UK Bans All Non-Essential International Travel for 30 Days
The Foreign & Commonwealth Office (FCO) has slapped a 30-day ban on all non-essential international travel. The new advice kicks in immediately amid the chaos caused by the global coronavirus outbreak.
Countries Slamming Borders Shut Without Warning
Foreign nations are shutting borders and imposing lockdowns at lightning speed—often with little or no warning. Restrictions are popping up even in places with zero reported coronavirus cases, making travel plans a nightmare to predict. Brits still thinking of jetting off must brace for serious risks.
- You might get stuck abroad because flights could be cancelled without notice.
- Travel restrictions could ramp up suddenly, trapping travellers overseas.
- Only travel if you’re ready to face huge disruptions in an unprecedented global crisis.
No Mass Repatriation Yet—but Fly Home While You Can
The government isn’t telling Brits abroad to rush home just yet, except in a handful of high-risk countries. But Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab warns travellers: “UK travellers abroad now face widespread international border restrictions and lockdowns in various countries.”
“The speed and range of those measures is unprecedented,” Raab added. He urged Brits to think hard about whether their travel is essential and to make informed decisions based on the latest FCO advice and risks.
Airlines Slash Flights by Up to 80%
UK travel is already hitting the skids. Ryanair, Virgin, and EasyJet have slashed flights by 80% this month. IAG airlines have cut capacity by 75%. The FCO has made a staggering 430 travel advice updates in the past week alone—more than in the whole of 2019 combined.
The UK’s diplomatic network is working tirelessly to help British nationals stranded or at risk overseas. Efforts are ongoing to keep borders open long enough to enable travellers to return on commercial flights.
If you must travel, double-check your travel insurance. And if you fall ill abroad, seek medical help locally first.
This new travel guidance backs up the Prime Minister’s recent domestic coronavirus measures—part of a national fight against a global emergency.
