BRITS are eager to plan their next holiday abroad after a year of lockdowns and restrictions.
Here is everything we know so far about holidays starting again.
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Can I currently go on holiday?
No, holidays are banned due to the UK lockdown which prevents any non-essential travel, both domestically and internationally.
The lockdown has been in place since January, due to the current coronavirus situation.
The only reasons for travel to be allowed are essential reasons such as for work or education reasons, or extenuating circumstances.
What are the current travel restrictions?
For people who are still travelling for essential reasons, such as work or education, there are new travel restrictions in place.
All arrivals must have three negative coronavirus tests – taken before departure, and on day 2 and day 8 of quarantine.
The two tests taken during the quarantine period must be booked through the government portal, live from tomorrow, before departure, and cost £210 for both.
A Passenger Locator Form must also be completed, with up to ten years in prison if providing false information.
Most arrivals can quarantine at home for 10 days, or five days if taking a fourth Covid test through the Test to Release scheme.
However, arrivals from one of 33 "high-risk" countries which includes the UAE, South America and South African nations, must pay £1,750 and quarantine at a government-mandated hotel for 10 days.
This price includes the room, the two coronavirus tests and food.
Anyone who tries to go on holiday from Monday will face fines up to £5,000 under new laws.
How many Covid tests will I need when returning to the UK
- Before arrival – mandatory PCR test taken up to 72 hours before departure
- Day 2 – mandatory PCR test
- Day 5 – optional PCR test (only if leaving the Test and Release scheme)
- Day 8 – mandatory PCR test
When will holidays go ahead?
Holidays abroad hope to restart by the summer, although this is yet to be confirmed by the government.
Boris Johnson announced that international travel will be given a start date on April 12 – and it could resume by May 17, in time for the May holidays, or June 21, in time for summer holidays.
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.
UK holidays are resuming much earlier – self-catered accommodation will reopen from April 12, for one household.
Hotels and holiday parks will reopen with the rule of six from May 17, while non-restricted England holidays will resume from June 21.
Should I book a holiday anyway?
Many tour operators and airlines are now offering coronavirus protection as well as free changes or refunds.
TUI offers free changes if you contract COVID-19 before you travel and overseas medical assistance.
Jet2 has a Holiday Refund Guarantee that promises a quick refund to customers if the company has to cancel your holiday due to coronavirus, while easyJet lets you move your hols up to 28 days before you’re due to travel.
Brits should be aware that if they cancel their holidays, they may face last minute changes or being left out of pocket.
However, families who hold out to book even a UK holiday may also be faced with shortages or more expensive choices.
Cornwall tourism boss Malcom Bell warned that some people have even been placed onto a waitlist for holidays in the region to to demand this summer.
Easter holiday prices jumped in price last month, with some costing up to £1,500 more than usual.
Pitchup.com's Dan Yates said that booking holidays BEFORE lockdown end dates are given mean you can get better deals.
He explained: "In June last year, campsites opened – as soon as that speech happened, 10 days before the opening date, our bookings quadrupled.
"We had one booking every three seconds. People will want to secure their best spot, so we expect the same when lockdown ends this time around."
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