Gibraltar vs Malta – the only two European holiday destinations likely to be on UK green list next month

ONLY eight countries are expected to be added to the UK's green list next month – with two in Europe.

Gibraltar and Malta are likely to be the only two destinations which Brits will be able to visit from next month without having to quarantine.

The UK government, using a traffic light scheme, hope to open international travel again to holidaymakers from May 17 at the earliest.

The "green" list, yet to be revealed, will include countries with low Covid cases and strong vaccine rollout, as well as other criteria.

One expert has said that countries including the US, Australia and New Zealand could be on the list, although remain closed to Brits right now.

However, the two small European nations could be welcoming Brits back for a holiday next month.

Gibraltar has reported just 4,291 cases since the pandemic began, with 94 deaths, while Malta has reported 29,966 cases – much lower than its neighbouring countries.

Gibraltar has even offered the vaccine to every adult making it the first country to do so, while Malta has given the first jab to 42 per cent of the population, close behind the UK's 48 per cent.

This means both countries are likely to be on the UK's "green" list when it is announced.

Brits are also likely to be welcomed back by the countries – not only is Malta allowing vaccinated Brits to visit without restrictions from June, but they are also offering to pay tourists as much as £173 to book a holiday.

Gibraltar, however, is yet to reopen to tourists just yet, including Brits.

If they do open in time for the summer, families will be able to find cheap deals and good weather.

Gibraltar sees highs of 28C during the peak summer season, while staying in the earlier 20s until October.

Malta is even warmer with temperatures around 31C in July and August, and remaining above 20C in November.

Three-hour flights to Gibraltar start from £28.99 with easyJet or three night weekend breaks and flights from £129 with British Airways.

HolidayPirates has a bargain for Malta too with three night stays at a four-star hotel, with return flights, for just £101pp.

It's unlikely that holiday hotspots such as Spain and Greece will make the "green" list due to their slow vaccine rollout and increasing number of daily Covid cases.

Instead, they may be placed onto the "amber" list which would require a mandatory home quarantine and two Covid tests.

"Red" list countries will require a hotel quarantine, costing £1,750 per traveller.

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