Travel between Wales and areas of the UK with high rates of coronavirus will not be allowed from 6pm today (Friday, December 4), First Minister Mark Drakeford has confirmed.

However the move has been condemned by opposition parties who say the new rules ’rub salt into the wounds’ of the Welsh hospitality industry.

In the latest statement from Welsh government, Wales’ coronavirus regulations will be amended to prohibit travel to and from tier three areas in England; level three and four areas in Scotland and the whole of Northern Ireland, which is currently in lockdown.

New travel guidance will be issued strongly advising people in Wales not to travel to other parts of the UK with lower levels of coronavirus – tier one and two areas in England or level one and two areas in Scotland – to help control the spread of the virus.

People from Wales will be required to follow any legal restrictions, including relating to travel, which are in place in other parts of the UK.

All travel restrictions within the UK will be suspended between 23 and 27 December to allow people to meet members of their Christmas bubble. People travelling to and from Northern Ireland will be able to travel the day before this period starts and the day after.

First Minister Mark Drakeford said:

“There will be no restrictions on travel within Wales but we need to have some restrictions on travel across the border to those parts of the UK where infection rates are high to prevent the spread of coronavirus.

“We are also advising people in Wales not to travel into those parts of England and Scotland where the infection rate is lower, to help prevent them taking coronavirus with them.

“Coronavirus doesn’t respect borders – we all have a part to play in keeping Wales and the UK safe. Please think carefully about where you are going and what you are doing. This virus thrives wherever we come together with others.

“Taken together with our other measures, these travel restrictions will help to keep us all safe.”

The travel restrictions are likely to remain in place until at least January 2021 but will be kept under constant review.

International travel restrictions will continue and are also likely to remain in place until at least January, but will be kept under constant review.

Commenting on the new travel rules affecting Wales, Darren Millar MS, Shadow Covid Recovery Minister, said: “While any lifting of travel restrictions between Wales and England is to be welcomed, there can be no doubt that this news will rub salt in the wounds of the Welsh hospitality industry.

“With Welsh pubs, cafes and restaurants being banned from selling alcohol on their premises from 6pm tomorrow, many of their customers will be taking their custom and cash across the border to enjoy a tipple with a meal in England instead.

“The Welsh Labour-led Government must rethink its new rules, engage with leaders the hospitality industry and adopt a more targeted approach to intervention that keeps the Welsh pound in Wales, and attracts the English pound into Welsh businesses too, especially in the run up to Christmas.”