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Countries in Europe and the world are imposing or considering short-term bans on travel links with the UK. These are the key questions and answers.
What’s going on?
The infectious mutation of the Covid-19 virus that appears to be wreaking havoc in London and parts of south-east England is causing great concern around the world.
It is said to spread faster and more easily, although it is not believed to cause more serious illness.
It is understandable that foreign countries are concerned about the risk that the mutant strain of coronavirus could dangerously take hold on their territory. As a result, many European nations have called for a halt to transport connections with the UK.
They are imposing restrictions on travelers from the UK and, in some cases, those who have spent time in the UK in the previous two weeks.
The UK has no specific restrictions in any of these countries, apart from the usual quarantine requirements. So, in theory, British citizens returning home should be able to travel without problems. But if flights are canceled in one direction, they tend to get canceled in the other as well.
It may be that in some cases “directional” flights continue, for example flying empty from the UK to a country and then bringing people back.
Where are the worst problems?
France suspends all traffic coming from the UK starting at 0.01am on Monday 21st December for at least 48 hours. “We are now working to build a harmonized European health protocol,” said French transport minister Jean-Baptiste Djebbari.
Over the next two days, the European Union will work on procedures to allow trips to begin with strict testing requirements.
The biggest problem is crossing the Channel into France. The ferry terminal at the Port of Dover is closed to all accompanied traffic leaving the UK until further notice due to restrictions at the French border.
The last departure of the Eurotunnel buses from Folkestone to Calais is at 21:34. Access to the terminal will be forbidden from 10:00 p.m.
Secretary of Transportation Grant Shapps tweeted: “Following the French government’s announcement that it will not accept passengers arriving from the UK for the next 48 hours, we ask the public and, in particular, carriers not to travel to the ports of Kent or other routes to France.
“We expect a significant disruption in the area. My department is urgently working with Highways England and Kent Council on contingency measures to minimize disruption to traffic in the area. “
What other nations?
The first restriction, a two-week flight ban, was introduced by the Netherlands Ministry of Health in the early hours of Sunday morning. Dozens of flights were canceled on Sunday, and many others are suspended until January 1, 2021.
Belgium imposed a 24-hour ban from 0.01 am on Monday, December 21, and the Foreign Ministry said: “Subject to scientific inquiries, the shutdown could be extended for a longer period.”
On the other hand, Belgium is filing a demand for evidence of a negative Covid-19 test, taken no more than 48 hours before arrival, to enter the country. This will go into effect on Christmas Day.
The next was the Austrian government, announcing that, starting at 0.01am on Tuesday, December 22, a ban will be imposed on flights from the UK.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs of ItalyLuigi di Maio said that to protect the country and its citizens, a suspension of flights from the UK is about to be announced.
In any case, in Italy, all arrivals, from anywhere, between now and January 6, 2021 must self-isolate for 14 days.
And Ireland?
The ban is in effect for Monday 21st and Tuesday 22nd December and the measures will be reviewed by the Irish cabinet on Tuesday.
This is extremely unusual: Ireland and the UK are in a common travel zone and have been working very closely together. Also, a large number of Irish living in Britain planned to return to the Republic for Christmas.
The Dublin government says arrangements are being put in place to allow Irish residents on short trips to the UK to return in the coming days, as well as international travelers to Ireland transiting the UK.
Citizens in distress can call the Irish Embassy in London 020 7235 2171 or send an email to [email protected]
Arrivals from Northern Ireland are not expected to be affected.
Where else?
Germany known to be considering flight restrictions, with Spain the other great European nation to decide soon.
Portugal It says that only citizens returning home and foreigners residing there will be able to fly, and they must take a Covid-19 test.
Meanwhile, the countries of Central and Eastern Europe are taking action.
Greece It still allows arrivals from the UK, but the Health Ministry said they must be quarantined for a week instead of the three days required for other travelers.
the Czech The government initially introduced mandatory quarantine for those who have traveled from the UK or spent more than 24 hours in the UK in the past 14 days. It has now introduced a flight ban as of Monday, December 21.
Romania has banned all flights from the UK for two weeks.
Bulgaria It is reported to have imposed a ban on links from the UK until January 31, 2021, but this, like all other initial durations, is subject to change.
Many other countries are considering imposing bans.
Somewhere long distance?
Kuwait it was the first non-European nation to ban any traveler who had been to the UK for the previous two weeks. This ban will affect relatively few people; Kuwait is not a major tourist destination and imposes a 14-day quarantine on all arrivals.
If the UAE followed suit, many more people would be affected.
I am going to travel to one of these countries. What are my rights
When a flight is canceled, you are due a full cash refund within one week. For package tours, you should get all your money back in two weeks.
“If your flight is canceled, we will contact you, but check the status of your flight before traveling to the airport.”
Ryanair is telling passengers who have booked travel up to and including Christmas Eve: “For any flight to / from the UK in the next few days that is prohibited by EU government regulation, all affected customers will receive an email notification and they will be offered practical information alternatives including free move-ins (no exchange fees apply) or refunds if they so desire. “
I have relatives trying to return to the UK from Europe. What can they do?
While there is a general presumption against international travel to the UK, many British nationals working abroad expect to return in the next few days.
Travelers must wait for measures to be suspended or look for alternative routes. However, this can be difficult as the new restrictions will come into effect on very short notice.
Complex travel will also increase the risk for the individual and those on the road.
For those who choose to stay where they are, European air passenger rights rules mean that the airline is obliged to find and pay for accommodation until it can get travelers to where they need to be.
I have a long-haul flight through a European hub that doesn’t work. What I can do?
For people who book with Air France via Paris, KLM via Amsterdam, or Lufthansa via Frankfurt or Munich, European air passenger rights rules come to your rescue.
If part of the trip is canceled, the airline is still obliged to find an alternative way to get home, for example nonstop on British Airways or Virgin Atlantic, or via a Gulf hub (assuming they don’t impose flight bans as well. )
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