Today the Foreign & Commonwealth Office (FCO) has advised
against all non-essential international travel, initially for a
period of 30 days. This advice takes effect immediately.
This change in travel advice reflects the pace at which other
countries are either closing their borders or implementing
restrictive measures in response to the global coronavirus
pandemic.
Often there is little or no notice when countries take these
steps and restrictions are also being imposed in areas where no
cases of coronavirus have yet been reported. They are therefore
very difficult to predict.
British people who decide that they still need to travel abroad
should be fully aware of the increased risks of doing so. That
includes the risk that they may not be able to get home, if
travel restrictions are put in place. Anyone still considering
travel to be realistic about the level of disruption they are
willing and able to endure, and to make decisions in light of the
unprecedented conditions we face.
We are not currently advising British people to immediately
return to the UK if they are overseas, except for a few countries
detailed in our travel advice. However, British people should
keep in mind that flights may be cancelled at short notice or
other travel restrictions may be put in place by foreign
governments.
If people do want to return to the UK soon, then they need to
take account of the fast moving situation and plan accordingly,
while flights remain available in many places.
Foreign Secretary, , said:
UK travellers abroad now face widespread international border
restrictions and lock downs in various countries. The speed and
range of those measures across other countries is
unprecedented.
So I have taken the decision to advise British nationals
against all non-essential international travel.
Whether travel is essential or not is a personal decision and
circumstances differ from person to person. It is for individuals
themselves to make an informed decision based on the risks and
FCO advice. Anyone still planning to travel should check the
validity of their travel insurance.
UK inward and outward travel has already fallen by a significant
amount since the outbreak of coronavirus. Ryanair, Virgin and
EasyJet have cut flights by 80% this month and IAG has decreased
capacity by 75%.
The UK’s extensive diplomatic network is continuing to work
around the world to support British people at the greatest risk
of exposure to the virus. In the last week 430 changes have been
made to FCO Travel Advice – more than in the entirety of 2019.
We will continue to do everything in our power to get those
British nationals affected the care, support and advice they
need. We are also working urgently to ensure international
governments have sensible plans to enable the return of British
and other travellers and, crucially, that they keep borders open
for enough time to allow people to return home on commercial
flights.
British nationals who become ill overseas should, in the first
instance, seek care and support from the country they are in.
This guidance follows the domestic measures announced by the
Prime Minister on Monday and forms part of the national effort to
meet the international challenge presented by coronavirus.
Notes to Editors
- Guidance for British people travelling and living overseas
following the outbreak of coronavirus (COVID-19) can be
found here.
