Govt urged to clarify advice on tier 3 holidays
The UK government is being urged to provide clarity on whether people in tier 3 will be able to travel abroad when the new restrictions come into place in England this week.
Last week, transport secretary Grant Shapps said tier 3 residents would be able to go abroad, telling BBC Radio 4’s Today programme holidays would be allowed ‘if you’re going straight to an airport’.
However, updated guidance published on the government’s website on Saturday says people in tier 3 should avoid international travel.
The government said: "From 2 December you may travel abroad, including to visit friends and family, subject to any restrictions in place at your destination. However, those in Tier 3 should avoid leaving their tier, including for international travel, other than for work, education or caring responsibilities. Before travelling you should check relevant travel advice.
"Between 23 and 27 December, the rules on international travel will not change."
ABTA said it understood the update on the government website was guidance and regulations will be published later this week spelling out what people in tier 3 can do.
It’s understood that people living in tiers 1 and 2 will be able to go to tier 3 to board a flight.
The situation is causing confusion among agents and holidaymakers who are asking them for advice.
"It’s just terrible that this information keeps changing, no wonder people don’t keep to the rules when they just change them when they want to without warning."
Lisa
Lisa joined Travel Weekly nearly 25 years ago as technology reporter and then sailed around the world for a couple of years as cruise correspondent, before becoming deputy editor. Now freelance, Lisa writes for various print and web publications, edits Corporate Traveller’s client magazine, Gateway, and works on the acclaimed Remembering Wildlife series of photography books, which raise awareness of nature’s most at-risk species and helps to fund their protection.
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