Latest travel advice for Spain and France amid coronavirus outbreak

The whole of Italy has gone into lockdown amid the deadly coronavirus outbreak.

Now that the FCO has advised “all but essential travel” to the country, holidaymakers can finally start recouping some of the costs of any cancelled trips.

Those with travel booked to other European countries may be similarly worried about what’s happening with their holidays.

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Here’s the latest advice from the Foreign Office on travelling to Spain, France, Switzerland, Austria and Slovenia.

FCO advice on travelling to Spain

Spain currently has 589 confirmed cases of coronavirus and 10 deaths, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO).

Its most high profile case was a hotel in Tenerife, H10 Costa Adeje Palace, which was put on quarantine due to an outbreak.

But while travellers may face additional screening when entering Spain, there is no travel advice from the FCO warning against travelling to the country.

For the latest on-the-ground advice in Spain, the Spanish government has a dedicated website in English.

FCO advice on travelling to France

France currently has 1,116 cases of coronavirus according to the WHO, with 19 deaths.

The FCO does not advise against travelling to France.

However, the French government has now banned gatherings with more than 1,000 people. If you’re booked to travel to France for an event, make sure you check with the organisers to see if it’s still going ahead.

For those who have travelling from a country where “the virus is actively circulating”, the French government has said that they should monitor their temperature twice a day for 14 days, wear surgical masks when with relatives or outside the house, and avoid non-essential activies and at-risk individuals.

The French government also has a website with dedicated advice, which is updated daily but in French only.

FCO advice on travelling to Switzerland

Switzerland currently has 332 confirmed cases of coronavirus and two deaths according to the WHO.

Like France, Switzerland has banned events involving 1,000 or more people, until 15 March 2020. You should check with organisers if the event you’re going to is going ahead before you travel.

There is no travel warning for Switzerland from the FCO, but local government may have additional screening procedures on entry.

For the latest advice, travellers can check the Swiss government’s dedicated website.

FCO advice on travelling to Austria

Austria has 112 confirmed cases of coronavirus at present, and zero deaths according to the WHO.

There may be additional screening for entering the country but the FCO does not currently advise against travelling to the country.

If you’re travelling for an event, make sure it’s still happening. The Austrian Interior Minister has announced a ban on indoor events of more than 100 people and outdoor events of more than 500 people.

FCO advice on travelling to Slovenia

Slovenia has just 16 confirmed cases of coronavirus, and no deaths according to the WHO.

The FCO has said that anyone with holidays booked to Slovenia should check with tour operator, hotels, or transport providers regarding any impact on travel. However, it does not advise against travelling to Slovenia.

You can find the latest updates from the Slovenian government on any travel restrictions in English on its dedicated website.

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