Can I go on holiday? Rules for travel abroad from Tier 3, Tier 2 and Tier 1 areas in England

England has returned to a “tougher” three-tier system of restrictions after four weeks of lockdown.

It is a similar regional system to the one implemented before the lockdown, except with stricter rules.

International travel out of England was only permitted for essential reasons such as work or education during the lockdown, meaning holidays were off the cards.

However, the rules around foreign trips have changed now the new tiered restrictions have come into place.

Here is everything you need to know about travelling abroad under the new three-tier system.

Can I travel abroad under the new tiered restrictions?

Rules for travel are different under the new Tier 1, Tier 2 and Tier 3 restrictions.

The Prime Minister’s stricter Tier 3 restrictions aim to curb the virus in areas with “very high” infection rates.

The government has instructed Tier 3 residents to "avoid travelling out of the area, other than where necessary such as for work, education, youth services, medical attention or because of caring responsibilities”.

And No 10 indicated that the instruction to avoid travel was law, rather than advice.

However, at the end of November, the transport secretary Grant Shapps confirmed that those living in Tier 3 would be able to travel abroad for leisure - but only if they go “straight to the airport”.

He told the BBC’s Today programme: “We are dissuading people travelling around generally from the very high tier areas.

“You can go abroad. But, of course there is a penalty to pay for that in terms of having a potential quarantine period when you come back.”

Downing Street then confirmed that there will be no legal obstruction when it comes to travelling abroad for a holiday.

For those living in Tier 1 and Tier 2 areas, you are also permitted to travel abroad and you will be able to travel into Tier 3 areas to board a flight.

Members of the public are advised to check FCO advice for their chosen destination and also the UK Government’s travel corridor list before booking.

Will I have to quarantine when I return from holiday?

Mr Shapps also confirmed that, from 15 December, people arriving into England from abroad will be able to reduce their 14-day quarantine if they return a negative Covid test.

Under the new scheme, those arriving from an international destination will still have to enter self-isolation.

They can then wait five days before paying for a Covid test from a private firm, which will cost between £65 and £120.

If the test comes back negative, they will no longer need to quarantine.

The Transport Secretary said: “Our new testing strategy will allow us to travel more freely, see loved ones and drive international business. By giving people the choice to test on day five, we are also supporting the travel industry as it continues to rebuild out of the pandemic."

He added that he wants to see the mandatory quarantine replaced by daily tests in the new year.

Can I take a staycation under the new restrictions?

For those in Tier 3, UK-based holidays are not permitted under the new rules unless for essential reasons, as the government has instructed residents to avoid travelling out of their area.

All hotels, B&Bs and guest houses will also be required to stay closed in Tier 3 areas.

Yet, those in Tier 1 and Tier 2 are permitted to take a staycation in another Tier 1 or Tier 2 area, with hotels and accommodation able to re-open.

Those living in a Tier 2 area will have to follow the Tier 2 rules when they travel to another part of England under the more lenient Tier 1 restrictions.

People in these areas must avoid travel to Tier 3 areas, including overnight stays, but Tier 3 areas can be passed through as part of a longer journey.