Holidays abroad risk £5,000 fine from Monday

Under new rules people going on a foreign holiday could face a £5,000 fine

Author: Chris MaskeryPublished 23rd Mar 2021
Last updated 23rd Mar 2021

New coronavirus laws will mean anyone in England going on holiday abroad will face a £5,000 fine.

The new regulations cover the Prime Minister’s “road map” out of lockdown for England, include a ban on leaving the country without a valid reason.

The £5,000 fine is part of the legislation that will be voted on by MPs on Thursday and would come into force next week.

Currently the 'stay at home' rule means foreign holidays are not allowed but that rule ends on Monday, which is when the new law would take effect.

What is the Stanley Johnson clause?

Overseas travel in connection with foreign homes will be permitted under the new coronavirus rules to be voted on by MPs.

Under the rules people leaving England for a foreign holiday could face a £5,000 fine but an exemption dubbed the “Stanley Johnson clause” will allow trips for the “purchase, sale, letting or rental of a residential property”.

The Prime Minister’s father was criticised last July after it emerged he had travelled to Greece to visit his mountain villa despite Government advice urging Britons against all but essential international travel.

He argued that he was on “essential business trying to Covid-proof my property in view of the upcoming letting season”.

One of the exemptions to the rules allows travel to visit properties, estate agents, sales offices or show homes overseas if a person is seeking to buy or sell a foreign home.

The legislation also gives an exemption for “preparing a residential property to move in” or “to visit a residential property to undertake any activities required for the rental or sale of that property”.

Labour MP Andrew Gwynne told the Guardian: “For hardworking families facing the prospect of missing out on summer holidays, it will stick in the craw that the Government has inserted a ‘Stanley Johnson clause’ to Covid rules that allows people to come and go if they have property abroad.

“It seems it’s one rule for them and another for the rest of us.”

MPs will vote on the Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) (Steps) (England) Regulations 2021 on Thursday, with the laws expected to come into force on March 29.

Boris Johnson's lockdown easing roadmap:

8 March: ALL pupils in England back to school

From 8 March 2021, all pupils in all year groups were allowed to go back into the classroom. Outdoor after-school sports clubs and activities were also allowed to resume.

8 March: Socialising outdoors with one other person

Two people from different households are now allowed to meet up outdoors in parks and public spaces. This means that people can sit down for a picnic or a drink, whereas previously, you could only meet someone outside your household for exercise.

29 March: Stay at Home rule liften

From 29 March, once the school Easter holidays have started, the Government will lift the stay at home rule but will continue to encourage people to stay local.

29 March: Larger group gatherings outdoors

From March 29 the "rule of six" will be re introduced alongside the the two household rule.
The "rule of six" means that up to six people from different households can meet outside.
More people will be able gather together if they are only from two households, giving greater flexibility for families and friends.

29 March: Outdoor sports facilities allowed to open

Outdoor sports facilities including tennis and basketball courts will be permitted to reopen from 29 March.

29 March: Organised adult and children's sport

Meanwhile organised adult and children's sport, such as grassroot football clubs, can also resume from March 29

29 March: Weddings with 6 people

From 29 March, weddings with 6 people will be permitted to take place. The number of guests allowed to attend weddings will increase as we move through the roadmap.

12 April: shops, hairdressers, nail salons, libraries, outdoor attractions and outdoor hospitality venues

From 12 April at the earliest, shops, hairdressers, nail salons, libraries, outdoor attractions, including zoos, and outdoor hospitality venues will be permitted to reopen.

12 April: Beer gardens reopen

From 12 April, outdoor beer gardens will also be allowed to reopen.

12 April: Gyms reopen

Gyms are expected to reopen from 12 April.

17 May: Indoor mixing

From May 17 at earliest, two households or groups of up to six people can mix indoors and limited crowds will be allowed to return to sporting events. Children's play areas will be opened alongside hotels, and limited groups will be allowed in theatres.

17 May: Possible foreign travel

Foreign travel may be permitted from 17 May.

17 May: Indoor hospitality

Indoor hospitality including pubs and restaurants could reopen from 17 May.

21 June: Nightclubs could reopen

From 21 June all remaining restrictions on social distancing could be lifted, and larger events may be allowed to resume, including theatres. Nightclubs may also be allowed to reopen.

21 June: Bigger weddings

Bigger wedding celebrations may be permitted from 21 June.

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