BORIS Johnson has allowed people to meet up for Christmas in bubbles of up to three households – but ministers are urging people to be careful about their trips.
There are fears growing over family Christmas meals having to be cancelled as people across the UK decide whether to meet up or not.
So, what are the rules for travelling between Tiers and what are the Government urging people to do over the festive season?
Can I travel between Tiers at Christmas?
Yes.
The Tier rules will be relaxed between December 23 and 27th to allow people to visit family and friends for the holidays.
That means people will be able to travel across or into whatever Tier they need to in order to make their trips.
So people living in Tier 3 will be allowed to travel out – even though they are discouraged from doing so at the moment.
People who want to travel into a Tier 3 area will also be allowed to do so.
Are there different rules for travelling in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland?
People living in Northern Ireland or travelling to Northern Ireland will get an extra day to be able to travel over the Christmas period.
The travel rules are the same in Scotland and Wales – people are still able to cross Tiers to get home.
Can I stay in a hotel in Tier 3 when I travel for Christmas?
Yes.
Accommodation such as hotels, B&Bs, campsites, holiday lets and guest houses must close in Tier 3, but can stay open for the Christmas period.
In Tier 3, in order to be located near your Christmas bubble, you can stay in a hotel between 22 and 28 December, as long as you’re staying by yourself or with other members of your household, or support bubble.
You should not gather as a Christmas bubble in a hotel, hostel or B&B unless a member of your bubble lives there permanently.
You can stay in private rented accommodation such as short term holiday lets with members of your household, or your Christmas bubble.
Can I travel abroad for Christmas?
People are allowed to travel abroad in Tiers 1 and 2, but people in Tier 3 are discouraged from leaving except for work, education or taking care of kids.
But it’s not illegal – so if you do this, you don’t face a fine.
The travel rules are not going to change for international trips during the Christmas period, meaning people should stay in the country over Christmas if they can.
Can I travel to the UK over the Christmas period?
Yes, anyone can visit the UK but will have to isolate for ten days when they get here.
If they arrive after today (December 15) then they can opt to be released from isolation early with a test from a specific provider after five days.
But they have to wait for a negative test result first.
Anyone who has flown in and is still isolating can’t meet others for Christmas – and anyone with a positive test will not be able to meet others either.
