USA issues new travel warnings casting doubt over corridor with UK

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The US has added some 130 countries to its Do Not Travel list, accounting for 80 per cent of the planet, raising concerns the country will not open a transatlantic corridor with the UK in May.

The United States' State Department said the Covid-19 pandemic "continues to pose unprecedented risks to travellers" and urged Americans to "reconsider all travel abroad". Travel to the remaining 20 per cent of countries is also discouraged.

The full list of banned destinations has not yet been made public, with guidance for each individual country expected next week, however, it dashes hopes for the introduction of a UK-US travel corridor from May 17, when the UK Government intends to resume overseas travel.

The UK is due to confirm its "green" list of countries on May 10, with the US expected to be one of the few places Britons can visit without the need to quarantine on return, but there has not yet been any official confirmation.

Last week a report by UK airlines highlighted that a ban on transatlantic travel costs the UK £23million a day. Virgin Atlantic CEO Shai Weiss said successful vaccine rollouts on both sides of the Atlantic presented "a clear opportunity to safely introduce a transatlantic corridor from 17 May."

The US is the UK's fourth most popular destination for overseas travel, with 4.8million Britons visiting in 2019.

Scroll for updates.

04:37 PM

What did we learn today?

Here’s a recap of the top headlines on Tuesday:

• Desperate scramble for travellers returning from India

• Border officials detect at least 100 fake Covid certificates every day

• Israel mulls 'green travel corridor' with the UK

• The majority of Brits call for quarantine- and test-free travel, survey reveals

• Two tests before a trip to Scotland’s islands

• The Break Debate: What actually is a 'staycation'?

• Boris Johnson: ‘We keep the list under constant review’

See you tomorrow for all the latest travel news.

04:31 PM

‘Too many gaps’ in border restrictions

There are "too many gaps" in measures aimed at preventing coronavirus cases being imported from abroad, a senior MP has warned.

The Commons Home Affairs committee published a letter from Priti Patel setting out that only 75 per cent of travellers meant to be isolating at home had been successfully contacted in the week to March 1.

Committee chairwoman Yvette Cooper also said it was "astonishing" that no further action was taken in thousands of cases where rules were suspected to have been broken.

Ms Cooper also called for increased testing: "Passengers are still arriving at Heathrow without needing a test at the airport before they can get onto public transport home after being on planes or trains and in busy terminals, with no consequences if they break the rules or can't be found."

04:29 PM

Boris Johnson: ‘It would be premature to speculate’

Asked when holidaymakers will be told which countries will be classified green, amber and red, as part of the upcoming traffic light system, Mr Johnson said: "We’re going to need to wait until early-May before we set out which countries are on the list."

"It would be premature to speculate about that but we will be saying more as soon as we possibly can before May 17."

04:21 PM

Boris Johnson: How frequently will the red list updated?

During this evening’s press conference Boris Johnson has been asked how regularly the red list will be reviewed once international travel resumes.

"We keep the list under constant review," says Mr Johnson, adding that these decisions are taken by the Joint Biosecurity Centre. "They will make the determination based on what they think we need."

04:12 PM

In numbers: The pandemic in Europe

Will we be able to go on holiday in Europe this summer? It's the question on the nation's lips.

With the new traffic light system set to be introduced, it will depend on the proportion of each country’s population that has been vaccinated, infection rates, the prevalence of variants of concern and capacity to sequence their genomes.

Let’s take a closer look at the key figures in some of our favourite European destinations.

Total cases across Europe

Vaccination programmes across Europe

04:01 PM

Government set to clamp down on mask floating

With residents across the UK now permitted to travel more freely (albeit only on home soil) Transport Secretary Grant Shapps has tweeted to say that action will be taken against those that do not wear a face covering when on public transport – with 3,900 fines issued already.

03:50 PM

Press conference at 5pm with Boris Johnson and Dr Nikita Kanani

Boris Johnson will be joined at a coronavirus press conference by the medical director of primary care for NHS England, Dr Nikita Kanani, at 5pm.

Follow the updates on our coronavirus live blog.

03:41 PM

Which bucket list trips could be possible this year?

With India now on the red list, a trip to the Taj Mahal is off the cards – but some dream holidays are more likely than you might think, writes Hazel Plush.

