Interactive map shows where you can travel amid Covid rules

People are undoubtedly eager to get away after a year in and out of lockdown but at the moment holidays overseas remain banned, with anyone breaching rules facing a hefty fine. 

Last week, Transport Secretary Grant Shapps told people they can “start to think” about booking overseas summer holidays.

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The Cabinet minister said it is the first time in “many months” he was not advising against booking foreign trips.

Now, an interactive map has been created to help people understand Covid-19 test requirements, quarantine protocols and entry restrictions across the world.

The interactive map. Picture: Sherpa

Eager holidaymakers can explore the world by clicking on a destination. The map then tells you what travel restrictions are in place, what documents you must have [in regards to the pandemic] and additional information like whether face coverings are compulsory. 

The map is also colour coordinated, allowing you to easily see where freedom of movement is less restricted.

For example, it currently logs Tanzania as green, meaning it is open for travel and Covid-19 testing or quarantine is not required.

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Meanwhile, Germany is a pale orange colour, with restrictions on entry, a compulsory 10-day quarantine and proof of a negative Covid test needed. 

You can also enter where you are planning to travel from, which offers up additional information. It states that 'most travellers from the United Kingdom are not allowed to visit Germany yet' and gives guidance for your return journey. 

Mr Shapps' comments came just five days after Downing Street published a document which urged people “not to book summer holidays abroad until the picture is clearer”.

What the site says about travelling from the UK to Germany. Picture: Sherpa

On Friday, April 9, Mr Shapps announced a “framework” for the resumption of overseas leisure travel, which included requiring all arrivals to take pre-departure and post-arrival coronavirus tests.

Post-arrival tests must be the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) type which cost about £120, he said.

This led to a furious backlash from the travel industry, which wants travellers returning from low-risk countries to be allowed to take lateral flow tests, which are cheaper and quicker.

While many people are desperate to find out what countries will be placed on the Government’s “green” list for travellers, it is not yet known.

Initial lists will be published early next month.

Anyone wishing to explore the map can find it here: https://apply.joinsherpa.com/map