The new measures, entitled the Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) (Steps) (England) Regulations 2021, will come into force from March 29.

They state that attempting to leave England to travel outside the UK, or even being at an ’embarkation point’ with the purpose of leaving the UK, without a reasonable excuse could be punished with up to a £5,000 fine.

Examples of reasonable excuses include traveling for work, volunteering, studying, legal obligations, medical reasons, to give assistance to vulnerable person, elite sports, attending a funeral, or going to the wedding or civil partnership of a close family member.

This means attempting to leave the country for leisure purposes, such as going on holiday, will not be allowed. The Government is expected to review restrictions on global travel before April 12.

Those who are allowed to travel outside the UK will be required to complete a travel declaration form. There is a £200 fine for those who fail to do this.

The Government will review restrictions on international travel on April 12

Reasonable excuses include travelling for work, studying or volunteering purposes

The regulations will take effect from March 29, on the same that the Government will no longer promote its ‘stay at home’ messaging. Instead, this will be changed to instructions to ‘stay local’, although people will still be asked to continue to work from home where possible.

Groups of two households, or gatherings of up to six people from different households, will also be allowed to meet up outside from March 29.

Outdoor sports facilities will also be allowed to reopen, with people able to take part in formally organised sports.