With the impending ‘travel traffic list’ set to widen our horizons this summer, the odds are actually looking good for some destinations – thanks to rising vaccination figures and falling case rates. Indeed, it might be time to dust off that bucket list after all.

Start planning your dream trip, whether it’s the exploring Grand Canyon or watching the Northern Lights, with our guide, here, including tips on how likely they are this year.

03:29 PM

The best piste in France is…

The ski season in France might never have got going this winter but in a bid to remind skiers of what they love about the Alps a competition set out to find the nation’s best piste.

France Montagnes, the association of French ski resorts, took to social media to find an answer to the ultimate ski-fuelled debate. After six rounds Jerusalem, in St Martin de Belleville and Les Menuires, part of the world’s largest ski area Les Trois Vallées, has been crowned winner.

In a contest that saw followers on social media vote between eight different iconic runs Jerusalem came out top, after reaching the final draw against La Sache in Tignes.

The winning run descends from the ridge above Méribel and descends into the Belleville valley towards St Martin and Les Menuires. Originally a red piste it was reclassified to blue in the 2016/17 season, meaning its suitable for almost all abilities of skier or snowboarder. It’s often surprisingly quiet and according to voters ‘leads to a very good restaurant,’ ‘has everything’ and ‘can be fast and exciting if you want it to be, and it’s not over in two minutes.’

Keen to return to the slopes? Discover the best ski resorts in France.

03:19 PM

London landmarks prepare to reopen

One of the capital’s most iconic landmarks has confirmed its post-lockdown reopening date. Tower Bridge will open its doors once again on May 17.

Guided tours of London’s only major dog-friendly attraction and family events will recommence in time for the summer season and the famous bridge will lift for the first time this year on May 20 – visitors are able to watch the historic event from the landmark's glass walkway.

Elsewhere in the capital, Royal Museums Greenwich has also announced the reopening of the National Maritime Museum, Queen’s House, Cutty Sark and the Royal Observatory Greenwich also on May 17, with one-way systems in place and a mandatory pre-purchased ticketing system for the numerous exhibitions planned throughout the summer.

03:07 PM

Inside the luxury Chelsea apartments from the Cliveden House team

If you were sceptical about a self-catering staycation, the hotel group’s swanky new city pied-à-terres might just change your mind.

Sarah Royce-Greensill has the details.

02:41 PM

The 10 most popular islands in Greece – and the quiet ones you should visit instead

We all have an idea in our heads of the perfect Greek island holiday. For many it will essentially boil down to having lots of fun in an upbeat resort, with plenty of lively bars, tavernas, distractions and day trips. The country’s most popular holiday islands are all well set up for this.

But if Greece does one thing exceptionally well it is to offer exactly the opposite: peace, quiet and sense of escape – both physical and mental – from the everyday.

We have had some fun swapping 10 of Greece’s best-known destinations with a nearby alternative which will offer you a complete contrast. It’s amazing what a difference a short ferry ride can make.

Find them all here.

02:18 PM

Border officials detect at least 100 fake Covid certificates every day

At least 100 people are attempting to enter the country every day using a "fake Covid certificate", immigration officials have warned, as documents showing travellers have had a negative test are "very east" to forge.

Speaking at a parliamentary briefing Lucy Moreton, professional officer for the Immigration Services Union (ISU), which represents border immigration and customs staff in the UK, said proof of negative tests are "predominantly taken on trust".

"We do get 100 or more a day of fake Covid certificates, that we catch," she said, though many more could go undetected. She said spelling mistakes often catch people out, but this is harder to identify when documentation is written in a foreign language.

More on the coronavirus live blog.

02:00 PM

‘Feel the anger’ – a psychologist explains how to survive a massive airport queue

Brits love queuing. It’s an international stereotype about us that is about as accurate as believing that we all eat devilled kidneys for breakfast and that Leicester Square is a genuinely brilliant option for a Friday night out on the town.

The truth is that we despise queuing; it makes our already fully formed passive aggressive tendencies turn to thoughts of mutiny and insurrection, which usually fizzle out and manifest in nothing more than sustained muttering, grumbling and the occasional strangulated comment that “this is ridiculous”.

We’re going to have many more opportunities to indulge in our favoured masochistic pastime this summer if we choose to travel overseas. In recent days passengers at Heathrow Airport have been complaining of queues of up to six hours as staff struggle to deal with the plethora of Covid-related paperwork that will be an obligatory requirement for anyone planning to venture into the duty free zone, the departure gate and beyond.

