When will we be able to travel abroad?

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Prime Minister Boris Johnson has laid out his “roadmap” out of lockdown as the UK continues in its third national shutdown. While some people managed to get away for a holiday last summer, the majority of Brits cautiously chose to stay at home. The travel industry has been one of the most adversely affected sectors during the pandemic, with an essential halting of all services leading to huge losses in revenue and profit.

Industry leaders have said the UK’s aviation sector urgently needs more Government support if it’s to survive the coming months.

International arrivals in the UK now have to quarantine for ten days at a hotel, organised by the Government and paid for themselves.

While accepting the new measures inevitably aid in protecting public health, airline bosses have said they raised the possibility of potential airport closures to cut costs.

Karen Dee, chief executive of the Airport Operators Association, urged ministers to set out industry-specific plans to help airports survive the financial tempest.

When will we be able to travel abroad?

Travel has been a sector with ever-changing rules throughout the pandemic. 

The Government has come under fire for keeping the borders open throughout the whole lockdwon, and only choosing to restrict entry 10 months down the line. 

The Prime Minister has only provided a provisional date for when travel may be able to reopen. 

Mr Johnson said international travel from England will be banned until May 17 at the very earliest. 

The Prime Minister gave his update while issuing his “roadmap” out of restrictions for the country. 

Since then, however, the Government has confirmed a move to the next stage of its reopening of the economy, which will take plact on April 12.

The Government will likely update the nation on the situation as we get closer to May 17. 

International travel isn’t just dependent on the UK, but of course whichever country you’re heading to as well. 

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The case may be that foreign countries will restrict travel to tourists for some time to come. 

The travel industry has breathed a sigh of relief at the prospect of people being able to go on holiday this summer. 

Overnight stays in self-contained accommodation that don’t require any shared use will be allowed from April 12 at the earliest. 

Paul Charles, chief executive of travel consultancy firm the PC agency, said this was “the news the travel sector really wanted”. 

He added: “I’m sure virtually everyone in the travel sector will be pleased with the greater clarity and a timeframe of May for enabling those who’ve been vaccinated to travel overseas. 

“By then, there will be over 16million people eligible to travel abroad to see family, or for business or leisure, in a safe and responsible way.”

Mr Charles said the 850 travel firms who backed his Save Our Summer campaign would also “welcome the Prime Minister’s boost to confidence”. 

He went on: “It means more consumers can be reassured that their 2021 summer trip can take place, or they can get a refund or refix their travel date. 

“They can book knowing that this summer will be even safer than the last.”

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