Local lockdowns could affect your holiday plans - the rules explained across the UK

Restrictions vary across the UK with regards to travel (Photo: Shutterstock)Restrictions vary across the UK with regards to travel (Photo: Shutterstock)
Restrictions vary across the UK with regards to travel (Photo: Shutterstock)

Millions of people around the UK are now affected by local lockdown restrictions intended to stem the spread of coronavirus.

Though measures vary slightly from place to place, local lockdowns usually entail a ban on household mixing, along with restrictions on the number of people at certain events, such as weddings and funerals.

Many will have booked holidays in the coming months, so what are the rules on going away if you're from a local lockdown area? Here's everything you need to know.

England

In England, government guidance states that those living in a local lockdown area are still permitted to go on holiday outside of the area, including to destinations abroad.

If you are from a local lockdown area, you should not go away with anyone outside of your household or support bubble.

If you are not from a local lockdown area, guidance states that, by law, you cannot go on holiday with people outside your household or support bubble in a group larger than six.

Should you go on holiday with people from outside your support bubble or household, you must maintain social distancing while there, meaning staying in separate dwellings would be advisable.

If you go abroad, you should stay up to date with the latest guidance on the UK's travel corridors list, as a country may be added to this list at any time.

If you are travelling into a local lockdown area on holiday, regardless of whether you've come from a local lockdown area or not, you should follow the local restrictions for that area carefully.

In particular, you should not stay in a private home or dwelling with anyone who you do not live with.

Scotland

Indoor social visits to any other household are currently banned in Scotland, meaning that holidays with another household (unless part of your support bubble) are not permitted, regardless of whether you live in a local lockdown area or not.

Though First Minister Nicola Sturgeon implored families not to book a foreign holiday for the upcoming October school holidays, there are currently no legal restrictions on booking a trip abroad if you live in Scotland.

The same applies to travelling within the UK, though guidance advises people in Scotland to avoid travelling to any areas under local lockdown, including areas in England.

Guidance states that "travel between Scotland and areas affected should only be carried out if absolutely essential."

If your travel is essential, you should check local guidance carefully before you go and follow the relevant restrictions during your stay.

If you return from a country on Scotland's travel quarantine list, you should follow guidance on self-isolation when you return.

Northern Ireland

Mixing indoors between households is also banned in Northern Ireland, meaning you should only holiday with members of your household or support bubble.

The government is encouraging people in NI to "carefully consider your holiday and travel options, in light of the continuing Covid-19 threat", encouraging "staycations" within Northern Ireland as an alternative to international travel.

Travel from or into local lockdown areas is to be avoided for all but "absolutely necessary" purposes. Where travel is necessary for work, education and other essential purposes, people are asked to walk, cycle or use private transport, shared only with members of their household where possible.

Wales

In Wales, you are not permitted to meet any other households indoors, meaning you can't go on holiday with anyone who is not a part of your household or extended household.

If you live in a local lockdown area in Wales, you will not be permitted to leave your geographical area without a reasonable excuse, such as an emergency.

This includes holidays within the UK or abroad, meaning that those under local lockdown restrictions may be forced to cancel any pre-booked holidays.