Spain confirmed today it would be tightening its entry rules for Britons.

Last month, the country axed all extra requirements for British visitors as it sought to recharge its battered tourism industry.

However, following an increase in Delta variant cases in the UK, Spain has tightened its rules again.

Cathy Adams has the full story:

As a reminder, the expanded “green list”, which now includes Malta, the Balearics and Madeira, will come into force at 4am on Wednesday 30 June.

That means if you’re arriving in the UK from a green-rated destination after that time, you won’t be required to self-isolate.

Here’s a full list of all the green grade:

While these territories have been added, all new additions bar Malta remain on the “green watchlist”, meaning they are at risk of turning amber.

Chances are your travel plans now will involve some sort of PCR test: either as a “Fit to Fly” before you depart, or when you return back to the UK.

UK travellers are not permitted to use the free NHS testing service and must instead go through a private firm to obtain their result although, increasingly, travel firms are luring holidaymakers with discounted or subsidised travel tests.

All returning travellers, meanwhile, will be required to take at least two tests: one before departing for the UK, which can be a lateral flow or rapid antigen; and at least one PCR test within two days of arrival to the UK, depending on whether they’ve been to a green, amber or red country.

The average cost of a PCR test is about £120, but we’ve put together a handy guide to some of the cheapest on the market.

Malta has updated its entry requirements for Britons, due to come into force tomorrow. Only those fully vaccinated, aged 12 and above, will be allowed to enter the country.

The Malta Ministry for Health now says that all UK arrivals must present proof of full vaccination “in the form of the NHS COVID-19 Vaccination Certificate Letter issued by the NHS”.

It adds: “Only the paper version of the NHS COVID letter will be accepted which can be requested online or by calling 119. The vaccination certificate will be not accepted in digital or downloaded PDF form. It must be the printed version issued directly from the NHS.”

Spain has confirmed that from midnight on 2 July, all arrivals over the age of 12 from the UK must either show proof of a negative PCR test or evidence of being fully vaccinated.

A vaccination certificate issued by the NHS, either electronically or in print, showing at least 14 days have elapsed since the last dose will suffice.

For those who are not fully jabbed, a negative PCR test (a nucleic acid amplification type) taken within 48 hours of arrival into Spain must be presented. Antigen tests will not be accepted.

Full details are here:

New travel rules for entry into Malta come into effect from tomorrow, 30 June.

Malta says “only fully vaccinated persons” will be admitted from the UK from 30 June – the same day the Mediterranean nation joins the British government’s travel “green list”.

Children under 12 are exempt from the ruling, but those aged 5 to 11 must undergo a PCR test in the 72 hours before arrival in Malta.

In an online update, Visit Malta said: “Currently, only the Maltese vaccination certificate is a valid certificate accepted by the Maltese authorities.

“As from 1 July, the UK (two dose certificate) and the EU digital Covid vaccine certificate will be accepted as well.”

It is understood the NHS app will be accepted as certification.

Read the full story here:

A growing band of restrictions in Europe isn’t stopping British travellers from searching for their next holiday.

Data from Skyscanner shows that bookings rose by 217 per cent in the last week, with “green list” Balearics, Malta and Barbados high in travellers’ sights.

The most popular routes booked were from London to Mallorca, up 703 per cent; and from London to Ibiza, up 556 per cent, said the flight platform.

“We’ve seen a busy few days of searches and bookings, as eager travellers reacted to the news of the updated green list destinations,” says Martin Nolan, Skyscanner consumer rights traveller expert.

“Our data shows that people want holidays in the sun, as the Balearic Islands are the top searched and booked destination on Skyscanner since the announcement was made. We’re seeing plenty of travel providers keeping prices low to compete for bookings and there are still extremely attractive deals to be had for summer trips which include flexible booking options.”

Scotland will lift its ban on non-essential travel from Manchester and Salford.

The new travel curbs came into effect on 21 June and were disputed by Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham.

The ban between Scotland and the two English cities will end tonight, although curbs on Blackburn and Darwen will remain.

Scotland’s health secretary, Humza Yousaf, said: “Nobody wants travel restrictions in place for any longer than is absolutely necessary.

“Placing restrictions on travel between Scotland and parts of north west England was only taken after extremely careful consideration and analysis of data to help prevent the spread of variants of concern.

“Following a careful review of the data we have decided to ease travel arrangements between Scotland and Manchester, Salford and Bolton.

“However, the situation regarding Blackburn and Darwen will need to be closely monitored and will be reviewed again in a week’s time.”

Additional reporting by agencies

As Spain tightens its entry requirements from 2 July to require all British arrivals to either be fully vaccinated or present a negative PCR test certificate, we’ve got everything you need to know about travel to the country and its islands this summer.

Meanwhile in the Common Travel Area...

Ireland is to restrict indoor drinking and dining in bars and restaurants to those who are fully vaccinated or who have previously been infected by Covid-19, Prime Minister Micheal Martin announced on Tuesday, due to concerns over the Delta variant spread.

“A return to other indoor activities, including hospitality, will be delayed ... given the increased transmissibility for the Delta variant,” Mr Martin said.

The safest way to now proceed with a return to indoor hospitality is to limit access to those who have been fully vaccinated or have recovered from COVID infection, he said.

Ireland would be one of the first places in Europe to introduce such a measure. Moscow introduced similar restrictions on Monday.

Reporting by agencies