Ban on foreign holidays is on track to lift on May 17

The ban on foreign holidays is on track to be lifted on May 17, Downing Street said last night, with travel opened up to as many as 30 countries.

Covid laws mean anyone caught taking a foreign holiday before the end of June currently faces a £5,000 fine.

But No10 said ministers were now confident the ban will be lifted on May 17 – the most optimistic date set out in Boris Johnson’s roadmap for easing the lockdown.

The ban on foreign holidays is on track to be lifted on May 17, Downing Street said last night, with travel opened up to as many as 30 countries

Countries such as Israel, Iceland and some Caribbean islands could be included on the list

There has so far been no sign of the feared spike in Covid cases since the reopening of shops, gyms, hairdressers and outdoor hospitality last week – which could have derailed the roadmap.

Asked about the May 17 target, the PM’s official spokesman said: ‘There is nothing in the data that suggests we need to change the dates.’ A final decision will be made early next month. But Paul Charles, boss of travel consultancy The PC Agency, said he expected up to 30 countries to be considered ‘green’ destinations – not requiring travellers to quarantine upon return.

Hopes of an early return for foreign holidays were boosted after the EU indicated UK residents would be exempt from a travel ban because of this country’s high vaccination rate.

Israel, Iceland and some Caribbean islands are among the countries most likely to be named on the initial ‘green list’ next month.

The Commons transport committee yesterday urged ministers to name the ‘green list’ by May 1 to give firms and families time to plan.