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Can I go on holiday to France and Ireland this summer? When do hotels open and how can I travel?

Kara Godfrey

Published: 14:52, 11 May 2020
Updated: 15:47, 11 May 2020

HOLIDAYS abroad are in limbo as countries remain on lockdown amid the coronavirus pandemic.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced the next stage of Britain's plans to fight the killer bug on Sunday night.

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The Eurostar is running a reduced service but non-essential travel is still bannedCredit: AFP or licensors

And the UK leader revealed that passengers arriving in the UK will have to quarantine for 14 days, even if they're returning British nationals.

But there are slightly different rules for Ireland and France...

When can I go on holiday to France?

The French government has not given an official date for the return of tourists.

The country went into lockdown on March 19 and have begun lifting their lockdown restrictions.

This doesn't include international tourists, with the majority of the country facing strict measures until at least July.

Borders remain closed to any non-essential travellers, while some fear it could be 2021 before tourism returns.

However, there is some good news, with the 14-day arrival quarantine being waived between the UK and France.

France is lifting some elements of their lockdown but many regions are not expected to return to normality for monthsCredit: AFP or licensors

Are flights or the Eurostar running?

Limited flights are still running to and from France, but these are mainly for essential travel.

Anyone on the flight will not only have to have a travel document confirming they are allowed to travel, but must only be a health worker or a residence in France.

Paris Orly airport remains closed.

The UK is still advising against non-essential travel and air travel is not included in this.

Airlines are expected to resume limited schedules by next month - Ryanair and Jet2 hope to restart flights again while BA hope to resume 50 per cent of flights by the summer.

The Eurostar is also still running, but face masks have been enforced and there is a limited schedule.

Are hotels and accommodation open in France?

Hotels are yet to open - only shops and markets have recently opened.

Bars and restaurants hope to open next month, but hotels have not been giving an official opening date, along with campsites and holiday homes.

When can I go on holiday to Ireland?

Northern Ireland remains on lockdown with the new measures introduced by Boris Johnson in place.

However, there are no dates of when holidays could resume.

The Republic of Ireland hope to conduct their last re-opening phase by August, meaning a summer holiday could be on the cards for the end of the summer months.

Outdoor meetings between different households could happen by next week, with the majority of the country open by August, including pubs.

A holiday to Ireland may be on the cards for summer with hotels opening by JulyCredit: PA:Press Association

Are flights running to Ireland?

Limited flights are running, with the majority of routes being flown by Ryanair.

However, these are for essential travel only.

The 14-day quarantine enforced for arrivals to the UK will not include visitors from Ireland.

Are hotels open in Ireland?

Hotels are closed in Ireland, although they could open by July 20, along with hostels and caravan parks, according to new government guidance.

This could change at the last minute, however, and will be offering reduced operations.

This means the hotel bars will remain closed and unlikely to open until a later date.