Coronavirus, Will I be able to go on holiday this year

People in England can now go outside for unlimited exercise and recreation, and more people are returning to work.  But when will people be able to go away for a break?

Can I go on holiday now?

Holidays are not permitted under the new guidance.  You are free to drive any distance to other destinations in England, like parks and beaches, but are not supposed to stay overnight somewhere you do not normally live. This includes any second property you may own. This means you cannot rent a self-catering cottage or Airbnb property, and UK campsites, hotels and holiday parks will remain shut until at least 4 July. In terms of day trips, many national parks remain closed, and public facilities such as car parks and toilets may not be open either. People are also being advised to avoid public transport wherever possible.  Cumbria Police has urged people not "to rush to the Lake District" and Visit Cornwall also asked visitors to stay away.  In addition, people who live in England cannot travel into Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland, where residents are are still being told to avoid any non-essential travel.

Can I go on a foreign holiday? 

The Foreign Office is still advising British nationals against any non-essential foreign travel, and is urging those abroad to return home, if possible.  Various other countries like the US have travel restrictions which prevent or limit foreign arrivals, and many airlines are offering a reduced service, or have suspended all flights.  The UK has said it will introduce a 14-day quarantine period as soon as possible, which will apply to both visitors and UK nationals returning home, although people coming from Ireland and France will be exempt. 

Should I book a summer holiday? 

It is just not possible to say at this stage. Hotels and holiday resorts in England may start to reopen at the beginning of July, if the government considers enough progress has been made against its five tests. Restrictions may also ease across the rest of the UK, allowing people to travel more widely at home. Ryanair and British Airways plan to ramp up their flights in July, and EasyJet hopes it will join them. All TUI and First Choice holidays are cancelled until at least 11 June.  Health Secretary Matt Hancock has warned "big, lavish international holidays" are unlikely to be possible this summer. 

What are other countries doing?

European countries are also considering how to handle the summer holiday season. The EU has insisted there will be a summer season this year. The European Commission has proposed a gradual lifting of travel restrictionsthroughout the EU. Seasonal workers and citizens of countries with similar levels of infections could start to travel more freely first.  The commission recommends people follow social distancing rules and use mandatory face masks while travelling, and that there is controlled access to hotel and restaurant facilities in resorts.

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