Will Malta be on the green list for summer holidays?

MALTA could be one of the few holiday options open to Brits this summer, if it is added to the UK's green list.

The full list of destinations included in the traffic light scheme is expected to be announced this week, with hopes that some European countries could be deemed low-risk.

Countries will be placed on a green, amber or red list depending on the risk they pose to the UK, as well as the current Covid situation in the country and their own vaccine rollout.

In the case of “green” countries, Brits can travel and return home without having to quarantine but still need to have Covid tests.

Malta is expected to be one of the few countries to make the list, due to low case numbers and successful vaccine rollout.

If added to the list, Brits can avoid having to quarantine and will only need:

• A negative test taken before returning to the UK
• A PCR test on day two of your return

Malta has overtaken the UK's vaccine rollout, with 52 per cent given the first jab compared to the UK's 51 per cent.

The country reported just 47 new daily cases yesterday, and one new death.

While Brits hope to travel to Malta from May 17, the country said they will be accepting fully vaccinated tourists from June 1.

Non-vaccinated travellers can still visit, but with a negative Covid test.

Tolene Van Der Merwe, director for the UK and Ireland at MTA, said: “Malta is a very popular destination for British holidaymakers and is a key contributor to Malta’s economy, so we are excited to welcome back fully vaccinated travellers from the United Kingdom from 1 June.

“The people of Malta are looking forward to tourists returning who have loved our sunshine, culture, food and warm spirit year in, year out.”

Life is also nearly back to normal in Malta with few restrictions – from May 10, restaurants will be able to open until 5pm, while groups of four people can meet outside.

The country has even launched a scheme which will pay tourists up to £173 to book a holiday to the island.

Gibraltar, Portugal, Israel and Iceland are also contenders for the coveted green status, but holiday favourites France, Greece and Italy are still some weeks away from being approved and are heading for “amber” status it is believed.

Spain is among the countries hoping to open from June. France says tourists with a French Covid 'health pass' will be welcomed from June 9.

Meanwhile, Greece's tourism minister tweeted that tourism will reopen on May 14, albeit with five security levels.

Portugal and Cyprus hope to welcome UK tourists from mid-May.

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