The essential coronavirus travel advice you need to know

As coronavirus continues to spread, the epicentre of the pandemic has shifted from China to Europe and now the USA.

Tens of thousands of new cases continue to be reported each day, with thousands of deaths.

Countries have closed borders and introduced new travel restrictions in a bid to stop the spread of Covid-19.

In the UK, the government is currently advising against all non-essential international travel for an indefinite period of time while domestic travel is also banned for the foreseeable future. Non-resident British citizens abroad have also been told to return to the UK.

The situation is developing constantly but here's what we know so far:

My flights have been cancelled, what can I do?

If your flights have been cancelled, your airline should be in touch via email or text with what to do next.

If not, and you're already abroad, check your airline's website first – right now, call centres will be flooded with worried customers trying to find out what's happening. If the cancellation is due to coronavirus, your airline will more than likely have posted a statement on what will happen next.

In theory, under European air passengers' rights rules, the cancelling carrier is required to find and pay for alternative transport for you and, in some instances, offer additional support such as food and accommodation. In reality, due to the overwhelming number of passengers affected, it may be that you will receive a refund but have to get back home yourself.

Where airlines have suspended entire routes due to FCO warnings, there should be repatriation flights available for affected customers – check with your airline before you book your own travel.

For those who are already stranded, and there are no commercial options available, the FCO has started providing details of repatriation flights. These are expensive, with few seats available, but may be your only option for the foreseeable future.

In some cases, however, the FCO has advised British nationals to stay put and find a safe location to stay for the duration of the lockdown. You should check the relevant FCO advice for the country you're in.

If you haven't travelled yet, you should be able to get a full cash refund with a week or be able to rebook for another time. Some airlines have already stopped offering cash refunds, however.

What if I'm travelling by Eurostar, Eurotunnel or ferry?

At the moment, France has not closed its borders to the UK (there are different rules if you're not a British citizen or EU national) and the FCO has not advised against going there. However, as of 20 March, you are only allowed to enter France for one of three reasons: going home to a main residence, essential work in France or if you're medical staff.

For now, Eurostar and Eurotunnel services are still running – but bear in mind this could change without notice.

Eurostar has been operating on a revised schedule, with lower capacity, for some time and it's continuing to do so. Affected passengers are usually contacted via email, and those who want to rebook can do so.

Eurotunnel Le Shuttle says its services are unaffected. And as long as the borders between France and the UK are open, it will continue to operate.

You can get a full refund on Flexiplus tickets if you no longer want to travel, or the company is offering to rebook affected customers.

To travel within France however, you will need to be able to prove it's essential travel. This includes going to work, if remote working is not possible; going to your local grocery store; going to a medical appointment; taking your children to daycare or to take care of an elderly person; working out close to your home. You will need to carry specific documents with you; they can be found here.

Brittany Ferries have suspended all their services.

P&O Ferries has also suspended all of its passenger services, although it is still running a freight operation.

Some routes with DFDS have been suspended, including Copenhagen-Oslo-Copenhagen, Amsterdam-Newcastle, and Karlshamn-Klaipeda.

Again, there may be amendments to service if there is updated FCO advice.

My holiday has been cancelled, can I get a refund?

If you booked a package holiday, it should be protected by Abta or Atol and therefore you should receive a full cash refund within 14 days, or you can choose to rebook for another time.

Many travel firms are delaying refunds, or are only offering vouchers for use in future travel, but this is contrary to Package Travel Regulations. Abta is arguing that delaying your refund could protect travel business from going bust, but the law around this has not changed.

If your transport and accommodation were booked separately, you will need to contact the relevant providers directly. Many have amended their cancellation policies in light of coronavirus, allowing you to rebook for another time. You could also try your travel insurance or credit card provider.

What's going to happen to my Easter holidays?

With the government now advising against all non-essential travel until mid April, your travel provider should already have been in touch about your upcoming bookings. It's likely that you will be given the option to rebook for another time. If they cancel, you will be due a full refund as above.

Given that the UK is now on lockdown, staycations are off the cards too, but unless you've booked the stay as part of a package holiday, you won't receive the same protection. You should turn to your travel or accommodation provider first. It's likely they already have a refund policy in place. If you're not having any luck, you can also turn to your credit card or travel insurance policy provider.

Should I cancel my summer holiday?

The best thing you can do right now is wait and see, especially if you have to pay a fee or will lose your deposit if you cancel now.

China, where the virus originated, has seen a massive fall in cases, with tourist attractions already re-opening.

It's a positive sign but there is no firm timescale of when the pandemic will blow over in Europe and the rest of the world. Still, you may well be able to travel by the summer as the current government advice could be lifted any time.

If not, your travel provider should be in touch with your options as above.

Can I get any compensation if my travels are affected?

Unfortunately, if it's due to coronavirus, it's unlikely.

The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) said: "Where the Government is advising against travel to a destination we consider that this would be viewed as an 'extraordinary circumstance' and compensation would not be payable.

"Cancellations related to coronavirus in other circumstances (e.g. where there is no advice against travel) would need to be considered on their merits and facts.

"However, decisions by authorities to close airspace, restrict airline operations or place restrictions on passengers are likely to be an extraordinary circumstances.

"Cancellations due to the economic and environmental consequences of operating flights with only a few passengers on-board may also be considered to be an extraordinary circumstance."

Will my travel insurance still cover me?

Right now, definitely not because the FCO has advised against all non-essential travel.

In the longer run, double check with your provider before you travel.

Nearly half of UK's travel insurers have stopped selling new policies while some have stated that existing policies will not cover travel disruption due to coronavirus as it's considered a known risk.

If you've already suffered travel disruption due to coronavirus, and you bought your policy before coronavirus, it's still worth trying your policy provider for compensation.​

Read more

Foreign Office advises against all travel 'indefinitely'

Foreign Office indefinite travel ban: What it mean for holidaymakers

10 live-streaming experiences to help make-believe you’re on holiday

How do I get a refund with British Airways, easyJet and Ryanair?

Full list of repatriation flights available to stranded Britons