England is to introduce a new ‘Coronavirus’ law next week that will impose a £5,000 fine on anyone in England trying to travel abroad without good reason.
Another surge in Covid cases across continental Europe, as well as the slower rollout of vaccines across Europe, has cast doubt on the resumption of foreign travel from England.
Anyone travelling abroad from England has to fill in a ‘Declaration to travel’ form, stating a valid reason for leaving the country, such as education, work or childcare.
However, England’s travel ban does not apply to those going to or from the ‘common travel area’ of the Channel Islands, Isle of Man and the Republic of Ireland (unless that is not their final destination). This presents an opportunity for tourism in the Channel Islands and Isle of Man.
Of course, this depends on the ‘entry’ rules into each of the islands. The rules are understandably, in a state of flux, but could be relaxed enough depending on whether the traveller had a negative Covid test and has had their vaccinations.
There is clearly a risk-based decision to be made by the politicians of the islands; relax the incoming rules slightly to allow tourists back in, or keep rules tight, to ensure Covid doesn’t peak again.
Let’s watch this space!