TODAY the next stage of the roadmap out of the UK’s Covid lockdown begins.
But when can hotels and self-catering accommodation reopen and how many people are allowed to holiday together?
Are hotels currently open?
Yes – hotels are able to open from today – May 17, 2021 – in England.
Hotels have already opened in Wales, although this was only if they had en-suite facilities and room service – all holiday accommodation can now reopen.
In Scotland, hotels opened on April 26.
Self-catered accommodation and sites such as caravan parks are already open, with travel restrictions having been lifted on April 12.
On June 21, it is hoped that holidays will resume with no restrictions in England.
How many people can I stay with?
From May 17, group holidays can go ahead in England.
This means two households of unlimited people can go on holiday together, but if from more than two households, then the rule of six must be obeyed.
In Scotland, group holidays cannot go ahead just yet with only outdoor socialising currently allowed.
From June 21, it is hoped there will be no restrictions on how many people can go on holiday.
What about other holidays?
Caravan parks, campsites and holiday parks are already open, having lifted restrictions last month, although Butlin’s has opened from today – here is what you can expect.
Indoor socialising is now allowed, meaning indoor dining at restaurants and pubs can go ahead, as well as indoor attractions.
A small number of countries have been added to the UK’s “green list” meaning quarantine isn’t necessary upon a return to the UK.
They include Israel, Singapore, Portugal, the Falkland Islands, Ascension, St Helena, Tristan da Cunha, Gibraltar, Faroe Islands, Iceland and Brunei.
And New Zealand and Australia are also on the list, but they have their own entry requirements and are unlikely to let in tourists at the moment.
France, Greece and Spain are not yet on the green list – meaning Brits will have to wait until at least June 7 to find if they can go on holiday there this summer.
Here is what it is like to travel to Portugal from May 17, as Sun reporters Lisa Minot and Oliver Harvey jet off to Lisbon and Madeira.
Holidaymakers have been warned to expect six-hour airport queues as around 3,000 sun-seeking Brits are expected to fly from today.
And Health Secretary Matt Hancock warned families not to head to countries on the amber list unless “absolutely necessary”.
