Covid lockdown: When can I go on holiday abroad and in the UK again?

11 March 2021, 16:42 | Updated: 24 March 2021, 13:07

Holidays in the UK and abroad have seen a huge increase following roadmap out of lockdown announcement
Holidays in the UK and abroad have seen a huge increase following roadmap out of lockdown announcement. Picture: PA

By Zoe Adams

When will holidays, in the UK and abroad, be allowed again as part of the roadmap out of lockdown? Here’s the latest on the coronavirus restrictions.

Booking a summer holiday following the coronavirus lockdown has seen a huge increase in search interest with travel companies reporting a surge in bookings and inquiries.

Destinations such as Spain, Greece, Ibiza and Cyprus have already spoken about opening up their boarders for abroad summer holidays as early as May, leaving many with the question - when can I go on holiday again?

Whether it’s in the UK or abroad you want to travel to, the lockdown rules currently remain that we must all stay at home where possible - however, is it likely we’ll be able to travel again soon? Latest expert comments have admitted travelling abroad this year could be too soon.

Related article: Are Spain and France on the quarantine list? Current travel restrictions explained

Related article: When does the coronavirus lockdown end?

Here’s everything you need to know about going on holiday abroad and in the UK and just how safe it is to book a trip right now:

Holidays abroad could happen as early as May 2021 following rule restrictions being lifted
Holidays abroad could happen as early as May 2021 following rule restrictions being lifted. Picture: PA

When can I go on holiday abroad again?

Currently, all Covid restrictions prevent any travel for leisure. However, on 17th May, as part of the UK government’s roadmap out of lockdown, they will assess just how safe abroad travel is again. Boris has also confirmed he could look into reviewing this restriction earlier.

This will depend on the number of Covid cases in the UK and how the vaccine rollout scheme is going.

It’s expected a number of rules could still be in place with abroad travel even if boarders do open again, such as the possibility of vaccine passports and quarantine.

When can I go on holiday in the UK again?

Holidays in the UK could be allowed sooner than abroad as this lockdown rule will be assessed around 12 April at the earliest.

This will only be permitted, along with the reopening of shops and restaurants at this time, should the government’s four tests for the roadmap out of lockdown be passed.

If all goes through, holidays in the UK will be permitted within your household, or bubble, in self-catering accommodation.

Hotels and B&Bs will be open at a later date in the roadmap.

Most travel companies are offering refunds if Covid restrictions are put in place
Most travel companies are offering refunds if Covid restrictions are put in place. Picture: PA

Nick Ferrari asks Matt Hancock whether Brits can go on holiday

Can I book a holiday right now?

It’s important to check companies rules around coronavirus before you book anything, but many holiday providers are encouraging bookings now.

Most places you will find offer the confidence of getting a full refund should your holiday be affected by Covid restrictions.

It’s worth checking what the refund rules are if you cancel the holiday because of government guidance or if you contract the virus.

You can also find some insurance companies offering special Covid-19 policies but always check before you book.

More Latest News

See more More Latest News

Palestinians carry boxes and bags containing food and humanitarian aid packages delivered by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, a U.S.-backed organization approved by Israel, in Rafah, southern Gaza Strip, Thursday, May 29, 2025.

Controversial aid distributer accuses Hamas of carrying out attack on bus transporting Palestinians

A net balance of 28% of professionals reported seeing the number of sales agreed falling. Sales volumes are generally expected to flatten out rather than fall in the three months ahead, the survey indicated.

House sales tipped to bounce back with 'strongest outlook' since February - but buyer interest still slipping

Supporters of Dignity in Dying celebrate on hearing the result of the vote on the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill, outside the Houses of Parliament in Westminster, London.

UK doctor says helping patients die in Australia is a ‘tremendous privilege’ and calls for law change at home

The body of Yair Yaakov, 59, has reportedly been recovered.

Two more hostages recovered by Israeli forces in Gaza, Netanyahu says

There were reports of vehicles being damaged and burned out, stolen cars, motorbikes being used and bricks thrown at officers amid the disorder, Greater Manchester Police said.

Girl, 16, charged with assaulting an emergency worker in Salford after ‘60 masked youths’ clash with police

The affected products include the Jolly Rancher Hard Candy, “Misfits” Gummies, Hard Candy Fruity 2 in 1, and Berry Gummies, the FSA said.

'Don't eat them': Brits told to avoid popular American sweets linked to cancer amid 'toxicological concern'

A woman has been arrested after a four-year-old boy was found dead in Dunholme End.

Boy, 4, found dead inside Maidenhead home as police arrest woman on suspicion of murder

Exclusive
Caz Holbrook, 54, said 2023 was a "very stressful" year after her landlord evicted her and her 15-year-old son from their home in Ross-on-Wye, Herefordshire

I was evicted after Liz Truss's budget tanked the economy – my son and I ended up in a beetle-infested flat

St Michael's Church, Mytholmroyd

Village church ordered to silence 'cherished' chiming bells after residents' complaints spark huge row

The Bridgerton actress said she has been left with a concussion and "on edge" - and the incident traumatised her dog.

Bridgerton actress Genevieve Chenneour left 'traumatised' after fighting off phone thief who threatened to 'stab' her

Shopper walking through the aisle of a supermarket.

Deadly disease outbreak linked to 'contaminated' UK supermarket item

Demonstrators gathered outside Stoke Newington Police Station in protest against police in schools, after it emerged that a 15-year-old Black girl ('Child Q') was strip-searched by police at a Hackney school, which is thought to be racially motivated.

Officer who strip-searched black schoolgirl while she was on her period admits failings but denies racist motivation

Thomas Tuchel, Head Coach of England

My mum finds Jude Bellingham’s on-field antics repulsive, says Thomas Tuchel

The jury found him not guilty of an additional sexual assault charge and have not yet returned a verdict on a charge of rape.

Harvey Weinstein found guilty in New York sexual assault retrial but acquitted on second charge

A fire broke out at a leisure centre in a town near Ballymena amid ongoing riots.

Masked thugs set leisure centre on fire as residents fear for their life in Ballymena

Brian Wilson performs Pet Sounds at the Pantages Theatre on May 26, 2017 in Los Angeles, California.

Legendary Beach Boys co-founder and primary songwriter Brian Wilson dies aged 82