Simon Calder: This summer is for the 'bold and desperate'

We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you’ve consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. More info

Simon Calder is a travel journalist and expert who regularly appears on Good Morning Britain to discuss the Governemnt’s latest travel updates. This morning, he spoke about the most recent change in travel rules to Malta, as well as other European countries.

Malta has confirmed it will amend its travel restrictions to allow Britons who have been vaccinated with the AstraZeneca jab to enter the country, regardless of where it was developed.

The Maltese government has changed its rules after Transport Secretary Grant Shapps slammed the country for denying Britons who had been vaccinated with jabs made by the India-based Serum Institute.

Even if they were double-jabbed, Malta did not want travellers who had received the India-made AstraZeneca vaccine to enter the country.

This is despite there being “no difference” between the India-manufactured vaccine and other AstraZeneca jabs made elsewhere, according to Mr Shapps.

However, the Maltese rules regarding this have now changed.

But, speaking on Good Morning Britain (GMB) this morning, Simon Calder said this confusion has showed just how “complicated” it is for Britons to travel abroad at the moment.

He said: “Malta remains on the Government green list for now at least.

“But it just illustrates the incredible amount of complication that’s involved in pretty much any international journey.

DON’T MISS: 
‘No point booking’: Despair as Ibiza and Menorca ‘back on amber list’ [INSIGHT]
Balearic Islands travel: Are the Balearic Islands moving to red list? [EXPLAINED]
French anger as Macron only allows entry with EU-approved vaccine dose [ANALYSIS]

“It’s so much uncertainty.

“It looks as though this summer is for the bold and the desperate.”

Speaking to Richard Madeley and Susanna Reid of GMB, Mr Calder added: “The green list, and amber list, and green watchlist, and red list, are only a UK coming back in issue.

“The other half of the equation is exactly as you say Richard – will the destination let me in?”

“Now it’s varying a great deal.

“Southern European countries in particular are saying yeah we’ll let you in.”

“France, I simply don’t know – I’m hoping to go there this weekend, but I’m not going to book anything until tomorrow because I simply don’t know what might happen.

“Everything has become very very short term.”

Mr Calder continued: “My prediction is that if we see a levelling off in the UK and a calming down, gradually we might see some kind of equilibrium and it will be safe to book.

“But probably not until September.”

The travel expert emphasised that it is a “dreadful dreadful time” for people who want to travel.

“And, of course, the people who I do feel for are those who don’t want a holiday – they want to reunite themselves,” he said.

“Reunite themselves with loved ones they haven’t seen for months or over a year.

“And this is such a stressful time for them.”

As well as the news about Malta, the other travel updates include the fact that the Balearic Islands have been removed from the green list and added to the amber list.

Britons travelling from Ibiza, Majorca, and Menorca will now have to quarantine for 10 days on their return to the UK.

Source: Read Full Article