Here, a psychologist explains how to make the tedium bearable.

01:38 PM

Two tests before a trip to Scotland’s islands

With lateral flow tests being made available to anyone in Scotland from Monday April 26, Nicola Sturgeon has urged people to consider using them before travelling to Scotland's island communities – where coronavirus numbers tend to be lower.

With many islands having "very, very low rates of Covid", Ms Sturgeon said anyone travelling to one was being encouraged to take two tests - one three days before travelling and one on the day of departure.

She said: "This is potentially an important way we can minimise the risk of bringing Covid into island communities, while nevertheless allowing our island communities the benefit of opening up again to visitors."

Here's how to find the perfect Scottish island for your holiday.

01:30 PM

Reaction: ‘Green’ list testing

Following the latest report from easyJet, the airline’s CEO Johan Lundgren said:

He went on to say:

01:27 PM

Majority of Brits call for quarantine- and test-free travel

New research by easyJet has revealed that 61 per cent of British holidaymakers think travel to low-risk ‘green’ destinations should be restriciton free this summer.

As part of the Government's upcoming traffic light system for future travel arrivals from any country that is categorised as ‘green’ must still take a PCR test. The research has revealed over half of Britons say they won’t be able to go on holiday if this rule, which could see a test costing up to £150 per person, is imposed because of the expense.

easyJet surveyed 2,000 British holidaymakers and close to three quarters (74 per cent) said if tests are necessary then quick-result lateral flow tests should be used, while the study also showed the maximum travellers are willing to pay for a test is £50 per person.

However, 90 per cent of those surveyed did agree that testing is what is needed to ensure safe travel to countries on the amber and red list.

Take a further look at the proposed traffic light plans below.

01:18 PM

Barbados eases restrictions for vaccinated travellers

The Government of Barbados has updated its rules on entering the country, with vaccinated travellers given increased freedoms.

From May 8 anybody arriving in Barbados who is fully vaccinated will have their quarantine cut to approximately one or two days (depending on the speed of testing) – unlike non-vaccinated holidaymakers who face up to a week in isolation.

On arrival vaccinated travellers must show proof of their inoculation and take a rapid test at the airport, before being transported to their hotel to await their results – until these arrive guests are free to move around the hotel and its grounds.

Non-vaccinated travellers must stay in their rooms until a second test returns negative, which is taken five days after their arrival. All arrivals will have to provide proof of a negative PCR test three days before entering the Caribbean country.

01:07 PM

Reaction: Demand for flights from India soars

It was announced yesterday that India is the latest addition to the red list – leading to a scramble for Brits to get home before Friday’s deadline. Matthew Puton from Air Charter Service, a global aircraft charter company, said:

12:56 PM

‘We must be sensible’ says Sturgeon

Nicola Sturgeon has once again stressed that international travel for "non-essential purposes" is "not yet permitted" for residents in Scotland (much like the rest of the UK).

"We want to restore normality to international travel as quickly as possible," the First Minister said, who accepted that it is a "difficult" time for tourism and aviation industries, as well as those with family and friends overseas.

"But we must be sensible as we do that, in light of the risks that we face and in light of the risks we see across many parts of the world."

She added: "Until at least May 17, and possibly for a period after that, you should not leave the UK for non-essential purposes."

Travel between Scotland, England and Wales will be permitted from Monday (April 26) and tourist accommodation can welcome back visitors.

12:43 PM

I escaped my river cruise for a Black Forest adventure by bike

“Cruises aren’t known for returning you home fit as a fiddle and a few pounds lighter. On a river cruise, where you can stroll from one end of the boat to the other in around a minute, all that sleep, (over)eat, repeat is even more likely to take its toll. I’m no treadmill-pounder but, equally, I get antsy at the thought of lolling about on a lounger all day. The nature of my eight-day Rhine cruise, with a new destination to see each day, meant I’d have plenty to explore, but I fancied something a bit more off the beaten track.

An e-bike ride through the Black Forest sounded just the ticket,” writes Gabrielle Sander.

Read about her eight-hour cycle through southern Germany and why even apprehensive cyclists should give it a go, here.

12:32 PM

Why I've felt safer in Africa than in Europe during the pandemic

In London, Sarah Marshall felt shadowed by a dark cloud – so she spent the pandemic in Africa instead

Here's what she found.

