daniel Puddicombe is on board the first heritage train service to leave the station post-lockdown. He will be posting updates throughout the day.
I’ve missed the sight, sound and smell of this! After a 123 day COVID-induced hiatus, steam returns to the mainline today with @SaphosTrains’ Fellsman to Carlisle via the S&C. Here’s LSL’s flagship loco, 70000 Britannia. pic.twitter.com/iurw0kWu3j
Our reporter Heidi Fuller-Love is in Crete to report on the return of British holidaymakers. Follow her updates on Twitter.
If it can be said that anything positive can possibly come out of a pandemic then this is it for Greece - great to see reusable & fewer straws at Creta Maris ahead of Greece''s ban of single use plastics next year #GreatEscape@TelegraphTravel@VisitGreecegrpic.twitter.com/5KRAgHl3r3
— Heidi Fuller-love (@FullerloveHeidi) July 15, 2020
09:19 AM
Health expert claims cruises 'could be safer than a holiday in London'
Dr Scott Gottlieb, co-chair of the Healthy Sail Panel, said that as long as the proper precautions and measures are in place ships can act like a “protective bubble”.
We’re trying to come up with a set of measures that can be adaptable in a high prevalence environment as well as the future lower prevalence environment where [the virus] will continue to be a threat but, hopefully, a much lower threat.
In some ways, you have exquisite control over the environment… who gets into the protective bubble, and what you are doing in the bubble.
09:09 AM
Killer robots are coming to Heathrow
Bloomberg reports that Heathrow Airport is introducing cleaning robots and other measures to try to reduce the risk of virus transmission.
The robots use ultraviolet rays to kill viruses and bacteria at night, according to a statement from the airport. It is also installing UV technology to disinfect escalator handrails, and self-cleaning anti-viral wraps are being fitted to often-touched surfaces such as security trays and elevator buttons. Meanwhile, 100 workers are being retrained as “hygiene technicians” to monitor the effectiveness of the new technologies and answer passenger queries.
Other measures at the airport include “Fly Safe Pit Stops,” where passengers can pick up free face masks, hand sanitizers and wipes.
09:06 AM
Britain's answers to the watery wonders of the world
Who needs the coral reefs of the Maldives, when you've got the shores of Blighty? Right?!
OK, so the North Sea doesn't quite compare to the Indian Ocean, but there are some surprisingly glorious diving holidays to be had in UK waters. Swimming with seals off the Farne Islands is just one. Find out about others here.
Isn't he cute? - Getty
08:53 AM
Greece is the word
The country is back on the menu. Go now before it gets too crowded.
A relatively empty Acropolis this week - Getty
08:50 AM
EasyJet adds routes to Croatia
One country you can visit right now, with minimal fuss, is Croatia. The gorgeous coastal city of Split is among the nation's highlights and EasyJet has just announced the return of flights from three UK airports: Gatwick (from July 18), Bristol (from July 21) and Manchester (from July 25).
You will, of course, be required to wear a mask on board. Once inside Croatia, masks are mandatory in shops and on public transport.
08:41 AM
Hungary (slightly) relaxes travel restrictions for Britons
UK citizens can now visit Hungary, sort of.
Previously, only those with "exceptional" reasons to visit were allowed in, and even then they were required to complete a 14-day quarantine. Now, however, the Hungarian Government has introduced a colour-coded system, with countries classified as green, amber or red according to their infection rate.
The UK has been classified as amber, which means that UK nationals and all other arrivals from the UK will have to undergo a medical examination for Covid-19. They will then need to self-isolate for 14 days unless they can provide upon arrival two negative Covid-19 tests, taken 48 hours apart and within five days of their entry date.
All of which makes a city break in Budapest something of a faff.
08:32 AM
Your holiday map
Greece, Malta and Norway have now joined the party, and the map showing where Britons can go this summer has a bit of a Cold War feel to it...
08:29 AM
Germans told off for having fun
It wasn't just boozy Brits letting their hair down in Mallorca last week. The Germans were at it too.
AFP reports that newspapers on the Spanish island voiced outrage after video footage emerged showing mainly German holidaymakers drinking, singing and dancing outside bars and terraces on Friday evening.
At a press conference in Berlin, Health Minister Jens Spahn said: "The images we've seen from Mallorca this weekend worry me. I'm not here to ruin the fun... but now is not the time for this."
Put any plans to visit the US or Brazil firmly on ice. Here's the latest news on the spread of coronavirus around the globe.
Brazil recorded 41,857 new cases in 24 hours and 1,300 additional deaths, the Health Ministry said on Tuesday. The nation has now registered 1,926,824 confirmed cases and 74,133 deaths.
Mexico proposed to the United States an extension to a ban on non-essential travel by land over their shared border for another 30 days.
The US reported another 63,000 infections in US in one day.
Renewed restrictions took effect in Hong Kongon Wednesday, with restaurants limited to takeaway after 6pm, as the Asian financial centre battles a resurgence of coronavirus.
Spain's populous Catalonia region made a fresh attempt to put an area of 160,000 people under lockdown to stem the latest local coronavirus surge.
Australian states tightened restrictions on movement as authorities struggle to contain a fresh outbreak of Covid-19 in the country's south east.
Good question. The addition of Greece and Malta has taken the list of countries Britons can visit without major restrictions to 26. Here they are:
Andorra
Belgium
Croatia
Czech Republic
Denmark
Faroe Islands (Visitors required to take Covid-19 test at airport on arrival)
France
Germany
Gibraltar
Greece
Iceland (Open to tourists, but all arrivals must choose to pay to be tested for coronavirus or self-isolate for 14 days upon arrival. Children born in 2005 or later are exempt)
Italy
Liechtenstein
Lithuania (Recommends 14-day self-isolation, but this is not mandatory)
Luxembourg
Malta
Monaco (Arrivals from the UK asked to self-isolate for 14 days, but not mandatory)
Netherlands (Strongly advised 14-day self-isolation, but not mandatory)
Norway
Poland
San Marino
Spain
Switzerland
Trinidad and Tobago (Government is asking all visitors to self-isolate for 14 days, but this is not compulsory)
Turkey
Vatican City
08:09 AM
Return to Malta
Trips to Malta are possible again. So what can tourists expect? An empty island of baroque treasures, according to Eoghan Corry, who visited last week. He wrote:
An overhead camera read the temperatures of arriving passengers. Three medics in hospital scrubs called passengers out, either because they had a high temperature, at random, or, in one case, because their woolly hat had obscured the reading.
The arrivals hall was closed completely. What meet-and-greet there was took place was in the open air, still searing from a day of 38C heat.
In the Phoenicia hotel I was welcomed by name. There were only four guests.
Our final 2024 mock draft projects four quarterbacks in the first five picks, but the Cardinals at No. 4 might represent the key pivot point of the entire board.
Ford offers the new Mustang's updated 5.0-liter Coyote V8 as a crate engine, and it also sells a supercharger kit that unlocks a total of 810 horsepower.
Oakland University outfielders John Lauinger and Reggie Bussey combined on what could be college baseball's best catch of the 2024 season against Northern Kentucky.
Dan Wetzel, Ross Dellenger & SI’s Pat Forde react to the huge performance this weekend by Texas QB Arch Manning, Michigan and Notre Dame's spring games, Jaden Rashada entering the transfer portal, and more
Arch Manning gave Texas football fans an enticing look at the future, throwing for 355 yards and three touchdowns in the Longhorns' Orange-White spring game.
