New Welsh Government rules allow you to travel - but they come with this warning
People can now travel into many parts of the UK - but ministers are still concerned
Owen EvansBreaking News Editor
The A494 near Sealand close to the English border (Image: Ian Cooper/North Wales Live)
The Welsh Government has eased restrictions on border travel - but has urged people to avoid it where they can.
First Minister Mark Drakeford has officially confirmed that people will be free to travel to and from areas of the UK that are not within the strictest coronavirus restrictions.
Travel to and from tier three areas in England, level three and four areas in Scotland, and the whole of Northern Ireland, will not be allowed.
From 6pm on Friday, people will be free to travel to and from areas that are not within these restrictions.
After outlining the changes, the Welsh Government told people that they should still avoid travel where they can.
A spokesman said: "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.
First Minister for Wales, Mark Drakeford (Image: WalesOnline/Rob Browne)
"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."
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The travel restrictions are likely to remain in place until at least January 2021 but will be kept under constant review, the Welsh Government said.
International travel restrictions will continue and are also likely to remain in place until at least January, but will also be kept under review.
The new rules mean that people could head across the border into Cheshire and Merseyside to drink alcohol in a bar or restaurant - as long as they also order a substantial meal.
Alcohol cannot be served in hospitality settings in Wales from Friday evening, and they must close at 6pm.
It has sparked concern on social media that people will head across the border to enjoy an evening out while the hospitality industry remains largely out of action in Wales.