Travellers face fines of up to £5,000 if they leave the UK without a ‘reasonable excuse’

The legislation is set to come into force on Monday, March 29 as the Government’s road map for exiting lockdown reaches another key point.

From next week, laws surrounding social contact, outdoor sports and the “stay at home” rule will all be relaxed.

Titled the Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) (Steps) (England) Regulations 2021, travellers leaving the UK could face fines of up to £5,000 if they break the new restrictions.

According to the legal document, which was published yesterday (Monday, March 22): “The Regulations also impose restrictions on leaving the United Kingdom without a reasonable excuse (regulation 8).”

The law says no-one may “leave England to travel to a destination outside the United Kingdom, or travel to, or be present at, an embarkation point for the purpose of travelling from there to a destination outside the United Kingdom” without a reasonable excuse.

There is also a £200 fixed penalty notice for failing to fill in a travel declaration form for those planning to leave the UK.

Exemptions do apply for those needing to travel for work, study, for legal obligations or to vote, if they are moving, selling or renting property, for some childcare reasons or to be present at a birth, to visit a dying relative or close friend, to attend a funeral, for those getting married or to attend the wedding of a close relative, for medical appointments or to escape a risk of harm.

You can subscribe to this website and enjoy unlimited access to local news, information and puzzles online.

With a digital subscription, you can read more than 5 articles, see fewer ads, enjoy faster load times, and get access to exclusive newsletters and content.

Simply click ‘Subscribe’ in the menu.