People who have had two vaccinations arriving from amber list countries will no longer need to self-isolate for 10 days from today. They will still have to take a test three days before returning and have a PCR test on day two back in the UK.

However, quarantine rules remain in place for people returning from France, following a shock rule change by the government over the weekend.

Arrivals from France must continue to quarantine in their own accommodation for 10 days and complete a day two and day eight test, regardless of vaccination status.

While France officially remains on the amber list, there are concerns over levels of the Beta variant in the country.

Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said: “Travel will be different this year and whilst we are committed to continuing to open up international travel safely, our absolute priority is to protect public health here in the UK.

“We urge everyone thinking about going abroad this summer to check their terms and conditions as well as the travel restrictions abroad before they go.”

Chaos for holidaymakers

Rory Boland, travel editor of Which?, said the timing of these sudden changes will cause chaos for huge numbers of people just as the summer holidays are beginning.

“Those who have just arrived in France will now face quarantine on their return, while anyone due to travel there imminently needs to decide whether their holiday can still go ahead. Many will struggle to get a refund or claim on their insurance,” he said.

“These changes are a reminder that travelling this summer comes with considerable risk.”

Research last month by Which? found just two out of 263 travel insurance policies on the market offered full protection for Covid-related disruption, including cancellation due to changes in government advice.

A further 85 policies provided cancellation cover for travellers having to self-isolate without a positive test, but not for government advice changing.