France could be taken OFF the amber plus list next month – just days after it was added

FRANCE could be removed from the new "amber plus" list by next month – just days after the government added it.

The only country on the list, France was not included in the new relaxed restrictions for amber list destinations.

Brits who have been fully vaccinated can now return from countries on the amber list without having to quarantine for 10 days.

France was not included due to the threat of the Beta variant in the country – although ministers have since said that it could be taken off the new list.

Environment Secretary George Eustice said the stricter measures could be scrapped at the start of August during the next travel review, as cases of the Beta variant fall.

He told LBC: "There was a reason at the time that the advice was we should put France on that amber [plus] list.

"It was concern about the Beta variant and the fact that the vaccine might be slightly less effective against that.

"But as those rates come down obviously the evidence will change and it can be reviewed and we will want to be putting countries like France back onto the amber list in the normal way."

BACK ON THE AMBER LIST

Spain and Greece are feared to be on the new amber plus list next month as both countries have higher rates of the new variant, as well as rising Covid cases.

Discussing the recent changes, Paul Charles, chief executive of travel consultancy The PC Agency, told the i: "It is now known as an amber plus list, whether they like it or not.

"France is one of the big three countries we visit each year and I think the concern is the Government will be looking at Spain and Greece and potentially add those to the amber plus category.

 "I think we may see further changes as countries see higher infection rates."

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Government officials have said this is unlikely to happen any time soon, although this may change at the travel review, expected on August 5.

France is currently welcoming only fully vaccinated Brits with a negative test, while both Spain and Greece with accept either both jabs or a negative Covid test.

All of the countries, along with Italy, are introducing mandatory vaccine passports for tourists to be allowed into bars, cafes and attractions.


 

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