HOLIDAYMAKERS who try to travel abroad will be slapped with a £5,000 fine under new coronavirus laws.

The legislation covering Covid-19 restrictions includes a ban on leaving the UK without a reasonable excuse - with travellers facing the heavy fine for flouting the rule.

International travel is currently banned under the 'stay at home' rule, which is set to end on Monday (March 29), but according to the new laws non-essential foreign travel could be prohibited until June 30 - when the laws expire.

MPs will vote on the laws - dubbed the Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) (Steps) (England) Regulations 2021 - on Thursday (March 25).

If given the green light, they will begin on Monday, March 29.

But, what does the Government mean by a "reasonable excuse" for travelling and does it mean you should hold fire on booking your holiday?

There 10 exemptions to the ban, which are travel for:

  • Work
  • Study
  • Legal obligations or to vote
  • Moving, selling or renting property
  • Childcare reasons or to be present at a birth
  • Visiting a dying relative or close friend
  • Attending a funeral
  • Getting married or attending the wedding of a close relative
  • Medical appointments
  • Escaping a risk of harm

What else does the travel ban exclude?

It does not apply to people going to the common travel area of the Channel Islands, Isle of Man and the Republic of Ireland, unless that is not the final destination.

Are there other travel fines out there?

Yes, a £200 fixed penalty notice can already be issued to people who don't complete a travel declaration form.

This includes personal details and reason for travel, for those leaving the UK.

Is there still a chance international travel could be allowed by May?

The Government will review if international travel should be allowed from May 17 at the earliest, according to the roadmap out of lockdown document.

The document reads: "The Global Travel Taskforce will report on April 12 with recommendations aimed at facilitating a return to international travel as soon as possible, while still managing the risk from imported cases and Variants of Concern."

What else is included in the new laws?

Protests will be considered a permitted exception to the ban on mass gatherings, provided it is "organised by a business, a charitable, benevolent or philanthropic institution, a public body or a political body".

Organisers will have to take the "required precautions in relation to the gathering".

This may include ensuring people wear face coverings and socially distance.

The roadmap out of lockdown as it stands

March 29 - As part of step one, people will be allowed to meet outdoors in groups of six - or as two households if that number exceeds six - in time for Easter.

Outdoor sports facilities, such as tennis and basketball courts and golf courses, will be allowed to reopen.

Sports teams such as grassroots football will be able to resume.

April 12 - For step two, non-essential shops, personal care premises and public buildings will be allowed to reopen by April 12 at the earliest.

Outdoor attractions and settings can also reopen, including hospitality, zoos and theme parks.

The Government will make an announcement a week ahead of this stage to ensure it is safe to progress.

May 17 - Friends and family will be allowed to meet indoors again, but this will be subject to the rule of six or two households.

Pubs and restaurants will be allowed to serve customers indoors, concert halls, theatres and sports stadiums should be allowed to reopen.

June 21 - All legal limits on social contact can be removed and nightclubs can reopen as part of the fourth and final step of the roadmap.

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