Coronavirus and Travel

Latest Updates for Global Travel

These are complicated times for everyone, and we are receiving a lot of new information at every moment. It's easy to feel confused, and kept in the dark about it all. At HostelsClub, we are a community, and we want to be a resource for you offering up-to-date information about the Coronavirus and how it affects travel.

Whether you are re-considering your travel plans due to the Coronavirus; if you are currently travelling; or if you have been blocked in another country and are looking to return to your home country, we have prepared this article for you, offering the latest news on the situation.

Please note: When travelling, it’s advisable to keep the contact details of your home country’s embassy or the consulate in your country of travel, in case you need to contact them. Also, always contact your hotel/hostel before arriving, to ensure they’re still open and able to receive you.

For information on What is coronavirus? And How can I protect myself? Scroll to the bottom of the page

What’s happening right now?

Global coronavirus statistics from WHO, updated 23.04.2020 https://bit.ly/3aCEUQM

What are the latest travel restrictions? Updated 20.04.2020

The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) advises against all but essential international travel. Any country or area may restrict travel without notice.

EU Leaders agreed to a temporary restrition of non-essential travel from third countries into the EU for 30 days.

United Kingdom

FCO advises British citizens against foreign travel indefinitely.

Special Charter Flights: The British government has teamed up with the airline industry to help British people travelling abroad return to the UK.

Restrictions on non-essential movement (essential movements include food shopping and medical care). People are asked not to leave their houses unless it's completely necessary. Travel (both internal and abroad) should only be for emergencies and work-related reasons. Flights to and from the UK are limited

Hotels, hostels, campsites, b&bs and caravan parks will be closed.

If you’re a Chinese national in the UK who is unable to return to China and whose visa has recently expired or is about to expire, your visa will be automatically extended to 31st May 2020 (providing it expired between 24th January and 31st May)

Emergency health number: If you suddenly fall ill and your symptoms are severe, visit the online NHS 111 coronavirus service, or call 999 if it becomes an emergency.

Italy

Serious restrictions on non-essential movement (essential movements include food shopping and medical care). Internal movements across the country are now banned. Breaking these rules can result in a large fine or a prison sentence.

The majority of carriers have now ceased operating direct flights between Italy and their respective countries. Only one airport per region will remain open. Train companies are reducing services for domestic and international travel.

If you are currently travelling and are blocked in Italy, please contact airlines as some are assisting tourists in returning to their countries.

Emergency health number: If you suddenly fall ill and your symptoms are severe, call 118 if it’s a medical emergency

Spain

Ban on entry to UK travellers. All borders closed for entry from 23rd March for 30 days.

Hotels and short-stay accommodation must close by Tuesday 24th March. However, long-term accommodation such as long-stay campsites remain open provided travellers can cater for themselves and do not rely on communal facilities

Restrictions on non-essential movement (essential movements include food shopping and medical care)

Emergency health number: If you suddenly fall ill and your symptoms are severe, call 061, or 112 (Pan-European emergency number) if it’s a medical emergency

France

Restrictions on non-essential movement from 17th March for 15 days (essential movements include food shopping, medical care, and exercise of up to 20 minutes running or walking)

Hotels and other short-term accommodation currently remain open

Anyone making a journey within or through France, will be required to download and complete an “attestation” or declaration certifying their reason for travel. Please note you must carry a physical copy of the declaration as electronic versions will not be accepted

Border control has been enforced between France and Italy, Spain, and Germany

Emergency health number: If you suddenly fall ill and your symptoms are severe, call 112 (Pan-European emergency number) if it’s a medical emergency

Germany

Ban on entry to UK travellers.

EU citizens, and citizens of Germany, Great Britain, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland and their family members will be allowed to transit through Germany to reach their home countries

Border control has been enforced between Germany and France, Austria, Switzerland, Luxembourg and Denmark. Travellers on non-essential travels may be refused entry.

Hotels are able to provide accommodation only if strictly necessary and not for touristic purposes.

Emergency health number: If you suddenly fall ill and your symptoms are severe, call 116 117 if it’s a medical emergency.

United States of America

Ban on entry to travellers from Schengen Zone countries, the UK, and Ireland. Access will also not be allowed to anyone who has visited the Schengen Area countries 14 days or less prior to their travel to the USA.

It is still possible to leave the USA subject to flight schedules

The Canadian border is now closed to non-essential travel

Emergency health number: If you suddenly fall ill and your symptoms are severe, call 911 if it’s a medical emergency.

Photo @cdc

What is Coronavirus?

"Coronavirus" is a family of viruses ranging from normal influenza, to S.A.R.S. COVID-19 is a new illness caused by Coronavirus, which can affect your lungs and airways. It was discovered in Wuhan, China, in December 2019.

Like others from the family of coronavirus, it produces symptoms such as having a cold, fever, cough or sore throat. Severe cases of coronavirus can lead to pneumonia and respiratory problems. Only 10% of infected people develop severe symptoms, and the main groups at risk are those over 60 years old, and those with pre-existing health conditions.

How can I protect myself?

Diagram from bbc.com

The main measures you can take to protect yourself against Coronavirus are:

1. Wash your hands with soap and water frequently

2. Avoid touching your nose, mouth and eyes with unwashed hands, as your hands can facilitate its transmission

3. When you sneeze or cough, do so into your sleeve if you don't have disposable tissues

4. Use disposable tissues and throw them away after use

5. If you have respiratory symptoms, avoid close contact with other people

6. Even if you have no symptoms, you should work at home where possible and avoid social venues

What if I have symptoms?

Diagram from bbc.com

According to gov.uk, if you have a high temperature or a new continuous cough, you should do the following:

1. Self isolate for 7 days. If there are others in your household, they should stay home for 14 days since you fell ill

2. Do not go to a GP surgery, pharmacy or hospital. This creates a greater risk for those who are already in a vulnerable position

3. Wash your hands regularly for 20 seconds, each time using soap and water, or use hand sanitiser

4. Plan ahead and asks others to ensure that you can stay at home and consider what can be done for vulnerable people in the household

If you feel your symptoms getting worse, and you feel unable to support yourself at home, or if your symptoms do not get better after 7 days, call the emergency number for whatever country you’re in

If you are in need of emergency accommodation, search the HostelsClub website for available properties. Please contact us on +39 041 524 6742 prior to booking so that we can contact the property and ensure they're still open.

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