12:07 PM

Alaska to offer free vaccines at airports in a bid to boost summer tourism

The state of Alaska is to offer free Covid vaccinations to anyone landing at its airports from June, its governor has announced.

The move is a bid to boost tourism, with the generous offer of a free Pfizer or Moderna vaccine “another good reason to come to the state of Alaska in the summer”, governor Mike Dunleavy told a press conference.

“If you come to Alaska, you get a free vaccination if you want one,” he added.

Read more.

12:06 PM

Israel mulls 'green travel corridor' with the UK

Israel and the UK are exploring the possibility of opening a "green travel corridor" between them, Israel's Foreign Ministry said today, citing the success of the two countries' vaccination drives.

The issue was discussed at a meeting between Israel's Foreign Minister Gabi Ashkenazi and Michael Gove in Jerusalem, an Israeli statement said.

"We will promote, together with the UK, mutual recognition of vaccines in order to allow tourists and business people from both countries to safely return to their routines," the statement quoted Ashkenazi as saying.

Israel and Britain had made "great progress" in their vaccination campaigns, opening the "possibility of creating a green travel corridor", the Israeli ministry said.

It gave no timeline for implementing such a measure, which apparently would apply only to vaccinated travellers. But last week Israel announced it will start allowing the limited entry of vaccinated tourist groups as of May 23.

11:57 AM

Demand for holidays to India likely to sink this year after red list announcement

India’s addition to the Government’s ‘red’ list this week is likely to impact demand for travel to the country this year but not beyond.

This is the view of Rachel O’Reilly from tour operator Kuoni. She told Telegraph Travel:

She added: “India is still a bucket list destination for many.”

11:45 AM

Hong Kong finds 53 Covid cases on one flight from India

At least 53 passengers on a single flight from New Delhi to Hong Kong have tested positive for coronavirus, authorities have said.

Hong Kong is regularly recording fewer daily cases than the total detected on the flight since it brought a fourth wave under control in January, while India is grappling with a surge that has taken daily cases above 200,000 for several days in a row.

Hong Kong has imposed a two-week ban on all flights from India, Pakistan and the Philippines, categorising the countries as "extremely high risk" after detecting the N501Y mutant Covid-19 strain for the first time in the local community.

However the UK's travel ban, which was announced yesterday just hours after Boris Johnson cancelled his visit to New Delhi, does not come into effect until 4am on Friday morning.

11:29 AM

'There is no reason to delay UK-USA travel corridor beyond May 17'

Of the news that the USA plans to add 80% of countries to its Do Not Travel list, a Virgin Atlantic spokesperson said:

11:06 AM

Peak District celebrates 70th anniversary

We've just turned 70 years old 🥳 & we'd love to see your videos from across the #PeakDistrict or wherever you are in the world to celebrate what our National Park means to you. 💚

Don't forget to tag or DM us with your messages & we'll share as many as we can!#PeakDistrict70 pic.twitter.com/lKxYM0IEky

— Peak District National Park (@peakdistrict) April 20, 2021

10:47 AM

'No 10’s extreme terror of mutants risks keeping Britain locked down forever'

Telegraph columnist Sherelle Jacobs writes:

Read more.

10:38 AM

The allures of Ischia, one of Italy's 'Covid-free' islands

A consort of Italian islands is pushing for their entire population to be vaccinated so they might welcome back visitors this summer. Hugh Morris remembers a visit to the Ischia, one such spot in the Bay of Naples, before the pandemic.

Read about it here.

10:12 AM

The Break Debate: What actually is a 'staycation'?

A holiday at home? Or a holiday on home soil? The concept of a ‘staycation’ has divided the nation.

Ed Grenby examines the arguments.

09:51 AM

The seven destinations likely to feature on the holiday 'green list' this summer

The 'traffic light system' has been confirmed for our summer holidays – but which countries will get the go-ahead?

Greg Dickinson has the answers.

09:22 AM

'How the jab gave my holiday hopes an unexpected shot in the arm'

Now she's been vaccinated, Hazel Plush can't stop booking holidays for July and beyond. The feeling of freedom is 'intoxicating', she says.

Do you think getting the jab will increase your likelihood of booking a holiday this year? Or has it already?

Share your thoughts here.

