Can I go on holiday during October half term? UK travel restrictions explained for local lockdown areas

Tougher coronavirus restrictions are expected to be introduced in parts of England next week, which could see the Prime Minister introduce a new three-tier system for local lockdowns.

Under such rules, different measures would be introduced in accordance with the number of Covid-19 cases.

Areas with significantly high infection rates are likely to face tougher restrictions, including the possible closure of pubs, cafes and restaurants.

Parts of West Yorkshire, the North East, North West and the Midlands are already under local restrictions, including Leeds, Newcastle, Greater Manchester, and Birmingham. The measures have seen all indoor meetings with other households banned.

With the October half-term holidays coming up, many families across England may be planning a short getaway. But what do rules say about travel in areas under local lockdowns?

Here’s everything you need to know.

Can people under local lockdown go on holiday?

Government guidance states that you can go on holiday outside of the area you live in if local restrictions are in place.

However, you should only socialise indoors with members of your own household, or support bubble.

Rules state that you can only stay in a private home, which includes self-catered accommodation such as holiday cottages, apartments, or boats, with members of your own household or support bubble.

You may also stay in a hotel or similar accommodation, such as a hostel or bed and breakfast, with another household, but should avoid sharing rooms with people you do not live with.

Socialising indoors, such as in each other’s rooms, reception areas, restaurants and bars, should also be avoided.

It is also advised against sharing a caravan with another household, as well as sharing private vehicles to travel to your holiday destination.

What about foreign travel?

There is currently no ban on travel abroad for people who live in an area under local lockdown, but quarantine restrictions are in place for some countries.

Can I visit other parts of the UK?

If you are visiting other parts of the UK, you must adhere to the laws and guidance of the devolved administrations.

In Scotland, the government is currently advising against travelling to the Central Belt, which includes the health board areas of Greater Glasgow and Clyde, Lanarkshire, Ayrshire and Arran, Lothian (including the city of Edinburgh), and Forth Valley. This guidance applies to people from all parts of the UK, although no formal travel restrictions have been put in place as yet.

Can I go abroad?

If you wish to travel internationally, you should follow the laws of other countries and international travel advice from the Foreign Commonwealth Development Office (FCDO).

Countries and territories that are included on the UK government’s approved travel corridors list can be visited without having to quarantine on return to the UK.

However, if you travel to any regions not featured on this list, including Spain, France, Portugal and Turkey, you must self-isolate for 14 days on your return.

What happens if rules change while I’m away?

Guidance states that if you are on holiday with another household at the time local restrictions are brought in, and are staying in a private home, you should finish your holiday as planned if it is not reasonable for you to curtail your stay.

However, until the end of your holiday you should make every effort to reduce socialising indoors outside of your household and follow local regulations and guidance.

If you are travelling in a country that is removed from the travel corridors exemptions list, it is not advised that you immediately return to the UK. Instead, you should continue to follow the local advice.

You may be required to self-isolate when you arrive back in the UK depending on the date quarantine restrictions take effect.