Australia Trip Shorter Than 14 Days

MarloweCat

Hi all,

I booked a short trip to Australia to see a relative that would see me in Sydney for six nights. I booked the flights on a friend's AmEx card and the hotel on my Visa Credit. I have single trip travel insurance purchased in December when I booked the flights.

The Australian government have put in place a 14-day self-isolation policy, with which I'm not going to be able to comply as my trip is shorter than that. I'd have to break self-isolation to get back to the airport and home.

Anyone any idea where I might stand with all this? I'm technically able to travel, but if I did it seems I would risk breaking the law and potentially being stranded. 

Thanks for any/all advice.

Caz3121

have a read of the main MSE article - https://www.moneysavingexpert.com/news/2020/02/coronavirus-travel-help-and-your-rights/
check the airline website and see whether they are offering date changes / refunds / other waivers
check your insurance policy details (as per the main article some may cover this other not)

Westin

@MarloweCat:  The situation is fast changing and it seems at the moment neither the FCO or travel insurers are keeping up with this.  

As you can see from the MSE guide (read the section titled “ Will travel insurance cover you if countries start blocking UK citizens from entry?) - the message from insurance companies is mixed and unclear.

I really feel now is the time for some clearer policy to come out from the FCO (Martin - one for you on Monday morning perhaps?) The FCO travel advisories remain cautious and do not reflect current worldwide issues.

In both the case the OP describes, as well as the simply logistical issue of travel but not being able to get back to the U.K. as air travel is disrupted - the FCO is providing no real guidance.   U.K. citizens are facing very severe consequences if they travel in coming days and face overseas imposed movement restrictions.   Those flying to the USA today or Monday may struggle with flights back and are likely to have to depart the US from a very small limited number of departure points.  Others face wasted journeys as they are told to self isolate for 14 days upon arrival.  

Enough is enough - FCO needs to step up and the travel insurance need to be clear on the matter.

urbanmac

Agree FCO need to advise ASAP.

I have trip to NZ with 3 day stopover in Australia, both require self isolation but as Aus and NZ policies are not helping with travel insurance claims as insurers still saying flights are valid! The government policy from these countries is more about propping up the economy and airlines so they keep our money.

It's not a holiday if you travel and self isolate.

Westin

Singapore have now added the U.K. to the list of arrivals who need to self-isolate for 14 days.  FCO have updated their website with -
“Health – As of 16 March 23:59 local time, all travellers entering Singapore with a recent travel history to ASEAN countries, Japan, Switzerland and the UK will be issued with a 14-day stay at home order. They will also be required to provide proof of where they will serve the order, for example a hotel or private residence. They might also be swabbed on arrival to test for the virus.”

It stop short of advising not to travel.

Not great for a two night (was three nights but SQ schedule changes already cut the visit short) stop over on route to Australia on a 16 day holiday.   Smile & wave...