Additional coronavirus restrictions being rolled out across England mean that from this weekend more than half the country will be living in areas from where travel is restricted. It will mean some holidays, particularly half-term holidays can’t go ahead.
In England the government has introduced a three-tiered system, with those living in Tier 3 areas – which are considered “very high risk” – facing the toughest restrictions. Whether your holiday can go ahead will depend both on the area where you live and where you are travelling to.
Tier 3
Government guidance is clear that people in Tier 3, which includes the Liverpool City Region, should not travel to other parts of the UK or stay overnight outside their area.
If you have a UK holiday booked, you should contact the provider and ask for postponement or if that doesn’t suit, a full refund. As with previous lockdowns some holiday cottage companies and other service providers may dispute refunds. We believe, based on CMA guidance, that those affected by Tier 3 lockdowns are due a refund.
The government guidance is less clear when it comes to overseas holidays. You’re still allowed to travel through Tier 3 areas to reach airports, ports and railway stations, which can remain open. But given the advice is not to leave your area, that would seem to include overseas travel.
Unfortunately because the guidance is unclear and isn’t in law, operators and airlines can still operate and it may prove difficult to get a refund.
Many tour operators and some airlines have introduced more flexible booking policies in recent months, so you may be able to move the date of your holiday for free.
Tier 2
People living in “high risk” Tier 2 locations are allowed to go on holiday outside their area, but only with people in their household or support bubble.
If you’ve booked a holiday in the UK with people you don’t normally live with, you should be entitled to a postponement, refund or an alternative holiday.
The government also says that people in Tier 2 areas should “aim to reduce the number of journeys you make where possible” and avoid public transport. You could consider hiring a car for your trip.
There are no restrictions on travelling abroad, except that you should only travel with people in your household or support bubble. Although the FCDO now warns against travel to most destinations. If you travel to a destination with an FCDO warning it’s likely that your travel insurance will be invalidated.
Can I still travel to Scotland and Wales?
This situation is developing. From 6pm on Friday 16 October travel to Wales is banned from Tier 2 and Tier 3 locations in England, from the central belt of Scotland and all of Northern Ireland.
Scotland has not banned travel, but has advised people to stay away from the central belt, which is Greater Glasgow and Clyde, Lanarkshire, Ayrshire and Arran, Lothian, and Forth Valley.
Find out more in our Coronavirus restrictions UK full Q&A
source https://www.which.co.uk/news/2020/10/travel-and-holiday-rules-for-tier-2-and-tier-3-restrictions-qa/