Will I be able to see family and friends over Christmas?
The festive period will be very different this year. We’ll have to wait until 2 December to find out how the situation looks. Many Christmas markets in the UK will be cancelled, for example, and we are being encouraged to prepare for a ‘digital’ Christmas. Under Tier 3 rulings, it wouldn’t be possible to meet up with other households inside or outside – but under Tier 1 measures, gatherings of up to six people would be allowed to raise a festive toast in pubs and restaurants and pull a cracker or two. George Eustice, the environment secretary, has said, ‘We want people to be able to celebrate Christmas in a way that is as close to normal as possible, but it is too early to say exactly what the situation will be come Christmas, and to say what different parts of the country will or will not be able to do.’
What happens after lockdown 2.0 is lifted?
It’s hoped that the UK-wide travel ban will be lifted on 2 December. If cases aren’t under control, then some restrictions may be continued – and we will most likely see a return to the three-tier system in England (different measures are in place in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland). A government statement said that, ‘At the end of the period, we will look to return to a regional approach, based on the latest data.’ As for the ban on international travel, again, that depends on the infection rate in the UK and on the situation in other countries.
Will I be able to travel in the UK for Christmas?
If lockdown is lifted on 2 December, then we will probably return to a three-tier system – so any UK travel depends on the tier that is allocated to where you live, and where you are going. But hotels and restaurants are expected to reopen in time for Christmas, so a festive winter holiday in the UK could be on the cards for many people. Bear in mind that England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland will all have differing measures in place.
Can I travel abroad for Christmas?
Assuming England’s lockdown is lifted on 2 December, then you may be able to travel overseas. Bear in mind that with rising infection rates in many areas, lockdowns are currently in place in several countries, such as Portugal, Italy and France. It’s best to take a wait-and-see approach. With different countries responding to Covid in different ways, the danger is, as we’ve seen in recent months, getting in a country that decides to enter lockdown while you’re there. But there are several countries, including the Maldives, that don’t have strict restrictions in place and to which UK residents can – in theory – travel without quarantining on return. For inspiration, see our guide to where is safe to travel from the UK.
If I’ve already booked a holiday overseas for Christmas, should I cancel?
No. If you cancel your flight before it’s cancelled by the airline or travel operator, then you forfeit your right to a refund or the ability to amend travel dates free of charge.
Could lockdown be extended beyond 2 December?
We hope not, but it’s not out of the question. Michael Gove told Sky News that this would be an option if infections rates hadn’t fallen.
Will this affect Father Christmas’s ability to deliver my presents?
No, he has special dispensation to travel (and can quarantine after 25 December).
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