LONDON: The British government has removed three Arab nations from the list of countries it advises people not to travel as part of the UK’s COVID-19 precautions.
Algeria, Comoros and Djibouti are among 30 countries removed from the Foreign Office’s “red list” of nations to which it warns that all but essential travel should be avoided.
The decision means that travel insurance will again be available to Britons flying to these countries, as insurance companies use government guidance in deciding whether to offer or exclude cover for certain destinations.
Advice against traveling is expected to be lifted from additional countries in the coming days. While a further loosening of the restrictions is likely, travel firms have been warned that precautionary measures might be reintroduced in “exceptional circumstances,” for example if healthcare facilities are overwhelmed by a new wave of COVID-19 infections.
The essential travel only warning remains in place for the countries still on Britain’s “red list.”
Foreign Secretary Liz Truss said the latest easing of restrictions will “make traveling more straightforward” and help to support businesses and families.
“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,” she added.
