Should I book Croatian villa despite FCO advice?

chrisdem

We are a group of 4 adults with 4 toddlers and we would like to go isolate somewhere nice in Europe for 2 weeks.
We found a Croatian villa we would really really like.
Our travel insurance won't cover us if anything goes wrong, if we book now whilst the FCO advises against all but essential travel.

Couple of questions, please:
1. Would we be covered if we pay the deposit with Amex? (they don't do free cancellations)
If the travel advice re Croatia stays the same, will Amex refund us?

2. None of us are Brits but we live in London and have done so for the past 15 years. We would obviously drive there with English number plates, and we all have UK driving licences. Are we going to be treated like Brits since we live here, or like whatever we are on the passports?

Cheers.

spiro

I think you'll find the answer to question to 1 is NO, you booked knowing the FCO advice and that CV19 is still around.

sharpe106

1. Unlikely as you knew in advance.

2. I would doubt very much they care where you were born, but where you came from. Unless I missed the announcement that people from certain countries are immune.

Mrsn

It’s highly doubtful that Amex would entertain your claim due to the advice in place when booking the villa.
 
I’m curious by your wording of isolation? Do you believe that some of you have symptoms of the virus?! 

Most people at this point and including those with children would love to go on holiday in the not so distant future but doing so when FCO advice is in place is a little silly in my opinion. 

[Deleted User]

sharpe106 said:

2. I would doubt very much they care where you were born, but where you came from. Unless I missed the announcement that people from certain countries are immune.

I think the original poster might mean if he is a native of Croatia or surrounding countries which they are permitting travel between? But I think if Croatia is not allowing Brits to travel there at the moment (and am not certain if they are or aren't) then you would be questioned at the border (or you should be).  Turned back and then have to self isolate back here for 14 days?

However, You don't say when exactly you are planning this holiday for?    Are you actually asking about booking now for some future date when certain restrictions are lifted?    That should be o.k. but just check the refund terms in case it is a no go again.  This might be in the form of a rebooking?.     I don't think you would be successful claiming it back on your credit card as you are booking knowing the situation.   Also insurance?  You shouldn't really travel without some sort of insurance and you should be able to purchase this for many other conditions (except Covid.) just before you travel.

    

JamoLew

so you are proposing driving from UK to Croatia ? 
Good luck with that

bagand96

Amex would not entertain any claim if you book a villa and then can't get to it due to Coronavirus travel restrictions.  Coronavirus is now a very much known event so you know the risks of booking now.

Credit card protection (Section 75) only covers you if the supplier fails to provide goods or services.

mintymoneysaver

Croatia is now open to the UK as long as you have evidence of booked accomodation. I have this situation for the end of August. However, I certainly wouldn't be booking now,as FCO advice is still in place.

JamoLew

It might be open, but the OP is proposing to drive from the UK across Europe to Croatia - that isn't happening anytime soon