Key Travel Advice Regarding COVID-19
The FCO (Foreign and Commonwealth Office is constantly updating its advice and is ruling out all but essential travel worldwide and is now dependant on individual country coronavirus cases and laws.
If you haven’t physically been affected by Coronavirus, you will be in one way or another. With approximately 500,000 affected worldwide, this is going to affect each and every one of us. I have recently just come out of the other side of suffering from Covid-19. Read my blog ‘Diary of a wimpy kid…with Coronavirus’ for helpful tips to get you through, should you find yourself with symptoms. In a way, I was lucky to only have minor symptoms and was able to isolate immediately at home. For many, this has not been the case.
Many people may look like they are ‘stuck in paradise’ but the daunting prospect of, ‘can I get home’ will hit home sooner rather than later. With countries beginning to push travellers out of their doors, it is important to know your rights For instance, if your flight is cancelled, the airline should offer a refund.
Airlines also have a duty of care to get passengers home if a return flight is cancelled, unless the passenger has accepted a refund for that return trip. Rescue flights are being organised for those struggling to get home from certain destinations around the world.
As well as UK government advice, other countries have their own restrictions. For example, there are strict EU restrictions in place.
Be sure to follow me on Facebook for daily global updates on travel
Can I Rebook instead?
Several airlines, including British Airways, EasyJet and Virgin Atlantic, are currently letting passengers rebook flights for free. Emirates has stopped flights from March 25th but are working to get those still abroad back. This may even mean consolidating flights with other airlines. Don’t panic if you have a flight with an airline that is no longer flying passengers. Airlines are working together, as we all should be doing, to help those stranded. Others are offering refunds or credit if your flight has been altered, cancelled or changed times.
Will I Get A Refund?
Many people will be wondering about this vital bit of information. This does generally and in usual circumstances depend on your level of travel insurance. However, check out my blog post on ‘Coronavirus rights’ which will help you know where you stand and what the procedure is with many of the globes most travelled with airlines. Many are offering free alterations or refunds if your flight has been cancelled due to the pandemic. Some are also offering ‘credit’ to be used on future flights.
Keep All Receipts
Insurers are advising customers to ask their holiday provider or airline for refunds or rebookings first. Even when travel tickets are refunded, there can be other costs, such as hotel rooms and car hire, which travel insurance may cover.
“People should keep all their travel invoices and receipts to help the claims process go smoothly,” says Laura Dawson, of the Association of British Insurers (ABI).
Returning Home Via Rescue Flights?
With airlines coming together and rescue flights to get passengers home well underway, flights may be chopped and changed very frequently. Keep all valuables with you and also any items you may need in your hand luggage. With such few airport workers due to self-isolation, it is highly likely for luggage to get misplaced or lost. Ensuring all your essentials are within arms reach will keep you going should your main bag not turn up at your destination. Make sure your home address is clearly visible on your luggage to aid return should it go walkabout.
Observe Social Distancing Requirements
It is also important to adhere to the countries specific rules regarding isolation. Check each government website for exact guidance as this does differ from country to country. This is the most important piece of advice. At the end of the day, you are a guest in another country. As you would always, adhere to local laws and new legislation coming in over the coming days and weeks to ensure you are doing your part in this global catastrophe.
It is also key to make sure you get your information from credited places. So much ‘FAKE NEWS’ is flying around the social stratosphere at the moment. The first fight in this situation is against fake or misleading statements posted online.
General consensus worldwide is to keep 2 metres from other people.
- Keep 2 metres from other people
- Cough or sneeze into a tissue and throw away asap
- No tissue? Sneeze into your elbow
- Avoid shaking hands or contact with others altogether
- Do NOT touch your face
- be vigilant about touching hard surfaces such as handrails on public transport for instance
- STAY AT HOME- if you must leave your residence, due so only for essential travel
- Wash hands for at least 20 seconds frequently with soap and water or hand sanitizer
Cooky’s Cue
Did you know we touch our faces on average 23 times an hour. Thats 552 times a day!
Countries Shutting Down Borders
Many countries are beginning to shut down borders. Some of these destinations are places in which people spend extended periods of time via the likes of Working Holiday Visas or similar systems. Below I have outlined specific requirements for several counties to help you find any information you may need.
New Zealand
Border closed to visitors regardless of any previous visa held. Deadline for entry ended 23.59 19th March 2020 and border closed indefinitely. In addition to this, NZ is now about to enter ‘Phase 4’, where schools, restaurants and other areas of social hospitality are to be put on lockdown for the coming 4 weeks.
Visit the NZ immigration website here to keep up to date with government regulations
Australia
Borders closed to all visitors for the next 6 months. Borders closed 9 pm EST 19th March 2020. Any travellers still within Australia looking for options.
‘We now advise all Australians: do not travel overseas at this time. This is our highest advice level (level 4 of 4).‘
“If you are already overseas and wish to return to Australia, we recommend you do so as soon as possible by commercial means. Regardless of your destination, age or health, the advice is do not travel at this time”.
This weekend, many chose to ignore the social distancing requirements of keeping crowds to under 500 people outdoors. People flocked to Bondi Beach and there has now been an influx of ‘backpackers’ who are now showing signs of having contracted coronavirus.
Canada
On March 16, Canada announced it was closing its borders due to the coronavirus and denying entry to anyone who is not a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, except for immediate family members of Canadian citizens, aeroplane crew members, diplomats, and US citizens.
On March 18, the US and Canada said they were closing their border to all non-essential traffic. However, this has not affected trading.
Most international flights to Canada will be directed through four airports starting on March 18. Domestic flights and those arriving from the Caribbean, Saint Pierre and Miquelon, Mexico and the US will be exempted.
Visit Canada Public Health For details
Together, we as a species will conquer this plague that has hit us. One thing is for sure, never will we take for granted freedom of movement and being able to explore our wonderful world. The faster we all come together, the faster we beat this horrible virus.
Stay Safe. Stay Distant. Safe Lives
Stay Safe. Stay Distant. Save Lives
Founder and creator of Travel With Cooky.
This website and its blog posts are based on my own experiences and recommendations. My goal is for you to learn how to travel the world on a budget as I do and help you see more of the beautiful world we live in!