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The four nations of the United Kingdom have introduced new restrictions aimed at reducing the growth of coronavirus infections. These are the implications if you plan to travel abroad.
(In any case, you should not leave the house if you or someone in your household has any symptoms of coronavirus, including a high temperature, continuous cough, or loss of smell or taste.)
I have a holiday booked abroad, but I live in an area in Wales that has local lockdown measures. I can go?
No. It is the general policy of the Welsh government for places with high infection rates that holidays are not a reason to leave the area.
“Regulations are in place to protect you and your loved ones from the coronavirus and to prevent the spread of the virus to other areas of Wales, the UK and other countries,” says the government in Cardiff.
“Contact your travel agent or tour company to discuss the current situation … and the restrictions that the Welsh government has put in place to restrict non-essential travel.”
Can I get a refund?
The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) says it should. A refund is due, says the CMA, when “a consumer cannot receive goods or services, because, for example, lockdown laws … have made it illegal to receive or use the goods or services.”
But note the word “in general” when the CMA says: “A consumer will generally be entitled to a refund when they have paid money in advance for services or goods that cannot be provided due to the coronavirus pandemic.”
This opinion has not yet been fully proven in court. While package travel companies like Tui and Jet2 have been very cooperative, a DIY trip could prove more difficult.
Ryanair and Wizz Air have not provided refunds or free rebooking opportunities when the flight is flown, and a foreign accommodation provider may not be interested in the reasons for your cancellation, although they may be prepared to discuss a postponement .
I live in a closed area in England and I have a holiday booked. I can go?
For areas of England that are currently subject to additional restrictions, such as Bolton, the government says: “We recommend that you travel only for essential reasons when traveling to, in and out of Bolton.” The definition of “essential” includes work, education, or medical care.
But the government also says: “You can still go on vacation outside of Bolton, but you should only do this with the people you live with.”
So you could travel with your family to Manchester Airport and go on vacation, but not with a group of friends.
But I am reserved with three companions. Can we get a refund for our vacation?
That is a sensitive issue. If you have booked a suitable vacation package and can show the tour operator that you had originally booked with people from other households then you should be able to claim a refund (citing the CMA view if necessary).
But if you planned to drive together to, say, Germany, through the English Channel Tunnel, you are much less likely to get a reward. However, Eurotunnel will allow postponements without penalty.
We live in Glasgow under local lockdown measures and are booked to go on holiday to Turkey with two other couples. Can we all socialize when we get there?
Strictly speaking, no. The Edinburgh government says: “Members of up to two households … may continue to meet … in hospitality settings.” Given that you would be from three households, you would technically be breaking Scottish rules by meeting at a bar in Bodrum.
However, you will be flying on a plane with 180 total strangers from different households and you will not break Turkish law when meeting. As with much of the coronavirus pandemic, there is no clear answer.
However, your vacation company is unlikely to contemplate offering a refund, especially if each couple has booked separately for the same trip.
Much of North East England is “an area of national intervention”. Can I fly to and from Newcastle airport?
Yes, although the authorities prefer that you not use the Tyne & Wear metro to get to or from the airport. They say you are “advised to use public transportation only for essential purposes.”
Will travel insurance cover losses?
It all depends on the wording of the policy, which in turn can depend on when you got the cover. Policies issued before mid-March 2020 are likely to be more generous than those sold later. But you should do everything you can to get your money back from providers before going to your insurer.
Is it worth it, or is it morally justifiable, to contemplate a vacation abroad right now?
The Northern Ireland government urges its citizens to think twice: “Please carefully consider your vacation and travel options, in light of the continuing Covid-19 threat.
“A ‘stay at home’ is a way of mitigating risks, while supporting the local economy.”
But being in a warm and sunny place like Cyprus, southern Italy, or mainland Greece, with a very low risk of coronavirus and a predominantly outdoor lifestyle, probably puts you at a much lower risk of contracting the virus, and you will also be at great risk of contracting the virus. Benefits for the body and mind.
However, keep in mind that rapidly changing quarantine rules mean that you may need to isolate yourself for 14 days upon your return.