09:09 AM

Indian variant discovered in Israel

Israel has registered eight cases of a coronavirus variant first identified in India and believes that the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine is at least partially effective against it, an Israeli health official said on Tuesday.

An initial seven cases of the Indian variant were detected in Israel last week among people arriving from abroad and who have since undergone preliminary testing, the Health Ministry said.

Isreal is pegged to be on the UK Government’s upcoming ‘green’ list – thanks to its impressive vaccine drive – and the nation is set to welcome vaccination tourists from May 23.

Chis Leadbeater reveals why it’s worth a visit.

08:59 AM

USA: Official statement

It’s not good news for anybody wanting to travel to the USA, here’s the official statement from the State Department as the nation looks to extend its Do Not Travel list to cover roughly 80 per cent of the globe.

08:48 AM

Top trending European destinations (2 of 2)

TripAdvisor’s summer travel index report also revealed which European countries are proving popular with prospective holidaymakers this year. Greece, which reopened to vaccinated Britons yesterday, is by far the favourite, with six places in the top 10 – Ireland and St Lucia also make the podium.

1. Tsilivi (Planos), Zakynthos, Greece

2. Cong, County Mayo, Ireland

3. Soufriere, St Lucia

4. Oia, Santorini, Greece

5. Laganas, Zakynthos, Greece

6. Paris, France

7. Mykonos Town, Mykonos, Greece

8. Imerovigli, Santorini, Greece

9. Analipsi, Crete, Greece

10. Ayia Napa, Cyprus

08:40 AM

Top trending UK destination (1 of 2)

Research carried out by TripAdvisor has found that the coastal town of Torquay in Devon is this year’s most trendy UK destination. Searches for the town have grown the most year-on-year – as interest in British holidays rose by 384 per cent in April, compared to the first week of January.

Other destinations topping the chart include Windermere in the Lake District and York in Yorkshire. Here's the top 10:

1. Torquay, Devon

2. Windermere, Lake District

3. York, Yorkshire

4. Newquay, Cornwall

5. Bath, Somerset

6. Whitby, Yorkshire

7. Bowness-on-Windermere, Cumbria

8. Bright, East Sussex

9. Portree, Isle of Skye

10. Bournemouth, Dorset

08:30 AM

Mapped: Which countries are on the red list?

India is the latest addition to the UK's 'red list', meaning that arriving travellers must book hotel quarantine, at a cost of up to £1,750, including Covid tests on day two and eight of their quarantine.

There are now a total of 40 countries on the red list:

08:22 AM

India red list delay 'right thing to do', insists minister

Education Secretary Gavin Williamson defended the delay in putting India on the travel "red list" to protect against coronavirus.

He told Sky News: "It's standard practise to give people a sort of short window in order to be able to manage their affairs. It's the right approach to do, it's the approach we've taken with other countries around the world when they've gone onto the red list.

"The Government continuously reviews the data, continues to review the information we're getting from the scientific community in terms of what countries should be put onto the red list, and sadly India has been one of those countries that has had to be added."

Follow the latest on The Telegraph’s coronavirus live blog.

08:16 AM

In numbers: Coronavirus in the USA

The USA is clamping down on foreign arrivals to the country with the extention of its Do Not Travel list, but how’s the pandemic looking across the Pond?

Here are the latest figures.

08:13 AM

India’s scramble to beat travel deadline

India was placed on the UK’s travel “red list” on Monday, sparking a desperate scramble by families to beat the Friday 4am deadline to return and avoid hotel quarantine.

The standard £400 price for an economy flight from India to the UK skyrocketed to £2,000 due to shortages of tickets on nearly fully booked planes, according to travel agents handling the surge in demand.

More than 1,500 people a day are expected to arrive back in the UK before Friday after Matt Hancock announced the red list ban amid concerns over a spike in coronavirus cases in India and emergence of a new double mutant variant.

Charles Hymas has the full story.

07:36 AM

What happened yesterday?

• India added to UK's red list
• France 'working hard' to reopen to vaccinated travellers
• Sturgeon warns travel traffic light system 'poses risk' from variants
• Holiday enquiries up 127pc since Gov report on travel, says Saga
• Australia and New Zealand open travel bubble
• Portugal, Switzerland and Slovenia ease Covid restrictions
• Covid tests for holidaymakers could fall below £50

Now, on with today's news.