In a televised address, prime minister Boris Johnson told people to stay at home in much the same way the national was told to last March.
The new measures will be approved by ministers on Wednesday (6 January) when parliament is recalled, with Johnson urging people to comply with immediate effect.
It is the third time England has been placed in a state of national lockdown, with a new, more infectious variant of coronavirus sweeping across the UK.
The government on Monday evening updated the list of restrictions by which citizens must now abide, which cover everything from work, schooling, meeting up with friends and family – and travel.
Non-essential retail premises must close according to the new rules. While the list doesn’t explicitly cite travel agencies, they are not listed in the exemptions either. In previous national lockdowns, high street travel agencies have been required to shut their doors.
Everyday travel is once again limited to basic necessities, with the government’s core message returning to one of "stay at home" and leave only for essential reasons or in exceptional circumstances.
People are permitted to leave home for reasons of work, education, fulfilling caring responsibilities, seeking medical assistance (routine or emergency), essential shopping, outdoor exercise, and/or visiting those in support or childcare bubbles.
Travel via public transport is discouraged and should be limited to less busy times, where possible.
The rules on international travel are equally strict, with people only able to travel internationally or to other UK countries in-line with legally permitted reasons to leave home, such as for work.
This means holidays are not permitted. "You cannot leave your home or the place where you are living for holidays or overnight stays unless you have a reasonable excuse for doing so," read the restrictions.
"This means that holidays in the UK and abroad are not allowed."
Anyone who is currently on holiday is not required to immediately do so, but should seek to do so "as soon as practical".
Those currently holidaying have been advised to check with their arrangements with their airline or travel operator, and ensure they are aware of the new rules by which they must abide upon their return – and complete any mandatory quarantine requirement if returning from a non-travel corridor location.
Domestic accommodation providers such as hotels, B&Bs and caravan sites will remain open only to those who have a specific reason set out in law to stay, such as for work or where they cannot return to their main residence.
