The UK government has downgraded its advice against ※all but essential travel§ to 32 destinations, including Bangladesh, Malaysia and parts of Africa and the Pacific.
The destinations were not on the government＊s red list 每 which currently features 52 countries and is expected to be updated this week 每 but it had nevertheless advised against travelling to them due to Covid.
The change means travellers visiting the destinations are more likely to be covered by insurance policies, the majority of which are guided by official Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office advice.
It is the latest development in the gradual reopening of international travel to and from the UK. Earlier this week the government＊s much-maligned traffic light system was replaced with a single red list while testing rules for vaccinated travellers were simplified.
The FCDO says the advice has been relaxed ※in light of the improved public health in many countries and territories, better understanding of the virus and the decreased risk to British nationals as a result of the vaccine roll out§.
It will continue to advise against all but essential travel to all red list destinations, but is expected to downgrade its advice to more countries in the coming days.
※These rule tweaks will make travelling more straightforward, supporting businesses and families right across Britain - and allow more of us to see friends and loved ones with greater peace of mind,§ said foreign secretary Liz Truss.
※We＊re striking the right balance between keeping people safe which remains our priority and giving them the freedom to exercise personal responsibility, while supporting the travel sector as it continues to recover.§
The development was welcomed in a statement issued by travel association ABTA. ※Given the UK＊s successful vaccine rollout, we have been calling for the Foreign Office to replace the general use of FCDO advice against travel due to Covid risks with clear, country specific advice so travellers can make an informed choice based on their own circumstances. It is good to see them respond to these calls today and we would welcome further countries' restrictions being lifted,§ said the organisation.
※We hope this marks a continuation of international travel becoming easier and more affordable so the sector can begin its journey to recovery.§
The full list of destinations for which travel FCDO travel advice has been relaxed is as follows: Algeria, American Samoa, Armenia, Bangladesh, Belarus, Benin, Comoros, Congo, Tokelau & Niue, Djibouti, Equatorial Guinea, Fiji, French Polynesia, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Kazakhstan, Kiribati, Kosovo, Liberia, Madagascar, Malaysia, Marshall Islands, Micronesia, Nauru, S?o Tom谷 and Pr赤ncipe, Senegal, Solomon Islands, Togo, Tonga, Tuvalu and Vanuatu.