NEW travel restrictions are being enforced from Monday which will affect your holiday abroad.
Here is what you need to know about travelling abroad right now.
Can I go on holiday right now?
No – all non-essential travel is still banned.
The UK lockdown prevents holidays going ahead both in the UK and abroad.
This will be lifted for domestic holidays from April 12, with self-catered properties opening, followed by group holidays and hotels from May 17.
When can holidays abroad go ahead?
Holidays abroad are yet to be given the go-ahead by the UK government.
The Global Travel Taskforce will announce on April 12 when they will go ahead, with hopes for the earliest date being from May 17.
However, experts have warned that trips abroad may be off all summer.
Quarantine-free holidays may not be allowed to most European countries until as late as August or September – though no final decisions have yet been made.
Health Minister Lord Bethell even warned the UK may slap all of the European neighbours on a travel ban “red list”.
But Matt Hancock denied this was on the cards this morning when asked.
Will I be fined for going on holiday?
People will face a fine of £5,000 for breaking the new laws on holidays abroad.
Previously the holiday ban was implied, as it was not one of the reasons people are allowed to leave their homes.
The new laws come in on Monday as part of lockdown rules being lifted, but effectively there's no big change for holidays as they are already banned.
Where will I be able to go on holiday this summer?
Vaccine passports are being suggested as a way for Brits to go on holiday without restrictions.
Destinations including Spain, Greece and Cyprus have backed the vaccine passports to allow Brits to return without quarantine or tests from May.
Portugal will also welcome Brits while Turkey won't enforce vaccine passports or restrictions this summer.
A “traffic light” system could allow Brits to go on holidays to low risk destinations too.
The scheme being considered by ministers will make it easier for holidaymakers to flock to lower risk “green” areas.
The three-tiered system could see passengers flying to certain countries exempt from pre-departure tests and a mandatory quarantine when they return.
However those looking to get away to higher risk “red” destinations could face tough restrictions such as extra Covid-19 tests and an isolation period.
Destinations likely to remain off the list this year includes New Zealand and Australia, as well as Thailand.
What are the other travel restrictions in place?
Brits already have to also fill out a form if they do want to leave the country, stating their permitted reason to do so, or they will face a £200 fine for not having the right paperwork.
Anyone returning to the UK must quarantine for 10 days at home, with two Covid tests on day 2 and day 8 costing £210.
If returning from a country on the "red-list" then the mandatory 10-day quarantine must be at a government-mandated hotel, at a cost of £1,750 per person.
All arrivals must have a completed Passenger Locator Form too.
Source: Read Full Article
