Portsmouth International Port and Brittany Ferries welcome news of quarantine exemptions

The Foreign and Commonwealth Office will exempt a number of countries from its advisory against all non-essential travel from Saturday.

Around 60 countries and overseas territories are on the Government's initial list for lifting quarantine restrictions, Mr Shapps told Sky News.

You can read the full list of countries here.

However the US and Greece will be excluded from the list of countries with exemptions.

Portsmouth International Port’s director has welcomed the announcement.

Mike Sellers said: ‘Today’s government announcement to remove quarantine restrictions from next Friday for arrivals from France, Spain, and other countries, will be welcome news across the ports industry.

‘Combined with the restart of Brittany Ferries's passenger services to France and Spain from Portsmouth, this means we are ready to get back to what we're good at doing – giving customers the best possible experience to start their trips.

SEE ALSO: The best and worst Wetherspoons in and around Portsmouth according to Google reviews

‘We understand there’s a real appetite to take a short break this summer, with 50 per cent wanting to getaway according to the latest research.

“This means holiday makers travelling by sea not only have the confidence that they’re using one of most appropriate modes of transport to help manage social distancing, but they also do not have to worry about a lengthy quarantine period afterwards.’

He continued: ‘As a port we are working closely with our partners to help welcome back passengers in a safe, sensible and managed way.

‘Our terminal has been reconfigured to manage a one way flow, and we’re fortunate to have spacious, modern facilities, giving protection for our customers and staff.

‘Before you travel always follow the government's foreign office advice to make sure you understand entry requirements for your destination as this is a rapidly changing picture.’

Brittany Ferries has also welcomed the announcement.

Its CEO Christophe Mathieu told The News this week that it wanted clarity over the regulations and today said: ‘We are delighted and relieved that the government has finally set out the framework to end blanket quarantine rules. The move brings clarity to the entire travel sector, and reassurance to the many thousands of Brittany Ferries passengers desperate to travel between the UK, France and Spain this summer.

‘We are prepared for tough times ahead, but today’s announcement is, at least, the silver lining on a summer season beset by dark clouds.’

A message from the Editor

Thank you for reading this story on portsmouth.co.uk. While I have your attention, I also have an important request to make of you.

With the coronavirus lockdown having a major impact on many of our advertisers - and consequently the revenue we receive - we are more reliant than ever on you taking out a digital subscription.

Subscribe to portsmouth.co.uk and enjoy unlimited access to local news and information online and on our app. With a digital subscription, you can read more than 5 articles, see fewer ads, enjoy faster load times, and get access to exclusive newsletters and content. Visit our Subscription page now to sign up.

Our journalism costs money and we rely on advertising, print and digital revenues to help to support them. By supporting us, we are able to support you in providing trusted, fact-checked content for this website.