Advertisement Overseas trips are to be permitted under a 'traffic light' country classification scheme with different requirements. But which countries will be classed 'green'? This is a watershed moment. Transport secretary Grant Shapps has come to his senses at last, with travel abroad possible from as early as May 17. 'I'm not advising against booking summer holidays,' he said yesterday, cautiously encouraging people to start planning trips as he laid out new travel rules. Overseas trips are to be permitted under a 'traffic light' country classification scheme with different requirements: Green countries will not require a return quarantine, although pre-departure Covid tests will be necessary and a further test when back.