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.