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Red list set to be slashed
England’s red list is set to be slashed to just a handful of countries.
Currently numbering dozens of countries, it will be reduced to only about 12, with key destinations Brazil, Mexico and South Africa expected to be removed.
Arriving from a red list country requires mandatory hotel quarantine costing more than £2,000.
The government is expected to announce updates to the red list today, 7 October, following a ministers meeting.
The exact number of countries that will be removed from red is still unclear but separately analysts have predicted anywhere from nine to 18 countries will remain red after the announcement.
The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) has urged the government to completely scrap the red list and get long haul leisure travel rebounding quicker.
It believes the UK has been far too cautious compared to other countries especially with its high vaccination rates.
Separately the Foreign Office dropped its advice against nonessential travel for 32 countries and territories as it works to streamline its travel advice.
"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," Foreign Minister Liz Truss said.
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Editor for TravelMole North America and Asia pacific regions. Ray is a highly experienced (15+ years) skilled journalist and editor predominantly in travel, hospitality and lifestyle working with a huge number of major market-leading brands. He has also cover in-depth news, interviews and features in general business, finance, tech and geopolitical issues for a select few major news outlets and publishers.
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