UK Government to ban international travel and domestic hotel stays ‘except for work’

Whilst not mentioned in Boris Johnson’s televised press conference this evening, major media outlets have been briefed that the formal legislation to be presented to Parliament this week will include a ban on international travel.

No further details are known. Is this really a ban or just ‘advice’?

There will apparently be an exception ‘for work’ but there is no mention of how this will be policed. Clearly a family trying to board an aircraft will have more explaining to do that a solo traveller wearing a suit. It is also unclear if anyone currently visiting the UK for personal reasons will be allowed to leave.

There will also be a ban on UK hotel stays for personal reasons although work stays will be allowed. This could be troublesome for anyone who is not allowed to leave the UK but is also not allowed to stay in a hotel ….

The ban is likely to start on Thursday. The other measures announced today will run to at least Wednesday 2nd December, but this is only a guideline.

The restrictions will be removed on a regional basis after this date. This will lead to further complications as, post 2nd December, your legal right to leave the country for personal reasons will depend on your address.

We will know more later in the week when the legislation is published.