However, more restrictions are set to be reintroduced across Europe as rates of new Covid-19 infection continue to surge on the continent, with several nations already having taken action.
Prime minister Boris Johnson, meanwhile, reportedly received £1,800 in hospitality from Heathrow when he used a lounge at the airport as he travelled to Spain for a controversial holiday.
Here are the key headlines travel woke up to on Friday (19 November)
Holidays saved as booster jabs added to NHS app
Holidays will be easier for UK travellers this Christmas after news that the NHS app will begin showing details of booster jabs in the “coming days”. Proof of having received a third vaccine dose will be displayed on the travel section of the digital Covid pass. (The Times)
No countries added to red list despite rising infections in Europe
The UK government has confirmed that no countries will be added to the red list for international travel. The list will continue to remain empty after the regular three-week review on Thursday (18 November), according to a tweet from transport secretary Grant Shapps. (The Independent)
Lockdowns return to Europe as virus surges
Europe is facing the potential return of full lockdowns as the fourth wave of the virus sweeps across the continent. German chancellor Angela Merkel said that it was “time to act” and added “unspecified” measures would be taken in the worst-affected states in the country. (The Telegraph)
Johnson declares £1,800 Heathrow hospitality amid Spanish holiday row
Prime minister Boris Johnson has declared that he received £1,800 worth of hospitality from Heathrow as part of his controversial holiday to Spain in October. The PM declared that he used the Windsor Suite at Terminal 5 in the latest register of MPs’ interests. (The Guardian)
UK consumer confidence improving despite surging inflation
British consumers are feeling more confident in the run-up to Black Friday and Christmas, despite inflation reaching its highest level for 10 years. Economists welcomed the survey results as evidence that consumers are ready to go on a “splurge” of spending in the next few weeks. (Financial Times)
One in three feel UK’s reputation ’damaged’ by pandemic response
A survey has found that more than one-third of Britons think the way the UK has handled the coronavirus pandemic has damaged its reputation around the world. While 21% said the country’s reputation has been enhanced by its Covid response. (Sky News)
